TOKYO — Authorities in Japan confirmed Wednesday they arrested a Japanese army soldier on suspicion of trespass, a day after China protested over an alleged break-in at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo.
The case, the latest point of friction in an escalating spat between Japan and China, surfaced Tuesday after Beijing protested to Tokyo.
An individual who claimed to be a Japan Self-Defense Forces officer scaled the wall and forced his way into the embassy compound on Tuesday morning, Lin Jian, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said in a news conference in Beijing.
The Tokyo police on Wednesday told The Associated Press that they arrested a 23-year-old member of the Ground Self-Defense Force, or Japan’s army, in the alleged trespassing into the Chinese embassy on Tuesday.
The GSDF confirmed the suspect is a soldier based at the Camp Ebino, in Japan’s southwestern prefecture of Miyazaki, and that officials are “fully cooperating” with police.
The suspect forced his way into the embassy to tell the Chinese ambassador to stop China’s hardline stance on Japan and threatened to kill himself with the knife he was carrying if his demand was rejected, Japanese media quoted police as saying.
Tensions between the two Asian nations have escalated in recent months after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November a Chinese military action against Taiwan could constitute “a survival-threatening situation” for Japan requiring the use of force. Beijing, which regards the self-governing island as part of its territory, has since stepped up diplomatic and trade reprisals against Japan.
Japan’s NHK public television said the suspect was detained on the spot and handed over to Tokyo police for further investigation and that nobody was injured.
The man allegedly climbed the embassy wall and a knife was left behind, NHK reported.
“China is deeply shocked by the incident and has lodged solemn representations with the Japanese side, expressing strong protest,” Lin said. “The Japanese side has failed to properly manage and discipline its Self-Defense Forces personnel and has not fulfilled its responsibility to ensure the security of Chinese embassies and consulates and their staff.”
Lin demanded Japan immediately investigate the incident thoroughly, punish the individual involved, provide an explanation to China and take preventive measures.
The ancient cities in India are not just places with a history, but also a history associated with power, spirituality, knowledge, and richness. Giving your home a name related to these ancient cities would be a reflection of the history associated with these places. Not only are these city names historically significant, but they are also associated with profound meanings that reflect peace, prosperity, knowledge, and devotion. These city names are the best choice for your home if you are looking for something traditional and at the same time associated with profound meanings and a cultural touch. Not only do these city names give your home character, but they also reflect your home’s history associated with India’s glorious past.
Based in London, Emily Keogh is ESPN’s women’s soccer correspondent, specializing in the WSL and UWCL
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LONDON — On Tuesday, Arsenal showed why they have won the UEFA Women’s Champions League and Chelsea have not. It was such a dominant display from the title holders that even two disallowed goals for the visitors could not overshadow the Gunners’ ease at finding the back of the net.
Chelsea needed no reminder of what Arsenal were able to do last summer, beating Barcelona to earn a second Champions League trophy. Yet the Blues were given front-row seats to witness what a clinical European performance looks like in a 3-1 loss that was, at times, a turgid performance from Sonia Bompastor’s charges.
Arsenal scored early, cruising to a 2-0 lead after Stina Blackstenius — who scored the winner in the final in Lisbon last season — headed home Katie McCabe‘s free kick, followed by Chloe Kelly‘s strike from distance that barrelled into the back of the net.
The Gunners knew they would have only a few key chances — 11 in total with six on target — and ensured they buried the ones that mattered early to leave Cheslea on the back foot. That is why they are the only English side to have lifted the coveted trophy.
Though they had lost control of the game early on, Chelsea responded late into the first half and managed to get the ball into the back of the net. It was supposed to be the goal that got Chelsea back into the game.
Instead, it turned the match on its head.
Veerle Buurman had rose higher than Laia Codina to nod the ball home, but referee Alina Pesu deemed the Netherlands international had fouled the Arsenal defender in the process. It was a soft decision, but VAR was never going to overturn the referee’s on-field decision.
“I don’t think any single player on the pitch thought that was a foul to be honest, apart from the ref,” Lucy Bronze told Disney+. “But I think as soon as the ref gave it, VAR are not going to overturn it.
“It was disappointing because I feel like we could have swung the momentum back a little bit and then it just took a little bit longer. It would have been an important goal to score at half-time. And I think we probably could have got even more back into the game in the second half.”
Had that first goal not been ruled out, the complexion of the game would have looked completely different and may have been the key to galvanizing Chelsea into a comeback.
Indeed, Chelsea looked depleted and though Lauren James had a moment of magic to dispatch a cool-as-you-like strike curling into the top corner, it did not inject enough fight into the side. Some sloppy defending from the visitors allowed Alessia Russo to clinch a third goal.
