Welcome to NHK Newsline. I'm Morishita Erika in Tokyo.
MINISTER: HUNDREDS OF CASUALTIES IN US RAID
Venezuela's interior minister says at least 100 people were killed and a similar number injured in last weekend's US military operation in the country.
The raid ended with the country's president captured and transported to the United States.
VENEZUELANS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO DREAM OF RETURNING HOME
An NHK reporter visited the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, where Venezuelan exiles are hopeful that they will soon be able to return home.
Trinidad and Tobago is located about 12 kilometers off the coast of Venezuela.
Many Venezuelans fled there as the country's economy deteriorated under President Nicolas Maduro's rule, and public safety became an increasing concern.
In 2017, Andrina Prisenia founded a group that provides support to Venezuelan exiles.
The expatriates got help with their children's education, dealing with administrative matters, and handling other issues.
00:01:19 話者 2
I know from many replies we may get or calls and so on, people want to go back home.
00:01:30 話者 1
Frisenya says people in the Venezuelan community are experiencing a range of emotions from excitement to anger.
00:01:39 話者 3
When people probably then uncertain or then have some kind of health, mental health issues, because they don't know what to do, what to expect.
00:01:56 話者 1
She says the people still need further assistance.
WASHINGTON PLANS TO CONTROL OIL SALES INDEFINITELY
The United States says it intends to control sales of crude oil produced in Venezuela, which is said to hold the world's largest proven reserves indefinitely.
The Trump administration has made it clear that it will be involved in running Venezuela and managing its crude oil sales.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said at an event in the state of Florida on Wednesday that the US will begin by selling Venezuelan oil already in storage and then sell future production indefinitely.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt told reporters that Washington has already begun marketing sanctioned Venezuelan crude.
00:02:46 話者 4
All proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan crude oil and products will first settle in US-controlled accounts at globally recognized banks to guarantee the legitimacy and integrity of the ultimate distribution of proceeds, and those funds will be dispersed for the benefit of the American people and the Venezuelan people.
00:03:05 話者 1
Levich said President Donald Trump will meet with US oil executives at the White House on Friday.
TRUMP ORDER WITHDRAWS US FROM 66 INTL. ORGANIZATIONS
President Trump has signed an order to withdraw his country from 66 international organizations. Almost half of them are related to the United Nations.
The White House said in an announcement on Wednesday that the organizations no longer serve American interests.
They include the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, as well as the UN Population Fund and UN University based in Tokyo.
The White House said the action will save taxpayer money and refocus resources on America's first priorities.
This follows Trump's announcement at the start of his second term a year ago that the US
would exit the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization.
JAPAN TO EXAMINE IMPACT OF CHINA ANTI-DUMPING PROBE
Japan's top government spokesperson says Tokyo will closely examine the impact of an anti-dumping probe announced by Beijing.
Officials at China's commerce ministry say they will look into imports of a chemical used mainly in the production of semiconductors.
This comes after the Chinese ministry on Tuesday announced tighter controls on items exported to Japan that can be used for both military and civilian purposes.
It now says a probe will be launched into the price of the chemical dichlorosilane to check whether it has been set unreasonably low.
The product from Japan is mainly used for manufacturing semiconductors.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru spoke on Thursday.
00:05:05 話者 5
I'm aware of China's announcement, but Japan will refrain from commenting on each probe by other governments.
We will support companies subject to China's investigation, closely monitor the situation, examine the impact of China's actions, and take other necessary measures.
00:05:20 話者 1
In November, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae said that a possible Taiwan emergency involving the use of force could be considered a situation threatening Japan's survival. The remarks sparked protests from Beijing and the ongoing diplomatic tension.
WHAT'S IN STORE FOR PRIME MINISTER TAKAICHI IN 2026
In about two weeks, Japanese lawmakers will return to the Diet for the start of the regular session.
The question on many Japan political watchers' minds is,
Will the new year bring a fresh election?
ANALYSIS: WHAT'S IN STORE FOR PRIME MINISTER TAKAICHI IN 2026
Earlier, I spoke with NHK World's senior political correspondent, Oikawa Jun, to look for an answer.
Jun, to start us off, we are 80 days into Prime Minister Takaichi-sanae's tenure.
How is she faring?
00:06:10 話者 6
Sure. Domestically, she's starting off 2026 on a high note.
Takaichi is enjoying high public approval ratings.
Her leadership style appears to be winning people over.
I think that's linked to her promise to boost the economy.
She passed a supplementary budget aimed at making things affordable before the last diet session ended.
And in her New Year's speech, she reiterated her priorities.
00:06:45 話者 2
It's important that people feel the impact of our measures to tackle high prices and support the economy. We are working hard to take on these immediate challenges.
00:06:57 話者 6
It sounds like Takaichi wants to focus on implementing her economic policies over calling a fresh election.
This is despite her Liberal Democratic Party relying on a coalition with a new partner, Japan Innovation Party, to govern.
The leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan says he anticipates a snap vote.
00:07:24 話者 4
I believe there is a strong possibility that it will happen within this year.
So in that sense, we must make thorough preparations.
