The second meeting in two months between leaders of Japan and South Korea after years without a formal summit marks another win for the Biden administration, which has sought to unite the allies to cooperate against North Korea and undercut China’s growing power.

China warns Washington and Seoul against "provoking confrontation" with North Korea on Thursday, after President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart said Pyongyang would face the "end" of its leadership if it uses its nuclear arsenal. "All parties should face up to the crux of the (Korean) peninsula issue and play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement of the issue," says foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

Authorities are facing blame for poor crowd control after 100,000 people wearing Halloween costumes to celebrate the first night out without Covid restrictions poured into Itaewon's streets.