Hello, a very warm welcome to NHK Newsline. I'm Yamamoto Miki in Tokyo.
Defense officials in India say they carried out military strikes on nine sites targeting bases used by Islamic extremists. Military commanders in Pakistan say India attacked six locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the eastern province of Punjab. They say the dead include a child and that 46 others were wounded. They also say their air force shot down two Indian fighter jets. The strikes come two weeks after a gunman in India administered Kashmir opened fire on tourists, killing 26 people.
Indian leaders accused Pakistan of involvement. Pakistani officials deny the claims.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed concern about the mounting tensions between the two nuclear powers. He wrote on X that he is monitoring the situation and resolved to continue engaging leadership in both nations towards a peaceful resolution.
A spokesperson for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the UN chief is calling for maximum military restraint from both countries. The spokesperson added, quote, The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.
In 2019, India crossed the de facto border in Kashmir and conducted an air raid in retaliation for a suicide attack. Now the situation is unfolding quickly. With more on the latest developments, I spoke with our reporters in India and in Pakistan.
First, let's go to New Delhi and talk with Yamamoto Kento. So Kento, why has India decided to take military action?
Well, because Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to emphasize to the public that it is taking a firm stance on last month's terrorist attack. Indian media report the incident caused the highest civilian casualties in Kashmir in recent years. Public demand for punishment has since been growing. Last month's attack took place in a Muslim-majority area administered by India.
In 2019, the Indian government revoked the region's 70-year-long autonomous status and placed the region under direct control. Modi has long advocated for stability in Kashmir.
For him, the incident may have made him lose face. But the details remain unclear. and the suspects are still at large. The Indian government claims it has uncovered cross-border connections and suggests the involvement of an Islamic extremist group in Pakistan backed by the country's military intelligence. But Pakistan has denied any involvement, and both sides' claims remain completely at odds.
And what actions will India take next?
Well, there is concern that a harsh counterattack by Pakistan could escalate the conflict into a cycle of retaliation.
New Delhi has hinted at its willingness to calm the situation as soon as possible. It has stressed their strikes targeted extremist group bases, not military facilities. It also claims the Indian military exercised restraint to avoid civilian casualties. But Pakistan says civilians were killed. So the country may retaliate beyond India's expectations. The risk of unexpected developments between the two sides still remain high.
Next, let's go over to Nazar-ul-Islam in Islamabad. So Nazar, what is Pakistan's initial reaction to the Indian military attack?
Pakistani officials have strongly condemned India's attack. They dismissed New Delhi's claim it struck terrorist infrastructure and said all of the targeted locations were civilian areas. Prime Minister Shehba Sharif said Pakistan has every right to give a befitting reply to an act of war. He also said the reply is already underway. The Pakistani government has repeatedly stressed it will take an appropriate and firm response. So they are certainly planning some kind of retaliation. But on the other hand, Islamabad seems to have the same view that escalation should be avoided and has strong expectations that other parties will mediate. Pakistani officials have already talked with counterparts of the US and China, as well as the United Nations, on the matter.
Umm Well, India has hinted that Pakistan is behind the terrorist attack in Kashmir. What is the current situation?
India has long accused the Pakistani military of involvement in cross-border terrorism, including the training, sheltering and facilitating of terrorist groups responsible for attacks on Indian soil. Pakistan has consistently denied any role, and in response to international pressure, it has banned some of these organizations.
This comes as the Pakistani military is busy fighting terrorism inside the country as attacks by domestic Islamic extremists and separatist groups continue to rise. Actually, the military would want to avoid opening another front by engaging in a full scale battle with India. This puts both countries in the difficult position of having to either escalate military action or seek a possible compromise.
The process to choose the next pope is set to begin soon. Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church will start a conclave on Wednesday to vote for someone to lead the 1.4 billion Catholics around the world. Cardinals took part in congregations through Tuesday to discuss a wide range of topics, including challenges faced by the church.
Now I I heard many, you know, all the cardinals, and I'm ready. I think I'm ready for the first vote.
The conclave will be held at the Sistine Chapel following the death of Pope Francis last month. Voting will be repeated until a candidate wins at least two-thirds of the votes, 133 cardinals, including two Japanese, will take part. They are strictly banned from making contact with the outside world during the conclave.
They don't even get access to the internet. It's meant to prevent intervention by any external groups.
White smoke will rise from the chapel chimney if a pope is elected, black smoke if one is not.
Now, Japan is home to roughly 420,000 Catholics. They are now reflecting on the life and legacy of Pope Francis. Many say they felt a deep connection with him and that his words resonated with their lives. NHK World's Kitai Genki has more.
A photograph of Francis is on display at the entrance of St. Ignatius Church in Tokyo. Worshippers in attendance for the daily Mass expressed their hopes for the next pontiff.
It seems Pope Francis' final wish was for each person to forgive one another and live in harmony for the sake of world peace. I hope we carry on his legacy, fostering unity and compassion across communities.
Francis was known for his unshakable commitment to peace. Even in his final days, he spoke out against the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip.
