at 18:30 (JST), September 20

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/20230920183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Kishida reform speech
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230920_12/

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has called for international cooperation in tackling a range of complex problems the global community is facing in his speech at the UN General Assembly. He also urged reform of the United Nations.

Kishida delivered his speech at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

He referred to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and noted that the world is now facing multiple and complicated problems such as climate change, infectious diseases and challenges to the rule of law. He expressed concern that if the international community is divided, it cannot tackle those problems properly.

He said a peaceful and stable world is needed, where human dignity is ensured. The Japanese prime minister said in order to realize such a goal, it's not desirable to have divisions and conflict within the global community. He said it is important for the international community to join efforts to tackle the problems together, by overcoming differences in state structures and senses of value.

Kishida pointed out that one area in need of global cooperation is nuclear disarmament, which is his pet project. He said Japan will promote practical efforts to maintain and strengthen the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, or NPT. He added that Japan will provide an additional 3 billion yen, or about 20 million dollars, to help install a forum for nuclear disarmament debate at research facilities abroad.

Kishida also said Japan will boost assistance to developing countries to help them tackle the food crisis and climate change, promote digitization and secure medical supplies to fight infectious diseases.

The Japanese prime minister also reiterated the importance of the rule of law. He criticized Russia, which is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, for trampling on that rule. He said Russia should correct violations of the UN Charter and human rights immediately and stop making nuclear threats.

In an apparent reference to the situation where permanent members of the council including Russia repeatedly use the veto, Kishida said its rampant use will aggravate divisions and hostilities inside the UN. He said efforts to restrain the practice could help strengthen and restore trust in the council.

He noted that the world is changing dramatically. He said the Security Council must reflect the present world, and both the council's permanent and nonpermanent memberships should be expanded. He said it is the time to act.

In the speech, Kishida also referred to the issue of North Korea's abduction of Japanese nationals. He indicated that he will continue efforts to hold a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un toward resolving the issue.

Key words : lodged protest
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230919_32/

The Japanese government says it has lodged a protest with Beijing, after finding a buoy placed by China in Japan's exclusive economic zone.

The government said the Japan Coast Guard found a Chinese buoy near the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture in July.

The government said it issued a warning about the buoy on July 15 to ensure the safety of vessels navigating in the area.

On Tuesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu told reporters that setting up structures in Japan's exclusive economic zone without its consent violates rules related to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
He said the government has lodged a protest with China through diplomatic channels, and has demanded the immediate removal of the buoy.

Matsuno said that relevant ministries will work together to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of vessels in the area, as well as to conduct surveillance activities. He said the government will respond resolutely and calmly to protect Japan's territory, territorial waters and airspace.

Japan controls the Senkaku Islands. China and Taiwan claim them. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory, in terms of history and international law. It says there is no issue of sovereignty to be resolved over them.

Key words : wall street former foreign
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230920_01/

A leading US newspaper says China's former foreign minister was ousted because of an extramarital affair he had while serving as ambassador to the United States.

The Wall Street Journal also reported on Tuesday that Qin Gang fathered a child with the woman, who has not been identified.

Beijing announced in July that Qin had been replaced as foreign minister by his predecessor, Wang Yi.

The paper quoted sources as saying that senior Chinese officials were informed in August that Qin had been replaced as the result of an internal Communist Party investigation that uncovered "lifestyle issues." The phrase is usually used by the party to refer to sexual misconduct.

The probe is reportedly now focused on whether there was an adverse impact on China's national security.

A child born in the United States is automatically a US citizen. The paper quoted sources as saying the existence of the child with the US citizenship was part of the reason for Qin's dismissal, as it could harm China's national interests.

Asked about the report in a press conference on Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing had already released information on the appointment and removal of the foreign minister, and she was not aware of any other information.

There is also growing speculation that Defense Minister Li Shangfu is under investigation over allegations of corruption. Li has not been seen in public for three weeks.

Key words : tourist spot under thread
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20230901122148892/

AI helps protect Mount Fuji's ecosystem

Mount Fuji is one of Japan's most popular tourist spots. But the ecosystem of the iconic mountain is currently under threat, from an invasion of non-native plants. This report highlights how one scientist is tackling this problem, using cutting-edge AI technology.