00:07:34 話者 6
Typically, when a leader like Takaichi enjoys high approval, you'd expect them to seek a stronger mandate. But that's not the full picture here.
00:07:44 話者 1
So what's keeping her from sending Japan to the polls?
00:07:48 話者 6
Takaichi's own party might not be as lockstep with her as she would like.
Recent NHK polls found that while her cabinet has a 64% approval rating,
Her LDP overall has just 30.6%. That's very shaky ground to launch a campaign from.
00:08:10 話者 1
What other options does Takaichi have to get things done in the diet?
00:08:14 話者 6
Well, she could look beyond her party and seek more coalition partners.
LDP and JIP have a narrow majority in the lower house.
In the Upper House, the LDP has 100 seats and JIP has 19, short of the 125 they need for a majority.
If Takaichi can secure an arrangement with another party, that would give her much more breathing room.
The likeliest ally is the Democratic Party for the People.
It actually shares a lineage with the main opposition, the CDP,
They both emerged after the collapse of the Democratic Party of Japan about a decade ago, but the DPFP has shown it can work with the LDP.
It supported Takeichi's supplementary budget, and both leaders have spoken favorably about cooperation.
00:09:17 話者 2
Without political stability, we can't advance robust economic policies or strong diplomacy and security measures.
Based on the coalition agreement with Japan Innovation Party, we will also call on opposition parties, including the Democratic Party for the People, to work with us.
00:09:39 話者 4
I believe that, compared to before, a relationship of trust has been fostered, and depending on the degree of that trust, the scope and depth of our future cooperation will likely expand.
00:09:53 話者 6
If DPFP enters the coalition, Takaichi would gain 25 seats in the upper house, giving her a majority. But there is a possible stumbling block.
The DPFP enjoys key support from RENGO, Japan's largest federation of labor unions.
The organization's leader expressed discomfort with the idea of the party joining forces with the LDP. We'll have to see if that keeps the DPFP at arm's length.
00:10:27 話者 1
And zooming out, Takaichi may also face a challenging year when it comes to foreign policy, is that right?
00:10:34 話者 6
Absolutely. Like many US allies, she's grappling with what happened in Venezuela and the assertive rhetoric we're hearing from the Trump administration.
She's choosing her words very carefully.
00:10:50 話者 2
Japan will work closely with the Group of Seven members and other concerned nations, including neighboring countries, to advance diplomatic efforts to restore democracy and stabilize the situation in Venezuela.
00:11:04 話者 6
Japan's government is watching closely and concerned about the message the situation sends to countries like China.
But Takeichi has not criticized the US operation and likely will not, amid the tensions between Japan and China.
00:11:21 話者 1
Right. Her government is still dealing with Beijing's reaction to her comments about Taiwan last year.
00:11:28 話者 6
And US President Donald Trump plans to visit China in April.
Takaichi wants to keep him supportive of Japan's interest in his dealings with Beijing.
As such, she will not risk alienating him over Venezuela.
It's hard to say when we'll see any progress between Japanese and Chinese diplomats on this front.
But when it comes to Trump, Takaichi has every incentive to keep a good relationship.
SEOUL AND TOKYO SEEK FUTURE-ORIENTED COOPERATION
00:12:05 話者 1
Following talks with his Chinese counterpart earlier this week, South Korean President Lee Jae-yeon is preparing for another summit.
He's scheduled to meet with Japan's prime minister next week.
NHK's Kim Chan-ju reports on Lee's pragmatic diplomacy and how this might impact Seoul's relationship with Tokyo.
00:12:29 話者 3
President Lee first met with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae at the APEC summit meeting in October. They agreed that future-oriented cooperation is vital.
00:12:42 話者 4
I was told that you said you wanted to develop this relationship in a future-oriented and stable manner. That's exactly what I have been saying all along.
00:12:52 話者 2
Under the current strategic environment, I believe the importance of Japan-South Korea relations, as well as Japan-South Korea-US cooperation, is increasing even further.
To that end, we should make good use of shuttle diplomacy.
00:13:09 話者 3
President Lee met with Japan's former Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru three times in just four months last year.
Professor Yang Gi-ho says such frequent meetings showed he was serious about maintaining friendly relations with Japan.
00:13:28 話者 7
President Lee was the first post-war leader to come to Japan before visiting the US upon taking office. In that sense, he clearly hopes to continue fostering a stable relationship between the two countries.
00:13:40 話者 3
Yang says this idea is strengthened by the US-led tariff negotiations.
and the trilateral security alliance of the three countries.
00:13:51 話者 7
Basically, any trade negotiation agenda originating from the US is a challenge facing South Korea and Japan.
South Korea and the US, as well as South Korea and Japan have to maintain communication and dialogue.
00:14:04 話者 3
During his election campaign, Lee was seen as critical toward Japan.
But since taking office, he has softened his stance and promoted pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interest.
00:14:20 話者 7
While there are indeed various unresolved issues between South Korea and Japan, it's desirable for the two countries to move beyond them and build future-oriented relations.
In particular, President Lee holds a belief, almost a conviction, that historical issues must not hinder the past or the future.
00:14:39 話者 3
In a poll last month, Lee maintained a high support rate of 62 percent, the main reason being his diplomacy.
