at 18:30 (JST), August 11

Asian View

"Asian View" is a five-minute news segment broadcast by NHK WORLD-JAPAN. It features the latest news and deep analysis from Japan and the rest of Asia. Listen to "Asian View" and get the latest information from a region that's playing an increasingly important role in the world.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20210811183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : suga approval
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210810_18/

An NHK poll shows the approval rate for Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide's Cabinet has dropped to the lowest level since he assumed office last September.

The telephone survey was conducted over the weekend. More than 1,200 people responded.

The approval rate stands at 29 percent, down 4 points from last month. The disapproval rate rose 6 points to 52 percent, the highest ever for the Cabinet.

Of those who support the Cabinet, 44 percent said it seems better than other lineups, 23 percent said it is the Cabinet of the parties they support, and 17 percent said they trust Suga.

Among those who disapprove, 37 percent said they do not expect much from the Cabinet's policies, another 37 percent said it cannot get things done, and 13 percent said they don't trust Suga.

As for the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic, 35 percent gave a positive assessment, while 61 percent had a negative view.

The government last week decided that all COVID-19 patients except those with severe symptoms would be expected to recuperate at home. It later said patients with medium-level symptoms would also be hospitalized.

Asked about the decision, 6 percent said they are fully convinced, 37 percent said they understand it to some extent, while 35 percent said they are not really convinced, and 17 percent said they cannot understand it at all.

About the Tokyo Olympics that ended on Sunday, a total of 62 percent expressed a positive view on holding the Games, while 34 percent expressed a negative view.

Asked if they think the Tokyo Olympics were safe and secure, 31 percent said they were, while 57 percent said they were not.

Key words : thailand 20,000 infections
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210811_07/

Protests have been escalating in coronavirus-hit Thailand, amid growing public discontent with the government's handling of the pandemic.

Large-scale demonstrations took place in Bangkok and other areas on Tuesday. They came after an anti-government protest on Saturday that was attended by about 1,000 demonstrators in the capital city.

The crowds demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Some rode in a convoy of cars and motorbikes to avoid spreading the coronavirus.

Thailand is seeing a surge in coronavirus infections involving the highly contagious Delta variant. The country has been reporting around 20,000 infections per day this month, up from fewer than 100 cases per day in April.

Demonstrators are blaming the government for the increase and for the delay in the country's receipt of COVID-19 vaccines.

One man said the government is incapable of managing the country's medical system. He said coronavirus patients are dying because they are unable to secure hospital beds and receive treatment.

Some protesters hurled rocks and fire bombs at police officers who were blocking their way. Others set fire to police facilities. Police officers responded by firing rubber bullets and tear gas. The clashes reportedly left many people injured, including some police officers.

Protest actions are becoming increasingly radical, as the public grapples with the increase in the number of infections and deaths, as well as with the prolonged restrictions on travel and economic activities.

Key words : taiwan president
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210811_05/

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has called on Japan and other developed countries to step up cooperation to help ensure peace and stability on the Taiwan Strait.

Tsai made the appeal in an online interview with Japanese monthly magazine Bungei Shunju published on Tuesday.

She mentioned the joint statement issued after a Japan-US summit in April and the communique of the Group of Seven summit in June, both of which referred to the importance of peace and stability on the strait.

She said that by discussing the Taiwan Strait and expressing concern by Japan, the United States and other nations will send a signal to China, which has been continuing its military buildup.

Tsai also said that increasing collaboration among Taiwan and its partners will make Beijing exercise restraint in its policy-making, including military activities.

The president said Japan's donation of coronavirus vaccines to Taiwan is proof of their long-standing friendship, and she is grateful that the country offered a helping hand at a most challenging time for Taiwan.

As a message to the Japanese people, Tsai said mutual consideration and support, which she calls a cycle of goodness, is very important.

She added that she wants to pass on the bilateral relations to the next generation.

Key words : tokyo olympic review sakai masahiko
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