at 18:30 (JST), November 13

 

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/20201113183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : fifteen submitted
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201113_06/

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has condemned China for the disqualification of four pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong from the Legislative Council and has threatened to take countermeasures.

Pompeo issued a statement on Thursday following the Hong Kong government's decision earlier this week. It was made based on new criteria for council membership set by the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress.

Fifteen pro-democracy lawmakers submitted their resignations on Thursday in protest.

Pompeo said in the statement that China's move "tramples on the rights of the people of Hong Kong to choose their elected representatives as guaranteed by the Basic Law and further exposes Beijing's blatant disregard for its international commitments."

He added that the United States will hold accountable those responsible for the actions and policies that erode Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms.

Pro-democracy activists and politicians are seeking ways to continue their protests, including through social media.

But citizens are feeling increasingly powerless as Beijing tightens its grip on Hong Kong. A new national security law for the territory was enacted in June.

District council member Fergus Leung was a candidate disqualified by election authorities from running in the Legislative Council election that was scheduled for September.

Fergus said China no longer allows the existence of opposition in Hong Kong and that he may not be able to complete his term as a district council member.

Fergus added that the fight in the Legislative Council is over.

He pointed to the difficulty of asking for international support under the new national security law and subdued street demonstrations. He said he wants to find ways to continue protesting.

Key words : infection 661
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201113_11/

Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has renewed a call for anti-coronavirus measures as the country confirmed its highest-ever daily tally of 1,661 new cases nationwide on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters on Friday morning, Suga noted that new cases are surging especially in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Osaka and Aichi.

He said he was briefed on the situation from health minister Tamura Norihisa and Economic Revitalization Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi, who is in charge of Japan's coronavirus response, on Thursday.

He added that he instructed the ministers to take concrete steps in accordance with the extent of infection in municipalities.

Suga, however, expressed caution about declaring a state of emergency and reviewing the "Go To Travel" campaign, citing the view of experts that there is no such need at the moment.

Suga said the government is helping municipalities tackling rising infections in their communities. Such help includes conducting large-scale intensive virus tests and dispatching experts on cluster infections as well as public healthcare personnel.

Suga urged people to take basic anti-infection measures, especially by avoiding high-risk situations such as gatherings with meals and conversations without wearing face masks.

Key words : new cases Tokyo domestic
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Key words : bach cancel
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201112_11/

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach will visit Tokyo starting Sunday. It will be his first trip to the Japanese capital since the Tokyo Games were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bach spoke to reporters on Wednesday after an online board meeting. Briefings were given at the meeting on progress toward the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

Bach said he'll be in Tokyo from November 15 to 18. He said the visit is "important because we are now coming to a crucial stage of putting this toolbox together with COVID-19 countermeasures and to get the feeling there what would be needed and what will be needed."

He said he hopes to inspect the National Stadium and the athletes' village.

Arrangements are also being made for talks between Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide.

Asked whether cancellation of the Games will be discussed, Bach said, "The answer is no."

Key words : researcher blood test Dr. sugiyama
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