IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Japan

Heat wave kills 14 over long weekend

An intense heat wave killed at least 14 people over a three-day weekend in Japan, media reported on Tuesday, and high temperatures hampered the recovery in flood-hit areas where more than 200 people died last week. Temperatures on Monday, a national holiday, surged above 39 C in some inland areas and combined with high humidity to produce dangerous conditions, the Japanese Meteorological Agency said. Thousands more were treated in hospitals for heat-related conditions, local media said.

Turkey

US tries to tout Patriot missiles

The United States is trying to persuade NATO partner Turkey to purchase the Patriot surface-to-air missile system instead of rival Russian equipment, a US official said on Monday. The NATO alliance is worried Turkey's intention to deploy Russia's S-400 anti-aircraft missile system could provide Moscow with a trove of intelligence on Western war equipment. The planned purchase has become a major source of friction, and US lawmakers have warned Ankara could face sanctions if it goes ahead with the purchase of the S-400.

United Kingdom

Britain unveils fighter jet model

Britain unveiled a model of a sleek proposed fighter jet named Tempest on Monday, raising questions about the future of European defense cooperation, given that Germany and France launched their own fighter jet program a year ago. Defense Minister Gavin Williamson said $2.7 billion had been earmarked to finance the program to 2025 and that Britain would seek international partners to provide additional funding. The aircraft will eventually replace the Eurofighter Typhoon jet.

Reuters - Afp - Ap

(China Daily 07/18/2018 page12)