at 20:00 (JST), July 01 AS

Ministers from 16 Asia-Pacific nations wrapped up a meeting in Tokyo on Sunday with a goal of reaching a regional free-trade pack this year.

Japan has lifted its standby order for Aegis-equipped destroyers as security tensions have eased following the US-North Korea summit last month.

Sunday marks 21 years since Hong Kong was returned to China from British rule.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180701200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : ministers from in Tokyo agreement
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180701_09/

Ministers from 16 Asia-Pacific nations have begun talks in Tokyo aimed at forging a new free-trade agreement.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, includes Japan, China, India and the members of ASEAN.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in an opening speech that the world is watching RCEP talks closely, as protectionist sentiment rises around the world. He urged participants to work together to make a free and fair market in the region based on rules.

Japan's trade minister Hiroshige Seko, who is co-chairing the conference, said that it may not be easy, but he wants to see a candid exchange of opinions among ministers, paving the way to an agreement by the end of the year.

Over the past 5 years, discussions have been held on 18 topics, including tariffs cuts and rules to protect intellectual property.

The countries remain divided on the issues. One camp, which includes Japan, wants to aggressively promote free trade, while the other camp, which includes China and India, want to rein in such moves to some extent.

The ministers are scheduled to release a joint statement after the discussions.

Key words : Japan lifted
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180701_13/

Japan has lifted its standby order for Aegis-equipped destroyers as security tensions have eased following the US-North Korea summit last month.

Japan's Defense Ministry had deployed the Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyers equipped with the advanced Aegis radar system in the Sea of Japan.

The deployment was in response to ballistic missile launches by the North last year and stood guard around the clock.

The ministry said it rescinded the standby order for the destroyers at the end of June.

But it says it will keep in place the order by the Defense Minister for the Self-Defense Forces to shoot down any incoming missile.

The ministry said that it will dispatch Aegis-equipped destroyers immediately if the situation changes.

The ministry said Air Self-Defense Force units in charge of the PAC3 interceptor system will remain stationed in the western and northern parts of the country.

Key words : US diplomat
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180701_12/

The senior US diplomat for Asia is planning to retire, as the US prepares for negotiations on North Korea's complete denuclearization.

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said that Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Susan Thornton had expressed her intention to step down at the end of July.

Reasons for her departure were not given.

Thornton was picked for the post of assistant secretary last year. But her confirmation at the Senate has been blocked, leading to speculation that her nomination might be withdrawn.

The State Department says it is working to pick her replacement.
Thornton's departure comes as the US government prepares for the denuclearization talks, following the US-North Korea summit in June.

The US is also at odds with China over trade, as well as the issue of the South China Sea.

A spate of departing State Department officials, including the special representative for North Korea policy, has raised concerns about the impact on the US government's handlings of East Asian affairs.

Key words : Hong Kong
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180701_11/

Sunday marks 21 years since Hong Kong was returned to China from British rule. The leader of the territory's government has vowed to uphold the principle of "one country, two systems" that was adopted at the time of the reversion.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said at a ceremony for the 21st anniversary that moves threatening the foundation of the state will never be tolerated.

She also said Hong Kong will take advantage of the merits of "two systems." She indicated that the territory aims to achieve economic expansion, along with Macau and the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, by forming an economic zone with the regions.

There are mounting concerns that Hong Kong's autonomy under the principle of "one country, two systems" may be damaged as economic ties with mainland China grow stronger.

Polls conducted by a local university in May found 54 percent of respondents have no confidence in the principle of "one country, two systems." That was a 3-fold increase from the level immediately after the reversion.

In June, Hong Kong's Legislative Council passed a law that allows China to conduct immigration checks at the Hong Kong station of a high-speed railway, which is expected to open as early as September.

Key words : climbing season
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180701_08/

Climbing season at Mount Fuji started on Sunday for trails in Yamanashi Prefecture.

The highest mountain in Japan straddles the prefectures of Shizuoka and Yamanashi. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013.

On the first day of climbing season, many people gathered at the summit before dawn to view the sunrise.

They erupted in cheers when the sun appeared in the east around 4:20 AM.

The skies near the summit were clear, and visitors were able to enjoy the view of Lake Yamanaka at the foot of the mountain.

A man from Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, said he couldn't imagine what a sunrise from the top of the mountain would be like, but it was very beautiful and he was glad he came.

A man from Tokyo said it was the first time to see the sun come up from the peak and he felt very lucky, as he heard not many people are blessed with the opportunity.

Officials of the city of Fujiyoshida at the foot of the mountain say last summer about 224,000 people climbed Mount Fuji on the Yamanashi Prefecture side.

The summer climbing season will end September 10th, when a closing ceremony will be held at the foot of the mountain.

Key words : major bread maker
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Key words : soccer fans visiting
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180701_07/

Soccer fans visiting Moscow for the World Cup are enjoying specially decorated subway cars and ornate stations.

During the tournament, subway cars have been fitted with soccer-themed decorations, from penalty areas on the floors to national flags on the walls. TV screens have been installed so fans can watch the games.

Moscow's subway stations are known for ornate artwork, including frescos, mosaics and chandeliers. Each station has its own unique decorations.

Soccer fans from around the world have been taking photos of the stations and special carriages while dressed in the gear of their favorite teams.
A man from Brazil said he wants to visit all the stations in Moscow, because there is nothing like them in his country.

A Japanese woman in her 40s, who had watched the match between Japan and Poland, said that she was impressed with the beautiful ceilings and columns at the stations.

She said a friend who saw her photos said the subway system looks like a theme park.