at 18:30 (JST), June 17

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/20220617183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : myanmar execution
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220616_37/

Myanmar's military junta reiterated on Thursday that it intends to carry out the death sentences it handed to four people earlier this month.

One of the four is a pro-democracy activist and former lawmaker with the party led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The sentences were strongly condemned by the United Nations, the United States and other Western countries.

No dates for the executions have been announced yet, but a spokesperson for the military's governing council justified its decision amid the international criticism.

The spokesperson claimed the pro-democracy groups' incitement "caused 50 innocent people to be killed."

He told a regular news conference that Myanmar is independent and has power over its own jurisdiction.

The country has been in turmoil since the military seized control in a coup last year. A local human rights group says more than 1,900 people have died as the junta cracked down on protests after the coup.

An armed pro-democracy group resisting the military has vowed to retaliate if the executions are carried out, raising fears the unrest could escalate.

Key words : taiwan allowed locally
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220617_06/

Taiwan's defense ministry has unveiled a production facility that manufactures a locally developed armored vehicle.

On Thursday, ministry officials invited the media to a manufacturing plant located in Central Taiwan's Nantou County. It is the first time journalists have been allowed inside the facility.

The plant produces the model known as the CM-34 Clouded Leopard. The eight-wheeled vehicle is equipped with a 30-milimeter chain gun that has an effective firing range of 3 kilometers. It can travel up to 100 kilometers per hour.

The plant began mass producing the model in 2018. Some of the vehicles have already entered service. A total of 305 units are scheduled to be produced by 2023.

Journalists watched the homegrown CM-34 run on a test course. The demonstration showcased the vehicle's stability as well as its ability to accelerate on slopes and uneven surfaces.

The administration of President Tsai Ing-wen wants Taiwan to develop and produce necessary military equipment on its own, instead of relying entirely on the United States for weapons.

Colonel Su Jen-Pao, who was in charge of developing the CM-34, said independent defense capabilities can help Taiwan defend itself. The colonel added that Taiwan will only be able to count on itself. He said the Russian invasion of Ukraine has made that clear.

Key words : relatives five
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220617_02/

Relatives of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago have appealed for international cooperation to bring their loved ones back home.

They took part in an online UN symposium on the abduction issue on Thursday. The event was jointly held by Japan, the United States, Australia and the European Union.

Yokota Takuya, a younger brother of abductee Yokota Megumi, called for international efforts to resolve the issue.

Yokota, who heads a group of the relatives, questioned whether the global community is putting enough pressure on North Korea to settle the issue. He urged North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to return all remaining abductees to Japan immediately.

Iizuka Koichiro, the son of abductee Taguchi Yaeko, said that if the abductees are returned, the relatives will not oppose moves to normalize relations between Japan and North Korea, nor ask the returnees to divulge secrets. He said all the relatives want is to lead quiet lives as families.

Iizuka noted that some relatives, such as Taguchi's older brother Iizuka Shigeo, have died before being reunited with their loved ones. He stressed that the abduction issue must be resolved as soon as possible.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu, whose responsibilities include the abductions issue, also attended the symposium. He emphasized that no time should be wasted to resolve the issue as both the abductees and their relatives are aging.

Matsuno said the government will do everything it can to bring all remaining abductees back to Japan as soon as possible. He also called for greater international efforts to settle the matter.

Matsuno noted that at the Japan-US summit last month, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio won the support of President Joe Biden for an immediate resolution to the issue.

The Japanese government says at least 17 citizens were abducted by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 80s. Five returned in 2002, but the other 12 remain unaccounted for.

Key words : defense capabilities boost next five years
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