at 18:30 (JST), March 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/20220302183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : japanese lawmaker
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220302_N03/

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has drawn criticism from leaders around the world. It is even causing traditionally neutral countries to reverse course.

Switzerland, which has long been known for its neutrality, announced that it is imposing sanctions on Russian individuals and companies. It is also freezing the assets of President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Swiss President Ignazio Cassis said the invasion is immoral and unacceptable in terms of international law and politics. He said his government decided on the measures "with conviction."

Leaders in Finland are also breaking with history. They have long resisted supplying weapons that might be used in war zones. However, Prime Minister Sanna Marin said they will send arms and ammunition to Ukraine.

Japanese lawmakers have demanded that the attacks stop immediately. Members of the Lower House of the Diet adopted a resolution calling on the Russians to withdraw.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio added his criticism in a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron. Later, he said that the entire international community, including Asia, must join Europe in taking seriously the fact that changing the status quo by force should not be allowed.

He added that he will press ahead with his efforts to find a diplomatic solution.

Key words : accept furukawa beyond the limit
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220301_24/

The Japanese government will study a system for accepting people escaping Ukraine due to the Russian invasion.

Justice Minister Furukawa Yoshihisa told a Lower House committee meeting on Tuesday that the government will swiftly study a system for receiving evacuees from Ukraine.

Separately, the Foreign Ministry said it will discuss measures to help the evacuees with other ministries and agencies.

Officials will look at allowing entry for the evacuees beyond the limits on the number of foreigners currently in place due to the coronavirus.

They will also study measures for evacuees who have not been tested for the coronavirus at the time of their departure, as well as special steps to allow entry without visas.

Key words : taiwan met
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220302_19/

Former Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen has pledged continued US engagement with Taiwan, and warned against China's possible use of force.

Mullen is visiting Taiwan as head of an unofficial delegation sent by US President Joe Biden.

He met Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen at the presidential office in Taipei on Wednesday.

Referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Tsai said the resistance of the Ukrainian people was an inspiration.

She added, "We in Taiwan want the world to know that we have the determination to defend ourselves and uphold our free and democratic way of life."

Tsai also thanked the Biden administration for keeping its promise to ensure Taiwan's safety by helping to boost its self-defense capabilities.

Mullen said, "Maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is not just a US interest, but also a global one." He added the US would continue to oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo.

He also said that he wants the people of Taiwan as well as US allies and partners in the region to know that the United States stands firm behind its commitments.

Observers say the US is sending a message with Mullen's visit that it aims to stay involved in Taiwan's affairs.

Key words : taiwan delegates
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220301_31/

US President Joe Biden has sent a group of former top defense officials to Taiwan.

The five-person unofficial delegation led by former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen arrived at an airport in Taipei on Tuesday. The delegation includes former under secretary of defense for policy Michele Flournoy.

Taiwan's presidential office said the delegates are scheduled to meet President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday to discuss regional issues.

It is the second time for Biden to send an unofficial delegation of former senior officials to Taiwan since April 2021.

A spokesperson of the presidential office welcomed the visit and said it is taking place less than one year after the previous one, and shows the "rock solid" ties between Taiwan and the United States at the time of the Ukrainian crisis.

The US apparently aims to send a message that it places importance on Taiwan through the visit by former top defense officials.

Security experts have said the Ukrainian crisis could affect deterrence against China's threat to use force on Taiwan.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said China urges the US to stop all forms of official exchange with Taiwan and handle Taiwan-related issues with caution, to avoid further serious damage to the overall situation of China-US relations.

Key words : miyako city hiroko kitadai
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