NATO demands Russia cancel new missile; many Americans do not support attack on Iran

US - North Korea "secretly" negotiate, aiming for 3rd Summit

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

In a written response to press questions, President Moon Jae-in said there was no reason to talk about a “stalemate” just because the parties did not have a formal dialogue aimed at denuclearizing North Korea. “The parties have engaged in dialogue regarding the holding of the third summit. It is noteworthy that the “behind-the-scenes” negotiations were promoted through understanding each other’s positions at the second summit.”

NATO demands Russia to cancel new missile

NATO warns it will react strongly if Russia continues to develop the 9M729 cruise missile. Photo: TASS

At a meeting on June 26 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), defense ministers of member countries will discuss countermeasures if Russia keeps the new missile system. Ahead of the meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: "Russia has shown no signs of canceling the new missile system. We will have to respond strongly." Mr. Stoltenberg declined to announce specific measures. However, diplomats revealed that defense ministers will consider increasing the number 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 in Eastern Europe, close to Russia's borders, could lead to a confrontation similar to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, according to TASS. So far, Moscow has maintained that it has not violated the INF and has not abandoned its 9M729 cruise missile development program.

Many Americans do not support the policy of attacking Iran

RT on June 26 cited a survey by the market research company HarrisX (USA) showing that only 19% of respondents wanted the US to conduct a "limited military strike" 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. About 58% said there should be non-military action in response to Iran's shooting down of a US drone last week, according to a survey of 1,001 US voters. Meanwhile, 49% wanted the US to find a negotiated solution to resolve tensions, while 5% said the US "needs to do nothing".

By party, just 16% of Democrats want to respond with military action and 67% want to negotiate peace. 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 Mr. Fang Fenghui before a meeting in Beijing in 2017. Photo: Reuters

SheetSouth China Morning PostMore than 70 officials, including at least one general and two lieutenant generals, were punished for their involvement with former Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission Fang Fenghui, the official Xinhua News Agency reported on June 26. The disciplinary actions were based on testimony from Fang, who was sentenced to life in prison in February for bribery.

“Of the officials, 44 were from the Beijing Military Region, where Fang served as commander from 2007 to 2012. They were convicted of bribing Fang to get promoted. The rest were former subordinates who bribed Fang when he was appointed chief of the general staff,” a source from the Chinese military said.

President Macron holds talks with Prime Minister Abe, announces cooperation plan

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

French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Tokyo, starting his visit to Japan and attending the G20 Summit. After arriving in Tokyo on June 26, French President Macron held talks with host country Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This is President Macron's first visit to Japan since he took office two years ago.

The two sides are expected to announce a five-year roadmap for bilateral cooperation in security, infrastructure development, space, cybersecurity and other areas. According to Japanese officials, Tokyo and Paris are looking to strengthen maritime security and support developing countries in improving their infrastructure systems.