at 18:30 (JST), June 09

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/20230609183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : immigration law asylum seekers three
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230609_19/

A bill to revise Japan's immigration law has been enacted after passing the Upper House of the Diet by a majority vote.

The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, as well as the Nippon Ishin Japan Innovation Party and the Democratic Party for the People voted in favor of the bill on Friday.

Under the current system, asylum seekers are shielded from deportation while their applications for refugee status are being processed. The government says some people apply repeatedly only to avoid deportation.

The revised law ends the deportation exemption for people who apply more than twice, unless adequate reasons are given.

It also allows those facing deportation to stay out of detention facilities and live with authorized supporters.

The revised law sets up a new system to review every three months whether detentions should continue. Another system will be created to protect people who have fled conflict areas but do not meet criteria for refugee status.

In Upper House deliberations, a lawmaker of the Constitutional Democratic Party, which opposed the bill, said peoples' lives and rights are at risk. He said that if the bill were passed, there would be people who fear being sent back to countries where they were oppressed.

A senior official of the Nippon Ishin Japan Innovation Party, which was in favor of the bill, said the revision is needed to protect those who should be protected, and to carry out deportations appropriately. He said the revision is necessary to realize a healthy society in which Japanese and foreigners can coexist.

Key words : japanese court
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230609_02/

A district court in Japan has said the country's lack of recognition of same-sex marriages is "in a state of unconstitutionality."

The ruling by the Fukuoka District Court on Thursday came after three same-sex couples filed a lawsuit in 2019. They say being unable to marry disregards the principles of freedom and equality guaranteed by the Constitution.

The government says the provision on marriage does not cover same-sex marriage.

But, the court's ruling says same-sex couples are not given the benefits of legal marriages, therefore the denial of same-sex marriage is "in a state of unconstitutionality." However, the decision rejected damages sought by the plaintiffs over the policy.

One plaintiff said the ruling could provide momentum for new legislation. The person said, "The judiciary urged the government that it should advance discussions. We hope the government will move forward without delay."

Japanese courts have now handed down five rulings on lawsuits filed by same-sex couples across the country.

Fukuoka is the second jurisdiction to describe Japan's lack recognition of same-sex marriage as being in "a state of unconstitutionality." It stopped short of deeming it unconstitutional, however.

Key words : china cambodia
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230608_39/

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen presided over a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday for the country's second expressway.

The 135-kilometer road will link the capital, Phnom Penh, to the southern city of Bavet. Total construction costs for the China-led project come to 1.35 billion dollars.

Hun Sen said the expressway will contribute greatly to Cambodia's social and economic development, and to the countries taking part in the construction. The Chinese ambassador also attended the ceremony.

As Cambodia's economy continues to expand, China has taken a leading role in development projects.

In November last year, the country's first expressway was completed. China was the main investor.

Key words : thailand interview nhk
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230525_03/

Thai largest party leader, Pita, says new democratic chapter beginning

The leader of Thailand's largest political party, Pita Limjaroenrat, says a new, democratic chapter is beginning in his country, nine years after the military seized power in a coup.

The head of Move Forward Party spoke in an exclusive interview with NHK on Wednesday.

The opposition party won the May 14 lower house election, but failed to achieve a majority. This week, Move Forward and seven other parties agreed to work toward forming a coalition government with Pita as prime minister.

About the victory of his party, which calls for removing the military's influence on politics, Pita said that the people had lost hope, but now they want to "go into the future, rather than going back to the past."

For Pita to become prime minister, support is needed from not only lower house members, but also senators, who were appointed under the military government.

Asked about the likelihood of his assuming the post, Pita indicated senators should look at the election results. He said what is important is not whether they like or dislike him, but rather the value of Thailand.

On forming a coalition government, Pita said Thailand is at the beginning of a "democratic new chapter." He also said politicians, the government and the parliament should restore transparency to regain trust.

He called on Japan and other members of the international community to help democracy thrive in Thailand.

As Russia continues its aggression in Ukraine and China increases its maritime activity, Pita made clear he opposes any changes to the status quo by force.

He said it is time for middle powers, including Thailand, to have a say at a time when major powers are polarized.

He expressed his intention to have Thailand actively engage in diplomacy as a country of the so-called Global South -- a grouping of developing and emerging nations.