at 18:30 (JST), November 10

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/20231110183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : china hospital human trafficking
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231109_23/

China's state media says the head of a hospital in the inland province of Hubei is under investigation over alleged sales of fake birth certificates used for human trafficking -- a serious social problem in China.

The media reported on Tuesday the detention of the hospital director by the authorities in Xiangyang City.

The Hubei authorities launched an investigation following a claim by a whistleblower that the director had sold fake birth certificates in collaboration with dealers to register kidnapped children.

In a social media post, the whistleblower quoted dealers as saying they could obtain fake birth certificates by paying 96,000 yuan, or about 13,000 dollars.

Human trafficking is a serious social problem in China, with women and children being the main targets. In rural areas, there is a preference for boys who can work on farms or become family successors.

The Supreme People's Procuratorate says 3,152 people have been indicted over the last two years on charges of kidnapping and trafficking women and children.

Key words : five countries defense drill
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231109_33/

A joint coastal defense drill has begun in the Philippines with five countries participating, including the US and Japan.

The drill is part of efforts by Manila to strengthen multilateral security cooperation at a time when China is growing aggressive in the disputed South China Sea.

Marine forces of the Philippines and the US kicked off the joint exercise with a ceremony in Manila on Thursday. Combined with delegates from Japan, South Korea and Britain, over 2,700 personnel are taking part.

Major General Arturo Rojas, Philippine Marine Corps Commandant, said, "Together, we send a powerful message to the world, especially to those who may seek to disrupt the peace, that our partnership is unbreakable."

Major General Nashinoki Shingo, Commanding General of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade said, "We'll deepen our cooperation and contribute actively to realize a peaceful, free and open Indo-Pacific region."

The 12-day-long joint exercise aims to confirm methods of guarding coastal areas facing the South China Sea.
The participants also plan to simulate an operation to provide humanitarian aid to a remote island near Taiwan.

The drill comes as tensions between the Philippines and China are increasing. Manila and Beijing traded barbs last month over collisions involving their ships in the contested waters.

Key words : shohei donating gloves
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231109_25/

Japanese Major League baseball star Ohtani Shohei says he plans to donate 60,000 gloves to elementary schools across Japan.

The two-way player announced his plan on Instagram in Japanese and English, with an image of a glove and himself playing catch. An accompanying message in Japanese says, "Let's play baseball!"

Ohtani says he will be donating approximately 60,000 gloves to all the 20,000 or so elementary schools in Japan.

Ohtani writes, "I'm hoping the kids can spend their days happily with a lot of energy through baseball."

He goes on, "I'll be looking forward to sharing the field one day with someone that grew up using this glove!"

A sporting goods maker with which Ohtani has a contract says two gloves for right-handers and one for left-handers will be sent to each school from December through March.

Ohtani, one of the three finalists for the American League Most Valuable Player Award, is now a free agent after finishing his contract with the Los Angeles Angels. He is able to negotiate and sign on with any Major League team this winter.

The team he will join is the center of attention at this year's meeting of MLB clubs' general managers, now under way in Arizona. It has attracted a larger number of media representatives than usual.

Many teams have shown interest in contracting the All-Star pitcher and batter.
US media name the Los Angeles Dodgers as one of the favorites to engage him. The New York Mets and the San Diego Padres may be on the list of contenders.

Key words : belt and road forum https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/radio/asianview/interviews/202311091825/

CHINA’S BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE FACES CHALLENGES

Officials and leaders from all over the world met in Beijing last month at the third Belt and Road Forum. The event marked the 10th anniversary of China’s effort to create a massive economic bloc linking Asia and Europe. While President Xi Jinping pointed to what he said were the successes of the Belt and Road Initiative, the BRI has run into some problems. We spoke about this with Aoyama Rumi, a professor at Japan’s Waseda University. She specializes in contemporary Chinese diplomacy.