at 18:30 (JST), October 25

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/20231025183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : defense minister public view
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231024_35/

China's state-run media has reported that the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress decided to dismiss Defense Minister Li Shangfu, whose whereabouts have been unknown for nearly two months.

China Central Television said the committee decided on the dismissal on Tuesday. Li also served as vice premier-level state councilor. His successor has not been disclosed.

Li has been out of public view since late August. No reason for his dismissal has been offered.

Some media in the West and in Hong Kong are reporting the possibility that Li and several senior military officials are being investigated for corruption.

Speculation is spreading that a large-scale investigation is being conducted within the military.

Li took office in March. His removal comes following that of Qin Gang, who was ousted from the post of foreign minister in July. Both were dismissed in less than a year.

Official talks between the Chinese and US defense ministers have been on hold due to China's opposition to US sanctions against Li.

The question now is whether Li's departure will lead to a resumption of dialogue between defense officials of Beijing and Washington.

The committee also made other personnel decisions. Qin was also dismissed from the position of state councilor. Finance Minister Liu Kun was replaced by Lan Foan and Science and Technology Minister Wang Zhigang was replaced by Yin Hejun.

Key words : more than 16,000
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231025_05/

Malaysians have shown solidarity with Palestinian people in a large rally held in Kuala Lumpur.

More than 16,000 people filled an arena in the capital for the event hosted by a Malaysian Islamic organization on Tuesday night.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took the podium. He demanded an immediate termination of Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip, questioning where democracy and human rights have gone.

Heavy airstrikes have caused severe damage to the Palestinians in Gaza.

Anwar said on social media on October 17 that he had a phone conversation with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh the previous day "to express Malaysia's unwavering support for the Palestinian people."

Muslims account for more than 60 percent of Malaysia's population. People have been rallying across the nation to protest against Israel and show solidarity with Palestinians.

A 23-year-old participant said terrible things are going on in Gaza. She said Malaysian people should take action for the Palestinians. A 20-year-old woman said she took part in the rally to support Palestinian people.

Key words : south reportedly four people
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231024_20/

The South Korean military has reportedly taken four people from North Korea into custody after they were found on a boat in the Sea of Japan. It suspects they want to defect to the South.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff says the wooden vessel was spotted in the sea east of the Korean Peninsula on Tuesday, and that four people on it were picked up in waters off the country's northeastern city of Sokcho.

Multiple South Korean media outlets report that the four have indicated they intend to seek asylum.

The military is trying to find out more details on their voyage in cooperation with intelligence officials.

In May, another group of people on board a North Korean fishing boat defected to the South by way of the Yellow Sea off the western coast of the peninsula.

The apparent attempt to defect to South Korea via the Sea of Japan is the first such case since 2019.

South Korea's Unification Ministry says a total of 139 North Koreans have defected to the country this year as of the end of September. That is more than three times the number for the same period last year, when the North had closed its borders as an anti-coronavirus measure.

Other than maritime routes heading directly to the South by boat, some North Korean defectors leave the country via China.

Seoul's Unification Ministry says easing of anti-infection measures in China and North Korea is a factor behind the increased number of defectors.

Key words : halloween hot spot
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20231005203751787/

Shibuya scares off Halloween crowds

The mayor of Shibuya Ward, Tokyo's most popular Halloween hotspot, is telling partiers from Japan and overseas to stay away.