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Japan

Powerful Earthquake Sways Tokyo Buildings

AFP, NHK (Japan)

Worldcrunch

TOKYO – A powerful earthquake shook Tokyo on Monday, with buildings swaying for 30 seconds, but few reports of injuries.

The magnitude 5.7 quake was centered in the mountain resort town of Nikko, about 140 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, reports the AFP. Earlier reports had put the quake at magnitude 6.2.

The quake struck at 4:23 p.m. local time, rocking Nikko, a popular resort known for its onsen (hot springs) as well as historical temples and shrines listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. It is not known yet whether the earthquake damaged any of the temples.

National broadcaster NHK said there had been no abnormalities detected at nuclear power plants near the epicenter.

Magnitude 6.2 Intensity 5+ earthquake Feb-25 16:23 JST at Tochigi-ken Hokubu (36.9N/139.4E) Depth 10 km j.mp/138FIb2#earthquake

— Japan Earthquake (@jEarthquake) February 25, 2013

— Hiroko Tabuchi (@HirokoTabuchi) February 25, 2013

Dishes, glasses broken at an inn in #Nikko after M6.3 quake hit Tochigi, but no guests injured. via @nhk_shutoken

— Thoton Akimoto (@thoton) February 25, 2013

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FOCUS: Russia-Ukraine War

With His Trip To Moscow, Xi Has Sent A Clear Message To The World

China has adopted a stance of pro-Putin neutrality since the start of Russia's invasion. But this is not an alliance of equals. China has the upper-hand and sees the opportunity to present itself as an alternative world leader.

Photo of ​Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

PARIS — While Russia is mired in Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin has become the target of an international arrest warrant, China appeared as a lifeline.

Stay up-to-date with the latest on the Russia-Ukraine war, with our exclusive international coverage.

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Xi Jinping’s presence in Moscow from Monday to Wednesday was a bit like the "quiet force" visiting a friend in trouble. They offer him "face," as the Chinese expression for showing respect goes, referring to him as "dear friend"...

But reality sets in very quickly: between the couple, Beijing has the upper hand — and Moscow has no choice.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, China has observed what one diplomat astutely calls a "pro-Putin neutrality", a subtle balance that suits Beijing more than Moscow. Putin could have hoped for more active support, especially in the delivery of arms, technological products, or ways to circumvent Western sanctions. But China is helping Russia sparingly, while making sure to not incur sanctions in turn.

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