at 18:30 (JST), September 17

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/20210917183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : race winner re-election
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210917_05/

The race to lead Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party -- and effectively the country -- is about to begin. Lawmakers need to file their candidacy papers Friday if they want to succeed Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide who is not seeking re-election.

Several have already said they intend to run. Kishida Fumio is a former LDP Policy Research Council chair. Kono Taro is the current Regulatory Reform Minister. Takaichi Sanae is a former internal affairs minister. And Noda Seiko is the LDP Executive Acting Secretary-General.

Campaigning will likely focus on anti-coronavirus measures, and how to get the country's economy and health care system back in shape. Defense and foreign policy could also be on the agenda.

Both sitting representatives and rank-and-file party members will have a say.

A total of 383 LDP lawmakers will each get a vote.

Party members and supporters across the country will decide on another 383 votes, which officials at LDP headquarters will distribute according to proportional representation. If no one wins a majority, a runoff between the two top candidates will determine the winner.

The election is scheduled for September 29.

Key words : china free trade
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210917_03/

The Chinese government says it has officially applied to join the 11-member Asia-Pacific free trade pact, known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP.

Beijing said on Thursday that Commerce Minister Wang Wentao submitted the application to New Zealand's trade minister Damien O'Connor.

The CPTPP took effect in December 2018. It brings together New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Singapore and seven other countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said in November last year that his country would favorably consider joining the agreement.

China is seeking to enter the CPTPP in an apparent attempt to increase its influence in the Asia-Pacific region. The United States is not a party to the pact.

US President Donald Trump pulled his country out of the pact's precursor, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, in 2017. His successor, Joe Biden, appears cautious on returning to the grouping anytime soon.

China is locked in trade disputes with some CPTPP countries, such as Australia, making it unclear whether Beijing will be able to obtain approval from all CPTPP countries, a necessary step to joining.

The CPTPP also includes rules on excessive preferential treatment for state-owned firms and protection of intellectual property rights that could present obstacles to China's entry.

The 11 CPTPP signatory nations have a total of more than 500 million people and account for over 10 percent of global gross domestic product. Britain applied in February to join.

China signed another Asia-Pacific free trade agreement, known as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, in November last year. The pact has 15 signatories, including Japan and the 10 countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The US is not a member.

Key words : taiwan approved
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210917_01/

Taiwan's Cabinet has approved a draft defense bill that would authorize additional spending on deterrence capabilities amid growing Chinese military activity around Taiwan.

The Cabinet endorsed the draft legislation on Thursday for a special budget allocation of up to 240 billion New Taiwan dollars, or roughly 8.65 billion US dollars, over the next five years. The draft bill needs to be passed by parliament.

The money would be in addition to Taiwan's planned record defense expenditure of about 17 billion US dollars compiled last month for fiscal 2022.

Taiwan would use the extra funds to buy equipment, such as anti-ship missiles, air defense systems and small warships. The first of the newest Tuo Chiang-class corvette was commissioned last week.

In 2019, Taiwan adopted legislation for a special budget to acquire dozens of the latest model F-16 fighter jet from the United States.

But Taiwan says the latest draft bill would also provide business opportunities to domestic companies by allowing purchases of domestically developed equipment. The Taiwanese authorities are asking the legislature to prioritize the draft legislation in its deliberations.

Analysts say Taiwan is set to ramp up efforts to deploy long-range missiles and other equipment, noting that its four-year defense program review in March stressed improving long-range strike capabilities.

Key words : MYANMAR JAPON situation Nagasugi Yutaka
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