A tanti paesi che sono in guerra, sorelle, fratelli, preghiamo per la pace. Facciamo del nostro tutto per la pace. Non dimenticatevi che la guerra è una sconfitta, sempre.
戦争状態にある多くの国々、姉妹たち、兄弟たちよ、私たちは平和を祈ります。平和のためにできることはすべてやっていきましょう。戦争は常に敗北であることを忘れないでください。
His words were especially meaningful for the faithful in Japan. In 2019, he became the first pope to visit the country in nearly 40 years. He went to Hiroshima and Nagasaki and called for nuclear disarmament.
E lusso dell'energia atomica, confine di guerra e suoi maschi Nunca un crimen lunga maca guerra tanto soffrimento boia di Sir La Paz con ti.
I hope the next Pope continues Pope Francis's commitmentAnd works to achieve true peace across the entire world.
Catholics in Japan felt a strong affinity for Francis because of his tireless advocacy for world peace. They want a successor who upholds this legacy, but they know the conclave is impossible to predict and often produces unexpected names, as the saying goes. The result is known only to God. Kitai Genki, NHK World Tokyo.
And earlier I spoke with NHK World's Katsuki Takayuki, who covered the 2013 conclave.
So Takayuki, what are the main points that you will be watching for this time around?
Yes, one of the key issue is whether the church carries on with the path of Pope Francis. He often spoke out for refugees and the poor and appealed for tolerance. He also pushed for reforms like the pressing of the same-sex marriages and promoting female leadership within the church. But this could all change if a conservative pontiff is elected.
Another point is nationality. Francis was from Argentina. He was the first pope in 1,200 years to be born outside of Europe. And he could be followed by another one, with some of the leading candidates hailing from Asia and Africa.
Umm And speaking of candidates, media reports have named more than a dozen potential-- dozen cardinals as potential successors. Who do you think are the leading contenders?
I'm keeping an eye on Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagre from the Philippines. He's been called the Francis of Asia. He was known for his work in support of the poor while serving as the Archbishop of Manila. He has since led the Vatican's evangelization office.
If he gets the nod, he would be the first pope from Southeast Asia.
He would also represent continuity with Francis' libero approach. And Cardinal Pietro Parolin from Italy is another name to watch. He was a close aide to Francis.
And some media reports have also mentioned Cardinal Friedrich Ambongo Besungu from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He is considered a conservative and would be the first pope from sub-Saharan Africa if elected.
Social media and online speculation have added a degree of tension to the process.
Vatican spokesperson was forced to come out and deny false information about the health of some of the leading candidates. So we'll also have to watch out for gossip and rumors.
Absolutely. And how soon do you think will the next pope be announced?
Well, that's very hard to say. When I was in the Vatican 12 years ago, the conclave finished on the afternoon of the second day. But others have taken much longer. In 1922, the decision came on the fifth day. The closed-door discussions lead to dramatic turns and unexpected choices. The Conclave has occasionally produced names that were not mentioned at all as possibilities. And this time, the results will be even more difficult to predict. Francis appointed many cardinals outside of Europe, which has diversified the electorate and made it harder to identify emerging factions.
If these divisions prove tough to overcome, it could be some time before we get the name. But if the cardinals have agreed on general direction for the church, we could see the the white smoke relatively soon.
Lee was initially set to appear May 15, but that's been rescheduled to June 18, well after South Koreans have chosen their next president.
Lee faces charges of violating the election law during a past race. He was previously acquitted by the Seoul High Court, but last week the Supreme Court annulled that decision. Lee's Democratic Party called for the retrial to be pushed back to limit the impact on the presidential campaign.
Meanwhile, the ruling People Power Party is trying to consolidate support before Election Day. The party's candidate. Kim Moon-soo is set to meet with former Prime Minister Han Dok-soo, who'd been planning to run for president as an independent. They are expected to discuss unifying their candidacies. The PPP is scrambling to boost support after former President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment triggered the snap vote.
Canada's Prime Minister has again pushed back against the US president's call for the country to become a US state, this time face to face. They met at the White House amid disputes about tariffs and other matters.
You know, the history of Canada and the US is we're stronger when we work together, and there's many opportunities to work together.
I think Canada chose a very talented person, a very good person.
It appeared to be a friendly discussion, though there were some tense moments. A reporter asked Trump about previous remarks that Canada should become a US state. He said the plan would benefit everyone.
I mean, I believe it would be a massive tax cut for the Canadian citizens. You get free military, you get tremendous medical cares and other things. There would be a lot of advantages.
It's not for sale, won't be for sale. ever, but the opportunity is in the partnership and the and what we can build together.
Mark Carney has made it clear that any talks must be based on respect for Canada's sovereignty. The two sides are preparing for tariff negotiations.
Now let's see what's happening in the world of business. Here's Gene Otani from The Biz Desk. Gene?
Mickey, thanks. In our top business story this hour, the world's two biggest economies are planning formal economic talks amid their trade conflict.
