at 18:30 (JST), December 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/20231220183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : sapporo
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231219_28/

The city of Sapporo in Japan's northernmost prefecture Hokkaido has formally announced it is halting its bid to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

Last month, the International Olympic Committee picked the French Alps and Salt Lake City in the US as the preferred hosts of the Winter Games in 2030 and 2034, respectively.

The IOC also invited Switzerland into a "privileged dialogue" for the 2038 Winter Games.

Sapporo Mayor Akimoto Katsuhiro and Hokkaido Governor Suzuki Naomichi discussed the matter on Tuesday with representatives of local business groups, the Japan Olympic Committee and other organizations.

A JOC official proposed halting the bid. Many participants said the stoppage was inevitable, while an opinion was voiced to resume the bid when the time is right.

In the end, the Sapporo mayor decided to stop the city's bidding activity, which began in 2014, saying it could not be continued without a foreseeable timetable.

He later told reporters he decided on a "halt" because withdrawing the bid would eliminate the city's future chances to host.

Akimoto said he believes it is highly likely that Sapporo will be able to host the Winter Games, but in more than 15 years from now. He added it's difficult to foresee the city being selected under the current situation.

Key words : china called on the philippines
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231220_02/

China's foreign ministry has called on the Philippines to make efforts to improve soured relations through dialogue over conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a regular briefing on Tuesday that the responsibility for recent disputes between the two countries in the waters "lies with the Philippines."

But Wang said, "At the same time, maritime disputes do not represent the entirety of China-Philippines relations."

He said his country hopes that the Philippines will work with China to pursue the healthy and steady growth of bilateral ties and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region.

There has been increasing friction between the two countries over a series of incidents in the South China Sea since August. Their vessels clashed in the waters, and Chinese Coast Guard vessels turned water cannons on Philippine military resupply boats.

China's foreign ministry had constantly denounced the Philippines. But Beijing has recently changed its stance as Manila has increasingly become wary of China and is moving toward closer cooperation with the United States and Japan. The ministry is apparently trying to avoid a decisive confrontation with the Philippines.

Key words : one billion myanmar
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231219_30/

The United Nations says it will need nearly one billion dollars next year in humanitarian aid for Myanmar, which has been racked by turmoil since the 2021 military coup.

The UN describes the situation in the country as grim. It says one third of the population, or about 18 million people, is estimated to be in need of some form of assistance.

In a report released on Monday, the UN says amid intensified fighting with pro-democracy forces and ethnic militants, the military launched more than 900 air strikes or drone attacks this year. It says the number is almost double that from last year.

The report also says civilian landmine casualties occurred in all parts of the country, except for the capital Naypyitaw.

The UN says the almost one billion dollars it is requesting is for some 5 million people who have been prioritized for urgent assistance.

It says it has only received some 30 percent of the funds needed to provide aid this year, and is calling on the international community to do more to prevent Myanmar from becoming a forgotten emergency.

Key words : 55,000 japanese soviet
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20231108120700898/

Waiting for remains of Japanese internees at Soviet camps

After World War Two, some 55,000 Japanese died in Soviet detention camps in Siberia and elsewhere. The remains of more than half have yet to be returned to Japan. Recent efforts to retrieve remains have faltered due to the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Yet this report spotlights a man who still clings to the hope that one day, he will find the remains of his father.