at 18:30 (JST), March 15

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/20230315183000_english_2.mp3


Key words : philippines and drill
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230314_34/

The Philippines and the United States have begun a series of military exercises. The army-to-army drills are focused on enhancing the Southeast Asian country's ability to protect and defend its territory from external threats. They come amid China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Around 3,000 Filipino and US soldiers are participating in the three-week long annual exercises.

This year's drills will focus on scenarios involving air and sea defense of the Philippine archipelago from foreign aggressors.

Philippine Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner spoke at the opening ceremony, saying "Developments in the region in the recent months have given the Philippine Army cause to shift its focus from internal security to territorial defense."

Most of the activities will take place at Fort Magsaysay, about 160 kilometers north of Manila. It is the Philippines' largest military camp and one of the existing sites that Washington has access to under its Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the country.

Last month, the Philippines agreed to expand US access to a total of 9 of its military bases as part of measures to ramp up deterrence against China.

Next month, Manila and the US are set to hold their largest-ever annual war games that will involve more than 17,000 troops.

Key words : china tourist visas
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230315_04/

The Chinese government says it will resume accepting applications for tourist visas on Wednesday. The visas have been suspended for the past three years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday that China will restart the review and issuance of all types of visas, including tourist visas.

The Chinese government halted entry of foreigners, excluding diplomats, in March 2020, but later began issuing visas in stages for business, educational and other purposes.

Beijing is apparently trying to promote international travel with the aim of revitalizing its economy, which was damaged by its strict "zero-COVID" policy and other factors.

However, visa waivers for Japanese tourists and business travelers who are in China for no more than 15 days remain suspended.

China has also announced it will allow outbound group tours for Chinese citizens to 40 more countries, starting on Wednesday. That brings the total number of countries to 60, but Japan is not on the list.

Key words : cherry earliest
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230314_19/

Cherry blossoms have started blooming in Japan's capital. This is one of the earliest blooms since records began 70 years ago.

The Meteorological Agency announced that 11 buds were opening on the benchmark cherry tree of the Somei-yoshino variety at Yasukuni Shrine in central Tokyo on Tuesday.

The announcement of the start of cherry blossom season in Tokyo came 6 days earlier than last year and 10 days before the average year. That ties with 2020 and 2021 for the earliest budding since records began in 1953.

An official of the observatory in Tokyo said it was warm in March and global warming may also be a factor. He said there were only four open buds on Monday, so the flowers are blooming smoothly.

Forecasters expect the flowers to go into full bloom around March 21 to 24.

Key words : taliban
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20230228195348319/

The Taliban have imposed various restrictions in Afghanistan since they seized power in August 2021, including on the activities and education of women. The situation is having a critical impact on the livelihood and freedom of women in the country and the wider well-being of society.