NATO demands Russia cancel new missile; Many Americans do not support attacking Iran.

The US and North Korea are secretly negotiating, aiming for a third summit.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on June 26 that the US is holding "behind-the-scenes" negotiations with North Korea regarding the possibility of a third US-North Korea summit, and proposed resuming working-level talks that have been stalled since the second meeting between President Donald Trump and Chairman Kim Jong-un in Hanoi in February 2019.

In a written response to press inquiries, President Moon Jae-in stated that there was no reason to speak of a “stalemate” simply because the parties had not held formal talks aimed at denuclearizing North Korea. “The parties have engaged in dialogue regarding the organization of the 3rd summit. Notably, ‘behind-the-scenes’ negotiations have been facilitated through mutual understanding of each other’s positions at the 2nd summit.”

NATO demands Russia cancel new missile launch.

NATO has warned it will respond strongly if Russia continues to develop the 9M729 cruise missile. Photo: TASS

At a meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on June 26, defense ministers from member states will discuss countermeasures if Russia retains its new missile system. Ahead of the meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: "Russia has shown no indication that it will abandon the new missile system. We will have to respond strongly." Stoltenberg declined to specify the measures. However, diplomats revealed that defense ministers will consider increasing the deployment of US bombers carrying nuclear warheads, missile defense systems, and military exercises.

In response, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister warned that the US deployment of missile systems to Eastern Europe, close to Russia's border, could lead to a confrontation similar to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, according to TASS. To date, Moscow maintains that it has not violated the INF Treaty and has not abandoned its 9M729 cruise missile development program.

Many Americans do not support the policy of attacking Iran.

RT reported on June 26th, citing a survey by the US market research firm HarrisX, that only 19% of respondents wanted the US to conduct “limited military airstrikes” against Iran, after Washington planned an attack but stopped at the last minute. About 5% wanted the US to outright declare war on Iran, while 19% had no idea what the US should do next. Approximately 58% believed there should be non-military action in response to Iran shooting down a US drone last week, according to the survey of 1,001 US voters. Meanwhile, 49% wanted the US to seek a negotiated solution to the tensions, while 5% thought the US “should do nothing.”

By party affiliation, only 16% of Democrats want a military response, while 67% want peace negotiations. Meanwhile, 31% of Republicans want military action or war, while 50% want a peaceful solution.

70 Chinese military officials demoted for bribery.

President Xi Jinping (left) and Fang Fenghui before a meeting in Beijing in 2017. Photo: Reuters

The newspaperSouth China Morning PostOn June 26, news reports indicated that more than 70 officials, including at least one general and two lieutenant generals, were punished for their involvement with Fang Fenghui, the former Chief of the Joint Staff of the Central Military Commission of China. These disciplinary actions were based on testimony from Fang Fenghui, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in February for bribery.

"Among the officials, 44 belonged to the Beijing Military Region, where Fang served as commander from 2007 to 2012. They were convicted of bribing Fang for promotions. The rest were former subordinates who bribed Fang when he was appointed chief of the general staff of the army," a source from the Chinese military said.

President Macron held talks with Prime Minister Abe, announcing a plan for cooperation.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Photo: Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tokyo, beginning his visit to Japan and attending the G20 Summit. Upon arriving in Tokyo on June 26th, President Macron held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This marks President Macron's first visit to Japan since taking office two years ago.

The two sides are expected to announce a roadmap for bilateral cooperation on security, infrastructure development, space, cybersecurity, and other areas over the next five years. According to Japanese officials, Tokyo and Paris are seeking to enhance maritime security and support developing countries in improving their infrastructure.