at 18:30 (JST), May 03

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/20220503183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : taiwan delayed manufacturing
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220503_04/

Taiwan's defense ministry says that the United States informed it that the delivery of artillery systems would be delayed.

In August of last year, the US administration of President Joe Biden endorsed the sale of arms to Taiwan. The plan included 40 self-propelled howitzer artillery systems and was due to be delivered by 2025.

Officials at Taiwan's defense ministry said on Monday the US told them the delivery be after 2026 at the earliest, because of snarled production lines.

An alternative plan now under consideration for Taiwan is to buy rocket launcher or other weapons systems instead.

Taiwanese officials say the self-propelled howitzer systems Taiwan plans to buy from the US provide better performance than those the Taiwanese military already owns.

It's not clear why the production lines were strained, but some Taiwanese media outlets, including the United Daily News, report that the US's weapons manufacturing capabilities have been affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Others suspected that the Biden administration might have opted to sell more suitable weapons in view of the disparity in military power between Taiwan and China.

Key words : prime minister thailand unacceptable
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220503_02/

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha have agreed that any attempt to change the status quo by force anywhere in the world is unacceptable.

At the beginning of their talks in Bangkok on Monday, Kishida said that together with Prayut, he wants to further strengthen friendship with Thailand, a strategic partner of Japan.

He added that Prayut has proposed that Thailand be upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partner of Japan. Kishida said he wants to give the proposal serious thought, as that would take bilateral relations to a higher level.

The leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine. They agreed to oppose infringements of sovereignty and territorial integrity, unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, and intimidation and use of weapons of mass destruction anywhere around the world. They also agreed to cooperate with the international community and to continue to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.

Kishida and Prayut reconfirmed the cooperation between Japan and Thailand in efforts to realize a free, open Indo-Pacific region, with an eye to keeping China's assertiveness in the region in check. They also agreed that the countries will closely work together to address other issues, such as North Korea and Myanmar.

The two leaders also announced a possible agreement on defense equipment exports and technology transfers from Japan to Thailand.

Japan agreed to give around 380 million dollars in loans to help Thailand combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Key words : south top priority
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220502_12/

South Korea's President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol has picked a university professor who is an expert on US foreign policy as his national security adviser.

Yoon announced on Sunday that he had nominated Kim Sung-han, along with nominees for other senior posts in the presidential office. Yoon is set to take office on May 10.

Kim was vice foreign minister in the administration of Lee Myung-bak. He is Yoon's longtime foreign policy mentor and the two were classmates in elementary school.

The incoming president also named veteran lawmaker Park Jin as foreign minister. Park studied in the United States and Japan, and is well-versed in foreign policy.

Yoon's picks clearly indicate that he places top priority on strengthening South Korea's alliance with Washington, as well as importance on trilateral cooperation with the US and Japan, as North Korea accelerates its nuclear and missile development programs.

Key words : cambodia
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220503_07/

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has urged Myanmar's military chief to allow ASEAN's special envoy to meet the country's ousted de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Hun Sen held online talks on Monday with Myanmar's Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who took power in a coup last year.

Cambodia chairs ASEAN meetings this year, and its Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn serves as the association's special envoy on Myanmar issues.

In March, he visited Myanmar for the first time, but had no chance to meet members of pro-democracy groups during the visit.

The Cambodian government says that Hun Sen asked Min Aung Hlaing for his cooperation for the envoy's second visit to Myanmar.

Hun Sen stressed the importance of the envoy being able to meet with all parties concerned, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

Min Aung Hlaing reportedly pledged to facilitate such meetings.

Myanmar's military has not allowed the envoy to meet Aung San Suu Kyi, saying that she stands accused of corruption and other offences.

The military has also refused to negotiate with the National Unity Government formed by pro-democracy lawmakers, which it has branded a "terrorist" group.

It remains uncertain whether ASEAN will be able to mediate between the junta and pro-democracy forces.

Key words : tighten technology
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220502_24/

The Japanese government has tightened national security controls to prevent the outflow of key technologies overseas. There is concern they could be used for military purposes as research projects are becoming more international.

New regulations drawn up by the industry ministry for domestic companies and universities took effect on Sunday. They require government approval before important technology or information is passed on to researchers in Japan who are thought to be under the influence of foreign governments or corporations.

The rules target researchers receiving at least a quarter of their annual income from foreign governments or other overseas organizations. It also applies to those who are under the guidance of foreign entities during their stay in Japan.

Key words : financial service
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220502_13/

Japan's Financial Services Agency has revised its regulations in a bid to attract more foreign securities firms to the country. They can now complete all procedures for establishing a presence in Japan in English.

Previously, only foreign asset management firms were allowed to use English for the procedures, and securities firms had to use Japanese.

The revision comes after the agency opened a special office with an English-speaking team to help foreign funds and other businesses start operations.

The agency hopes more small- and medium-sized brokerages will set up shop in Japan.

The FSA's director for Asset Management Business, Nakagawa Saiko says "We want to invite more foreign financial institutions and high-level financial human resources to Japan. We hope the results of these actions will be improved asset management, diversification of financial products and financial innovation in Japan."

The government is aiming to secure Japan's position as a global financial hub amid increasing competition from other cities in Asia.

Key words : south lift mandate
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220502_29/

South Korea has lifted its full outdoor mask-wearing mandate as new coronavirus cases have fallen.

Starting Monday, masks are no longer required outdoors except in situations such as gatherings of 50 or more people.

The country reported a little over 20,000 new cases on Sunday. The daily tally was under 30,000 for the first time since early February. The number has been declining from its peak in mid-March, when it topped 600,000 cases.

At a park in the capital Seoul on Monday, people without masks are seen chatting with their friends and strolling in mild weather with the daytime high rising to nearly 20 degrees Celsius.

A high school girl without a mask said she is a bit worried but it feels so good to inhale fresh air for the first time in a while.

There were also many people still wearing masks outdoors. Some say they still fear the coronavirus or that mask-wearing has become part of their routine.

A man in his 20s who was wearing a mask said no one can say it's completely safe without the covering. He said people should wear masks because that also helps stop the virus from spreading to others.

Some people have questioned the government's definition of outdoors. KBS, a public broadcaster, has reported that railway stations and outdoor cafes not enclosed by walls are considered outdoors, even if they have roofs or ceilings.

Last month, the government ended restrictions on the business hours of bars and restaurants and on the number of people in a private meeting.

Critics say the number of infections could rise again as the government eases COVID restrictions.

Key words : pottery
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220502_31/

A pottery fair is underway in the town of Mashiko, north of Tokyo, which is renowned for the simplicity of design of its ceramics. Coronavirus restrictions meant that the event could not be held for the last two years.

Organizers say about 600 shops are taking part in the fair, about 10 percent fewer than the last time it was held.

Visitors must have their temperature checked at the entrance and provide contact information.

One visitor said "I was looking forward to coming here since I knew it would be open this year. I came with my family."
Another said she would avoid crowded places and her daughter said she would go home promptly after shopping.

The fair traditionally takes place every spring and autumn. Vendors say the number of visitors this year is smaller than usual. The event will run through Sunday.