at 18:30 (JST), August 10

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/20220810183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : foreign minister pretext
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220809_19/

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu says China's real intention behind its military exercises around Taiwan is to "alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and the entire region."

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Wu referred to the large-scale military exercises China launched in response to the visit to Taiwan by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He said China is using Pelosi's visit as "a pretext."

He criticized China, saying that the country has broken "the long-standing tacit agreement on the median line of the Taiwan Strait."

He also said through missile tests, "China is clearly trying to deter other countries from interfering in its attempt to invade Taiwan."

He said China's military exercises have already brought "significantly unstable elements" into the region, threatening regional security.

Wu also referred to China's increasing activity in the East and South China seas, as well as in the South Pacific. He warned the global community, saying "China's behavior towards Taiwan is merely a pretext. Its ambitions and impact are extending far beyond Taiwan."

He called for the international community to support Taiwan in unison, and put a stop to "China's irresponsible threats and ambitious expansion."

Key words : state funeral court
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220809_21/

A group opposed to a state funeral for slain former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is seeking a court injunction on the ceremony and the use of public funds for it.

The Japanese government plans to hold a state funeral for Abe in Tokyo on September 27.

On Tuesday, a group of about 230 academics and lawyers filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court, arguing that the government's decision has no legal grounds nor approval of the Diet.

The group claims that the Cabinet arbitrarily exercised its authority with disregard for the Diet, in violation of the country's Constitution.

In a news conference, lawyer Oguchi Akihiko quoted Prime Minister Kishida Fumio as saying the state funeral will show his determination to safeguard democracy.

But the lawyer noted that Kishida allowed the extraordinary session of the Diet to close without explaining the need for a state funeral or its rationality.

Another group of citizens has asked the same court for a provisional ban on the implementation of a budget and other matters linked to Abe's state funeral.

The government claims the Cabinet Office Establishment Act says the office has control over business matters regarding state ceremonies, and so it is clear in legal terms that implementation of ceremonies including state funerals is a part of administrative authority. It maintains that the legal basis for the state funeral is the Cabinet's endorsement of it.

Key words : mourner
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220809_06/

One month has passed since former prime minister Abe Shinzo was fatally shot during a campaign event. The incident continues to fuel speculation about ties between a religious group and prominent politicians.

Mourners visited the site of the shooting early Monday and observed a moment of silence.

Abe was shot while he was giving a campaign speech on behalf of a candidate from his Liberal Democratic Party ahead of an Upper House election.

The suspect, Yamagami Tetsuya, reportedly told police that he was motivated by a grudge against the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, previously known as the Unification Church.

He says he shot Abe because he believed the former prime minister had ties with the group. He says his mother donated huge sums of money to the church, bringing his family close to financial ruin.

Since Abe's death, a number of politicians have admitted to past ties with the group.

Miyajima Yoshifumi is a former Upper House member from the LDP. He says a group affiliated with the church helped him during an election in 2016.

NHK spoke to a former staff member of Miyajima's office. The official claims a Diet member introduced Miyajima to the group, saying it could potentially help with his campaign.

The staff member says the group kept in regular contact with Miyajima after his election victory, and that Miyajima gave speeches at the group's events.

The church has issued a statement in response to the revelations about its ties with politicians. It says it has never offered systematic support for any particular party or candidate. But it adds this may not be the case for its affiliates.

One expert says it is important to expose the group's ties with politicians. Ritsumeikan University Professor Kamikubo Masato said connections with politicians help the group gain social credibility. He added that the group needs to be recognized as one that carries out anti-social acts, and politicians should cut their ties with it.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has called on members of the LDP to review their relations with the church to end any speculation about its influence on the party.

Key words : politician unifiucation church kito masaki
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