The two US officials will meet with their Chinese counterpart later this week in Switzerland to discuss tariffs and other issues.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will head the US side. Bessent says the negotiations will take place on Saturday and Sunday. China's Foreign Ministry says the country's top negotiator will be Vice Premier Hu Lingfang. He will be in Switzerland from Friday to Monday.
A Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson said the US should look squarely at the severe negative impact that its unilateral tariffs have caused on itself and the world if it wants to resolve issues through discussion. The spokesperson added that Washington should correct its wrongheaded approach. The trade conflict worsened after the Trump administration rolled out steep tariffs on Chinese imports.
Both governments now maintain levies on each other's goods exceeding 100 percent.
China's central bank says it will cut its key short-term interest rate amid the trade friction. The People's Bank of China Governor Peng Guangsheng said the bank will trim the seven-day reverse repo rate from 1.5 percent to 1.4 percent from Thursday.
The bank apparently aims to prop up the country's economy with further monetary easing and support corporate financing. A prolonged real estate slump has weakened domestic demand. The cut in the short-term rate will be the first since September last year.
Rates on mortgages and corporate loans are also expected to fall with the move.
The bank also says it will lower its Reserve requirement ratio for banks on Thursday next week. The cut is expected to funnel around 1 trillion yuan or about $138 billion into the financial markets. It's earnings season on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and companies are releasing results from fiscal 2024 that ended in March and projections for the year ahead. The common theme is how new US import tariffs will hit operations.
It's now the turn of Japanese automakers. Toyota will announce results on Thursday. Honda and Nissan will follow next Tuesday. US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on automobile imports on April 3.
Firms and other industries have begun to incorporate the import levies in forecasts for the current fiscal year that ends next March.
Construction machinery maker Komatsu says it expects operating profit to drop by about 94 billion yen, or over $650 million. The company attributes this to the higher cost of importing construction machinery and parts at its US subsidiary.
However, other companies, such as industrial robot manufacturer Phonak, haven't released forecasts. They say an accurate calculation isn't yet possible. Japan's automakers play a key role in the economy, so investors will be especially focused on how they will deal with this added levy on their products and the potential damage to their massive supply chains.
The EU has announced plans to end its dependency on Russian energy imports. The European Commission is the executive body of the EU. It says this will include a ban on imports of natural gas from the country by the end of 2027.
EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said on Tuesday that the necessary legislation will be submitted as early as next month.
Putin has shown that he doesn't mind weaponizing a gas. We should not put ourselves in a vulnerable situation like that again. We do not want to fill up his war chest and support his war economy.
The EU banned imports of Russian coal after the country's invasion of Ukraine, but it continued importing natural gas and other forms of energy.
The EU says Russian gas accounted for about 20% of its total imports of the fuel last year. The EU rules will prohibit the signing of new contracts to bring in both pipeline and liquefied natural gas from Russia. Existing short-term supply contracts will be terminated by the end of this year, and the Commission says it plans legal measures to cancel long-term contracts. The legislation includes tariffs on imports of Russian-enriched uranium used in nuclear power plants.
And that's it for Business News.
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I love that sound. All right, it's time for a check on the world weather with our meteorologist Jonathan Oh. So Jonathan, many parts of Japan were dry Wednesday, but other parts of Asia are dealing with serious rainfall. What can you tell us?
Thunderstorms in Beijing with high 25 on Thursday, 24 in Shanghai, 31 in Hong Kong, 25 in Seoul with sunny skies and partly cloudy skies in Tokyo with high of 22 as we go through Thursday.
We're looking at some strong thunderstorms down to the southern areas of the United States and we are concerned not only with the severe thunderstorm possibilities, heavy rainfall, flash flooding are going to be some of the concerns down toward eastern portion of Texas over into portions of the Deep South. So you want to be weather well, weather aware. Don't drive into areas where you may be seeing water on the ground in terms of the concern of flooding because you don't know how deep that water may be. The rain will continue to spread toward the east as we go through Wednesday showers from Oklahoma City into. Atlanta with a high of 22.
Thunderstorms down to Houston with high 27 and 15 in Denver for Wednesday.
Looking at some unstable weather for the southern areas of Europe and generally speaking, temperatures are going to be the teens into the central portions of the continent as we go throughout the day on Wednesday.
Hope you have a good day wherever you are.
♫～
Major League Baseball star Ohtani Shohei has hit his 10th homer of the season. The feat means the slugger has racked up double-digit homers for the fifth straight year and seventh overall.
In the game against the Miami Marlins, Ohtani was the first batter and designated hitter. After striking out in the first and third innings, he came up again in the sixth, slamming the first pitch into the right field stands and tying the game 2-2. The tiring effort was clocked at 175.4 kilometers per hour and traveled 122.8 meters. Ohtani went 2-for-5 with two RBIs.
His heroics, however, weren't enough to save the Dodgers who went down to the hosts 5-to-4.
And that is all for this edition of NHK Newsline. I'm Yamamoto Miki in Tokyo. Thank you for joining us.
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