News Headlines - 13 June 2018

▽Trump-Kim Summit Creates New Anxieties for Asian Allies - The New York Times

Mr. Trump’s surprise declaration during a news conference after the meeting that he would suspend military drills between the United States and South Korea — and that he hoped eventually to pull some 28,000 American troops off the peninsula — blindsided American allies, including South Korea itself. Even the Pentagon was caught off guard.

▽Japan's defense minister says U.S.-South Korean military drills 'vital' | Reuters

Japan’s defense chief said on Wednesday the U.S. military’s presence in South Korea and joint military exercises were “vital” for East Asian security after President Donald Trump’s surprise statement that he would halt war games with the South.

▽Netizens criticise RADWIMPS’ new song “HINOMARU” for being nationalistic | SBS PopAsia

Japanese rock band RADWIMPS have been enjoying quite a bit of success over the last few years, thanks to their own albums and their work on the film Your Name. That positive image was challenged recently after the release of the group’s newest single. Specifically, the number “HINOMARU” was accused of being nationalist by some online, prompting lead singer and songwriter Yojiro Noda to tweet a clarification... “HINOMARU” refers to the national flag of Japan — you know, white background, red sun — and the lyrics centre around a narrator looking at a flag fluttering in the wind and getting nostalgic for the past. There is talk of a “kingdom,” and of “protecting” it. Noda uses a lot of old Japanese words throughout, vocabulary tied to a time now long passed.

▽U.S. ITC says probing Toyota, others in patent infringement case | Reuters

The U.S. International Trade Commission said on Thursday it would investigate Toyota Motor Corp, Panasonic Corp and other companies for alleged patent infringement in certain infotainment systems, components and automobiles containing such systems.

▽Julen Lopetegui sacked by Spain as Fernando Hierro takes over | The Guardian

The Spanish national team has been plunged into crisis after the coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked just two days before their opening World Cup game against Portugal in Sochi, with director of football Fernando Hierro named as his replacement.