at 18:30 (JST), May 25

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/20220525183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : north launched three
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220525_15/

The South Korean military says North Korea launched three ballistic missiles in succession on Wednesday morning. The move came after US President Joe Biden concluded his visit to Seoul and Tokyo to strengthen trilateral ties.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the three missiles were fired at 6 a.m., 6:37 a.m. and 6:42 a.m. from the Sunan area near Pyongyang toward the Sea of Japan.

It says it is on heightened alert and is in close contact with US forces. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has ordered a meeting of the National Security Council to be convened.

North Korea has frequently repeated launces of projectiles this year. This month alone, it launched a ballistic missile from near Sunan on May 4 and an apparent short-range ballistic missile from a submarine off the coast of the eastern city of Sinpho on May 7. It also fired three short-range ballistic missiles from near Sunan on May 12.

The latest launches come a day after Biden wrapped up his trip to Asia.

He first held talks with South Korea's new president in Seoul for the first time on Saturday. Biden affirmed America's "extended deterrence" commitment to South Korea through various means including nuclear weapons. The two leaders also agreed to discuss scaling up their joint military drills, which the North regards as a symbol of "hostile forces."

Biden then met with Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in Tokyo on Monday. They shared serious concerns about North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, and confirmed closer cooperation.

North Korea is currently trying to tackle what is believed to be a coronavirus outbreak by taking measures including lockdowns. It apparently aims to show that despite this situation, its nuclear and missile development remains unaffected.

Key words : defense minister outside
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220525_18/

Japan's defense minister says North Korea launched at least two ballistic missiles on Wednesday morning. Kishi Nobuo also says the North may have fired a third missile.

Kishi told reporters on Wednesday morning that the first missile was launched just before 6 a.m. He said it flew about 300 kilometers and reached a maximum altitude of 550 kilometers.

The minister indicated that the second missile flew for about 750 kilometers on an "irregular trajectory." He noted that it reached an altitude of about 50 kilometers.

Kishi said both were ballistic missiles. He added that the defense ministry is trying to determine whether more missiles were launched by the North.

The Japanese government says the two missiles that were confirmed to have been launched fell outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

The South Korean military says the North fired three ballistic missiles toward the east, one after another, starting at around 6 a.m.

Kishi said the North has fired 16 missiles this year. Some of them were cruise missiles. He said the launches are threatening peace and stability in the region and around the world. Kishi revealed that Japan has already protested against the latest launches, as they violate resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council. He stressed that Japan cannot tolerate such provocations.

North Korea's latest launches occurred one day after the summit of the Quad framework. The meeting was hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.

Kisida and the leaders of the US, Australia and India condemned North Korea's missile development. They said it is leading to uncertainty in the region.

Key words : Biden home
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220525_N02/

US President Joe Biden headed home on Tuesday from a tour meant to fulfill his vision of "anchoring" the US in the Indo-Pacific. He spent much of his time in Seoul and Tokyo discussing how to shore up security and improve trade.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul on Saturday to discuss their approach to North Korea. They agreed on the necessity of denuclearizing the Korean peninsula.

Biden also discussed security issues in talks on Monday with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. They agreed on the importance of strengthening Japan's defense capabilities. Biden said he hoped their countries' alliance would be a "positive force" in the world.

The President demonstrated the US commitment to the region through an initiative known as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity.

Biden, Kishida, and the leaders of 11 other countries want to digitalize trade, build more resilient supply chains, and expose corruption.

Chinese leaders have criticized the Americans for using the framework as a "political tool" to sow discord.

Key words : topped tourism destination
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220524_38/

Japan has topped a global ranking of tourism destinations. It's been recognized for its natural and cultural resources, public transportation, and hygiene.

The Swiss-based World Economic Forum published the ranking in a report on Tuesday. It releases the report every two years.

It's the first time that Japan has taken top honors. It replaces the US, which slipped to second place. Spain and France are third and fourth. The list includes nearly 120 destinations.

The report says the pandemic has highlighted the importance of the tourism sector to the global economy.

It says countries should prioritize better hygiene and security to ensure sustainable growth for the industry.

Key words : russian living in other countries
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20220510210552073/

Russia's assault on Ukraine is hurting its own citizens abroad. We meet some of the 9,000 Russian residents of Japan. They face hardship from financial sanctions, threats to their safety if they protest the war, and even family breakdowns. NHK World's Hashimoto Tomomi has the details.