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Lucy Bronze: Ref the only one on the pitch who would disallow Chelsea’s goal
Lucy Bronze shares her frustrations after Chelsea were beaten 3-1 by Arsenal in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League quarterfinal.
The referee then disallowed yet another Chelsea goal for a foul on goalkeeper Anneke Borbe in the closing stages of the game. The decision was far more clear-cut given Kadeisha Buchanan‘s collision with Borbe, and Arsenal stood firm to keep the upper hand heading into the second leg.
Renée Slegers’ side seem to have peaked at the right time. After a slow start to the season, and a poor start to this competition in losing 2-1 to OL Lyonnes, the Gunners are hitting their stride when it matters most.
This time last season, they were heading into the second leg of the quarterfinal with a 2-0 deficit to Real Madrid. To overturn that result, it took a mental resilience that plenty have admired. But now to hold on to their lead will require a different type of mentality. It is now their tie to lose and having defeated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, they will feel confident about their chances.
It would be wrong to blame the entirety of Chelsea’s problems on the referee. They had two key chances early into the evening, one via Alyssa Thompson and one from James that both hit the woodwork, something they both will be regretting with hindsight.
Despite once boasting squad depth to be admired, The Blues have been hit hard by injuries. They had no No. 9 to call on with Sam Kerr absent, and Mayra Ramírez and Aggie Beever-Jones injured. Catarina Macario — though yet to be announced — is no longer a Chelsea player, sources have said, and Guro Reiten departed the club for Gotham FC ahead of the NWSL window closing.
This is still effectively half-time on the tie. With a second leg at home, Chelsea will be hoping to overturn their two-goal deficit to reach the semifinals. They did this against Manchester City last season, so hope is not lost. Really, if Chelsea want to succeed and reach the semifinals of the competition, they need to keep James fit and get her the ball in key areas.
Ironically, James’s goal was the best of the evening. She was the glimmer of hope in Chelsea’s games and can pull something out of nothing, even having the courage to chip an audacious ball over the backline to set up her teammates.
She has been in fine form since returning from an extended period of absence through injury and Chelsea scarified earlier results to have her in form for when it matters most. And nothing really matters more now for Chelsea. There is nowhere to hide, and a devastating loss would not be repaired by their League Cup victory and possible victory in the FA Cup, given they are likely going to have to return their league trophy after holding it for six years. Man City are nine points ahead of them, eight points ahead of Manchester United in second.
The pressure could not be higher when they host Arsenal, and the second leg next week will define their season.
Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua has reportedly been accused of biting a woman and making anti-Semitic comments, according to TMZ.
The woman made the allegations in a rejected application for a temporary restraining order after an alleged incident on Dec. 31 in Los Angeles.
Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, said, according to TMZ, that “the whole claim is nothing more than a shakedown attempt” and that the bite “left nothing more than a temporary mark.”
NFL Network reporter Jamie Erdahl interviews Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) after the game against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 28, 2024 in Inglewood, California.(Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams reacts during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 28, 2025 in Inglewood, California.(Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Nacua discussed touchdown celebrations on YouTuber Adin Ross’ stream, as Nacua’s Rams are set for a Thursday night affair in Seattle against the Seahawks.
Many, however, believed the celebration perpetuated a harmful anti-Jewish stereotype.
In the video, Ross instructed Nacua to spike the ball, flex and then rub his hands together. Ross, who is Jewish, has referred to the movement as his own “dance” or “emote.”
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua reacts following an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. The Rams won 44-42. (Eric Thayer/AP Photo)
Nacua received overwhelming pushback and issued an apology Thursday, hours before his Rams took on the Seattle Seahawks.
“When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration. At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people,” Nacua said in a “Stand Up to Jewish Hate” graphic. “I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.”
Jackson Thompson is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital covering critical political and cultural issues in sports, with an investigative lens. Jackson’s reporting has been cited in federal government actions related to the enforcement of Title IX, and in legacy media outlets including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Associated Press and ESPN.com.
Last month’s NBA trade deadline came and went with no deal reached for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks entered Tuesday in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, outside the NBA playoff picture. The past few seasons in Milwaukee have been marked by disappointing results, leading to coach Mike Budenholzer’s exit and speculation that Antetokounmpo could seek a change of scenery.
Antetokounmpo has seen limited action in the 2025-26 season, appearing in 36 games — putting him on track for a career-low total. He hasn’t taken the court since Milwaukee’s 134-123 win over the Indiana Pacers on March 15.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on Jan. 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Despite a knee hyperextension and bone bruise, the Bucks’ slim odds of qualifying for the NBA play-in and just 12 games left in Milwaukee’s regular-season schedule, Antetokounmpo appears willing to play down the stretch. The Athletic first reported the Bucks approached him about sitting out, an idea he was not interested in.
