A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan late Monday night local time, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue a tsunami warning for parts of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures and order approximately 90,000 residents to evacuate. The quake occurred at 11:15 p.m., with its epicenter about 80 kilometers offshore of Aomori Prefecture at a depth of 54 kilometers.

The JMA initially predicted a tsunami height of up to three meters, while multiple ports recorded waves between 20 and 70 centimeters. By early Tuesday morning, the warning was downgraded to an advisory, indicating reduced wave heights and lower flooding risk. In Hachinohe City, Aomori, the quake registered a “strong 6” on Japan’s seismic intensity scale—strong enough to make standing or walking impossible, requiring residents to crawl to move.

As of 2 a.m., Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported no major structural damage, with only several people in Hachinohe hospitalized for injuries. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed at least seven people had been injured. Multiple nuclear power plants, including Tomari (Hokkaido), Higashidori (Aomori), Onagawa (Miyagi), and Fukushima Daiichi, reported no abnormalities.

Japan, located along the “Ring of Fire,” is among the world’s most seismically active countries, with roughly 20% of magnitude-6 or higher quakes occurring there. The Tohoku region previously experienced one of modern history’s deadliest disasters in March 2011, when a 9.0-magnitude quake and resulting tsunami killed nearly 20,000 people.

Commentary:

Japan’s frequent exposure to earthquakes has led to a highly developed disaster-prevention system, considered a global model. In this latest quake, the rapid tsunami warnings, immediate evacuations, and quick nuclear safety inspections reflect Japan’s preparedness in systems, infrastructure, and public awareness.

Other countries can learn from Japan’s three key disaster-prevention practices: first, a rapid and precise alert system that uses TV, mobile phones, and radio to issue warnings before shaking reaches the area; second, institutionalized evacuation procedures, with schools, businesses, and communities conducting regular drills to ensure residents know escape routes and evacuate promptly; third, reinforced buildings and infrastructure, including earthquake-resistant structures and automatic shutdown systems at nuclear plants. While disasters cannot be prevented, thorough preparation can significantly reduce harm.

Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated as the Thai military launched airstrikes late on December 8 local time, in response to the death of one Thai soldier and injuries to four others. The strikes targeted multiple military positions, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of deploying heavy weaponry and repositioning combat units along the border. Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense, however, blamed Thailand for initiating the attacks, stating that Cambodian forces had not retaliated despite days of provocations. The clashes have so far resulted in at least one Thai soldier and four Cambodian civilians killed, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.

The Thai military said the strikes aimed to weaken Cambodia’s military capabilities and neutralize potential long-term threats. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that Thailand does not seek violence and denied a preemptive attack, asserting the country would defend its sovereignty while adhering to principles of peace, security, and humanitarian concern. Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen called on Cambodian forces to exercise restraint to avoid a cycle of retaliation, claiming Thailand was attempting to “draw Cambodia into retaliatory action.”

The incident continues a long-standing border dispute dating back to the French colonial period, with the border stretching 817 kilometers and repeatedly sparking conflicts influenced by nationalist sentiments. In July this year, a five-day clash killed at least 48 people and displaced 300,000. A ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump temporarily halted hostilities, but tensions have remained high. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged both sides to exercise restraint, maintain open communication, and avoid further escalation.

Commentary:

The renewed border clashes highlight the fragility of international mediation and ceasefire agreements. Despite Trump’s intervention, differing interpretations and enforcement of the agreement have provided fertile ground for renewed conflict. Ceasefires may temporarily suppress hostilities, but without ongoing monitoring and enforceable mechanisms, any unilateral action can quickly escalate militarily.

Moreover, both sides appear to rely on military action to assert national positions, risking a cycle of retaliation. Regional diplomacy should focus on building trust, establishing transparent border monitoring systems, and crafting clear international protocols to regulate military conduct, reducing the risk of miscalculations and humanitarian crises.