at 18:30 (JST), January 21 (text converter and manual correction with Top Stories)

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/20220121183000_english_1.mp3 

This is Asian view from NHK world-japan. I'm Yoshi Ogasawara. 

Here's a quick look at, what's been making news this week here in Japan and elsewhere in Asia. 

Japan is taking more steps to deal with a rapid surge and coronavirus cases. The government has given quasi-emergency powers to 16 prefectures including Tokyo. Governor can now impose a stricter measures like urging bars and restaurants to take more precautions. The central government is expected to further expand the number of areas given quasi-emergency status including Osaka and Hokkaido. 

Tokyo and Washington say they want a positive result from the next review of the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. They released a joint statement saying Japan and the United States recognize the pencast indispensable for preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and eliminating them all together. The two countries called on all parties to help achieve a meaningful outcome at the next treaty review conference. The meeting has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic and has not been rescheduled. 

South Korean military sources say North Korea appears to be preparing for a military parade. They say it's not imminent but that they all keep a close eye on the situation. South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported frequent movements of North Korean military trucks and personnel at an airport outside Pyongyang. The north is known to use the airport to rehearse military parades. The news agency said a parade could be held on February 16 at the earliest. That's the 80th anniversary of the birth of the late Kim Jong Il, father of current leader Kim Jong Un. If North Korea holds a military parade, it will be the first since January last year. 

We're broadcasting from NHK in Tokyo. 

You're listening to Asian view from NHK world-japan. 

Hong Kong authorities last month arrested executives of an online media outlet critical of the government. Another pro-democracy internet news outlet has ceased operations. I spoke with Professor Nakazano Kazuhito of the faculty of law and Musashino University. He's an expert on Hong Kong politics. 

Professor Nakazono,  what are the authorities aims? 

Beijing is trying to instill fear in the media and the general public. Beijing feel it can't afford to fail in its effort to get Hong Kong to toe the line. Because one country two systems is China's model for unification of Taiwan. I think other Hong Kong media outlets will refrain from writing critical articles about the government and we'll try to survive without being targeted by the authorities. 

How do people in Hong Kong feel about all this? 

Many feel powerless. This was reflected in last month's Legislative Council elections. The turnout was record low 30%. It seems the people of Hong Kong will have to become more pay political. Those who took part in pro-democracy protests feel a sense of hopelessness about Hong Kong's future after 2047 which will mark 50 years after the series returned to Chinese control. Many of them have left Hong Kong. Those that remain will have to keep their heads down. 

What does the Chinese government want to do with Hong Kong? 

China wants to develop Hong Kong Macau and Guangdong Province as a single economic entity by 2035. China is trying to make hongkong a so-called patriotic non-political place that can contribute to the motherland through economic prosperity. Every year up to around 50,000 people from mainland China move to the city. It's just a matter of time until the pro-China section of the population becomes the majority. 

How do you think people in Hong Kong can protect their rights? 

I think people need to know that democratic demands accompanied by violence will not work. Because the violent buses during the progress of 2019 work on reason Beijing introduced the national security law. But I don't think Beijing will go as far as violating the basic role which provides all universal suffrage in elections for the chief executive and the legislative council. This is a guaranteed right of the people Hong Kong. It might be a long and difficult fact. But I hope the people of Hong Kong do not lose hope. But continue to make peaceful and persistent demands for democracy. 

You've been listening to Professor Nakazono Kazuhito of Musashino University. 

This is age. General Japan in Tokyo and yoshioka sawara. 

This is Asian view from NHK world-japan in Tokyo. 

I'm Yoshi Ogasawara.