However, his stance conflicts with the Bucks’ reported push to keep the two-time NBA MVP sidelined for the rest of the season.
The reported dispute prompted a response from the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), the union representing NBA players.
“The Player Participation Policy was designed by the league to hold teams accountable and ensure that when an All-Star like Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy and ready to play, he is on the court,” the statement from the NBPA read.
A basketball is placed on the court next to an NBA logo during a break in the first half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“Unfortunately, anti-tanking policies are only as effective as their enforcement; fans, broadcast partners, and the integrity of the game itself will continue to suffer as long as ownership goes unchecked. We look forward to collaborating with the NBA on meaningful new proposals that will directly address and discourage tanking.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum on Jan. 21, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Shared ownership schemes can be complex and not always fully understood by people who enter into them, a report from a spending watchdog has found.
The schemes offer a government-backed way to support affordable home ownership for those who would struggle to buy a home outright on the open market.
Schemes enable eligible buyers to purchase a property in portions over time, but barriers to doing this can include cost and complexity, the National Audit Office (NAO) said.
Complexities with shared ownership also mean customers can get caught out by issues such as increasing service charges, the report added.
It said that limited government data means it is difficult to assess schemes’ overall performance.
The report set out how shared ownership works in England, with schemes being particularly popular in London and the South East of England. In London, shared ownership homes are often flats, it said.
Different shared ownership schemes are available for different groups of consumers, with eligibility rules and conditions varying.
People purchase an initial share of the property and pay rent on the remaining share to a shared ownership provider, which could be a housing association, a local authority or a private provider.
Over time, shared owners can buy more of a share of the property through a process known as “staircasing”.
Get a free fractional share worth up to £100. Capital at risk.
But complexities around service charges and staircasing mean many who take up the scheme do not fully understand the longer-term financial risks, the NAO said.
Customers have reported concerns such as transaction costs that apply each time shared owners want to buy a bigger portion of their property. Costs may include legal fees, valuations and admin fees.
The report said: “As such, shared owners may opt to staircase less frequently and with larger equity portions in each transaction.”
It added: “Shared owners’ abilities to staircase are also linked to house price changes and therefore to what is happening in the wider housing market.”
Shared owners have a long lease, with “all associated obligations including paying service charges”, the report said.
Service charges are payable by tenants and leaseholders to cover the costs of maintenance, management and services in communal areas in buildings and estates.
The implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, the Social and Affordable Homes Programme and changes to leasehold are designed to improve the experience of shared owners, but also add to the complex picture, the report said.
The report added: “Shared ownership is a complex financial and legal product for consumers.
“There have been criticisms from stakeholder groups about the information given to prospective and current shared owners in the past. These criticisms included a lack of information and concerns about increasing costs relating to service charges, complex lease arrangements and routes of redress.”
The report added: “There is currently no standardised format or terminology for service charges.
“When charges are unclear, it can be difficult for shared owners to contest them.”
More and better data would enable the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to determine whether the model is affordable over time and to assess risks across the shared ownership lifecycle, the NAO added.
It also said: “MHCLG told us that staircasing to 100% is not the only positive outcome of the shared ownership model, and that a shared owner who buys a share and stays at a certain level of ownership still gains stability, builds equity, and is typically financially better off than remaining in the private rented sector.”
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: “Shared ownership remains an important route into home ownership, but it is complex, and weaknesses in information, affordability, data quality and redress mean that government does not yet have a full understanding of how the model works for consumers.”
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chairman of the Public Accounts Committee said: “Shared ownership offers a pathway into home ownership for those who cannot afford to purchase a home on the open market.
“As a chartered surveyor with a vested interest in this topic, it is wholly unsatisfactory that people who have relied on shared ownership to get a foot on the property ladder have been faced with costs pressures and complexities.
“Rental increases, service charge rises and, in some cases, building safety concerns have led to unsustainable costs over time, with some owners experiencing difficulties in selling their properties.
“If we really want to help people own their own home, it is incumbent on the Government to see how they can make this scheme work better.”
In January, the Government announced that millions of leaseholders across England and Wales stand to benefit from an overhaul of the leasehold system, with ground rents set to be capped at £250 a year.
The move marks the end of residential leaseholders paying over-the-top bills for no clear service in return and it will also make house sales easier for people whose lives have been put on hold because of ground rent terms that make their homes hard to sell, it added.
But the announcement also sparked concerns over the impacts for investor confidence in the housing market.
An MHCLG spokesperson said: “As the report rightly acknowledges, shared ownership has an important role to play in supporting households into home ownership, who would otherwise struggle to afford to buy.
“We are aware of challenges faced by some who have entered the scheme, but we have already strengthened shared owners’ rights, made sure there is greater transparency and fairness of costs, and enhanced data collection.
“We continue to explore what more can be done to improve the experience of shared owners.”
