at 18:30 (JST), February 02

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/20220202183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : lower house spokesperson
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220202_01/

China has reacted sharply to a resolution adopted by Japan's Lower House expressing concern about the human rights situation in China, including the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the Tibet Autonomous Region.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian issued a comment on Tuesday after the resolution was approved on the same day.

He called the resolution "extremely vile in nature." He said, "It disregards facts and truth, maliciously denigrates China's human rights conditions," and "grossly interferes in China's internal affairs."

Zhao argued that some Japanese politicians, "in utter disregard of overall China-Japan relations," went to "great lengths" to piece together the resolution. He said the move is a "severe political provocation against the Chinese people," adding that the ministry has "lodged solemn representations with the Japanese side."

The spokesperson warned that China "reserves the right to take further measures."

Key words : myanmar silent strike
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220201_04/

Myanmar's military says it is extending a state of emergency for another six months, ahead of the one-year anniversary of the military coup.

The military announced via the country's state-run television the extension of the measure, which was due to expire on Monday. It was declared following a coup that took place exactly one year ago.

Under constitutional rules, authorities will be able to extend the current measure for another six months, thereby keep the country under the state of emergency for a total of two years.

Military officials are planning an election for August 2023. The extension gives the military time to prepare for the election and explore ways to solidify its grip on power.

The military has been facing persistent opposition from anti-coup protesters. In the country's largest city of Yangon, there have been sporadic attacks on military and police facilities, purportedly staged by pro-democracy forces.

Tensions between the military and citizens are rising, as activists plan to hold a "silent strike" to mark the first anniversary of the coup.

They are calling on people to take the day off and stay at home, while authorities are threatening legal action for anyone who joins such protests.

The US government on Monday imposed sanctions on seven individuals and two entities connected to Myanmar's military.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that since the coup the people of the country "have stood firm in rejecting military rule and calling for their country's return to the path to inclusive democracy."

He added that the "United States will continue to work with our international partners to address human rights abuses and press the regime to cease the violence, release all those unjustly detained."

Key words : in tokyo myanmar
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220201_27/

Myanmar people living in Japan have held a rally to protest military rule in their country on the first anniversary of its military coup.

About 300 Myanmar people and their supporters gathered in front of Japan's Foreign Ministry in Tokyo on Tuesday.

The protesters shouted "Free Aung San Suu Kyi" and "Never recognize Myanmar's military-led government." They also urged Japan's government to strengthen efforts to democratize their country.

A human rights group in Myanmar says more than 1,500 people have died in crackdowns by the military since the coup. The United Nations estimates that over 300,000 people have been displaced by violence.

One protester said innocent people, including women and children, are being killed every day. She added that she hopes Japanese people will help Myanmar.

Another participant said he's very worried about Myanmar people who are fighting and risking their lives. He said the military's acts cannot be forgiven.

Key words : taiwan reversed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220201_17/

Taiwan's team for the Beijing Winter Olympics has reversed its decision to skip the Games' opening and closing ceremonies after it received requests to attend by the International Olympic Committee.

Officials in Taiwan had said on Friday that the 15-member Olympic delegation, including four athletes, will not take part in the ceremonies.

They had explained that they would not have enough delegates for the events, due to the need to adapt to China's strict pandemic controls.

The Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee announced a reversal on Monday. It says it was asked by the International Olympic Committee to attend the ceremonies in accordance with the Olympic Charter.

It says the IOC also offered full cooperation regarding efforts to ensure the health of athletes.

There was speculation that Taiwanese officials decided to skip the ceremonies due to concerns that China may refer to Taiwan as "Taipei, China" at the Games, effectively treating it as part of China.

However, the Beijing Games' organizing committee uses the term "Chinese Taipei" on its official website, in line with Taiwan's position.

Key words : thailand education
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20220118202321892/

In Thailand the coronavirus is hitting students hard-especially children from poor families. As the pandemic moves into its third year, a government agency estimates more than 40,000 students have dropped our of school. It warns that educating those children is an urgent matter.