People in South Korea want the upcoming summit to produce good results.
00:14:53 話者 11
I highly expect economic cooperation and the promotion of friendship between the two countries.
00:14:59 話者 12
I honestly think both countries need to get along with each other, as young people have a lot of interest in Japan. I hope the ties with Japan will become more stable.
00:15:10 話者 13
Some say the historical issue can't be overlooked. But I think there will be no future if people dwell on it too much.
00:15:18 話者 3
Yang says historical issues remain so sensitive that some political activities by Japanese politicians could hinder bilateral relations.
00:15:30 話者 7
If Takeichi visits Yasukuni Shrine by herself, or if Japanese politicians continue to make irresponsible statements, the relationship between the two countries could deteriorate.
Even though Yi wants to manage it stably and develop it cooperatively, the backlash could explode.
It's very important for both sides to handle historical and territorial issues stably through mutual restraint and consideration.
00:15:58 話者 3
Despite past friction between Seoul and Beijing, Lee announced after the summit that he and Xi agreed to develop a strategic cooperative partnership.
All eyes are on whether Lee and Takaichi can similarly deepen ties, and whether this possible development could help ease tensions in Northeast Asia.
Kim Chan-ju NHK World.
BUSINESS
00:16:30 話者 1
Now, let's see what's happening in the world of business.
Here's Ramin Mellegard from The Biz Desk.
00:16:37 話者 8
Thank you very much indeed.
JAPAN GOVT. PANEL URGES TIGHTER FOREIGN INVESTMENT SCREENING
A Japanese finance ministry panel has recommended a legal revision to tighten screening of inward foreign investments.
Now, the panel says the amendment is needed to adapt to a change of insecurity and in the change in the security environment.
By law, foreign investors planning to acquire shares of Japanese firms in certain sectors must give the government advance notice.
The panel says the requirement should extend to purchases by Japan-based investors deemed to be under the influence of foreign governments or state-run companies.
It also says the prior notification should be required when overseas investors acquire shares in foreign companies with stakes in Japanese businesses.
00:17:24 話者 2
Based on the recommendations, we will proceed with the revision of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. If the Diet situation permits, we want to submit the draft bill to the regular session this year.
00:17:37 話者 8
The panel also called for the strengthening of cross-ministerial cooperation, as the country aims to launch a Japanese version of the US Committee on Foreign Investment.
WARNER BROS. REJECTS REVISED OFFER BY PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE
US media giant Warner Brothers Discovery has rejected a revised offer by rival Paramount Skydance.
Paramount has been vying with US video streaming firm Netflix to acquire Warner Brothers.
The Hollywood studios called on shareholders to reject Paramount's amended offer.
Warner Brothers says the deal remains inadequate, particularly given the insufficient value it would provide.
The studio also expressed concern over the amount of debt financing that Paramount would require for the transaction.
Paramount put forward the revised offer in late December after its initial one was rejected.
The amended bid includes a $40 billion personal guarantee from Oracle's executive
Larry Ellison. He's the father of Paramount CEO David Ellison.
Warner Brothers says the terms of the Netflix deal are superior.
CHALLENGES FOR CHINA'S ECONOMY IN 2026
Next, we examine the outlook for China's economy for 2026.
The country has grown as the world's factory, but it faces a serious imbalance over production amid shrinking domestic consumption.
Experts warn that neglecting this problem could damage its own economy as well as the global one.
00:19:06 話者 9
China held its Central Economic Work Conference in December to set policy for 2026.
Chinese leaders acknowledged the contradiction between strong domestic supply and weak demand.
Boosting domestic consumption and tackling overproduction are top priorities.
China's prolonged property slump is one reason for lower consumption, with many household assets tied to real estate.
This expert says domestic demand is under severe strain.
He urges rapid anti-deflation measures, including stabilizing the property sector and addressing excess supply.
00:19:47 話者 10
One of the biggest problems now is intense price competition. A lot of policies have been rolled out, but most are based on the idea that prices shouldn't be cut.
When it comes to consumption, current subsidy schemes for replacement, such as for appliances and cars, just bring demand forward.
There's no fundamental solution. Without deep structural reforms, there's a real risk China could repeat Japan's lost two or three decades.
00:20:17 話者 9
Another analyst expects the economic slowdown to continue for now, but not to become as severe as Japan's post-bubble downturn in the '90s.
00:20:29 話者 5
China has studied Japan's experience closely and is trying to avoid a similar collapse.
The country also benefits from strong central leadership, which makes it easier to push through policies.
As a result, industries like electric vehicles and solar panels swept across global markets.
High-tech sectors such as AI, semiconductors, and biotechnology are also growing now.
00:20:54 話者 9
Even if China's advanced industries grow, continued overproduction will worsen so-called export deflation.
That means large volumes of low-priced Chinese goods flooding global markets and pushing prices down elsewhere, like EVs and solar panels.
00:21:13 話者 10
If domestic demand fails to pick up, China would have no choice but to export its excess products.
Looking at electric vehicles, for countries without their own auto industry, cheap, high-quality imports would be a plus. But for those that do have one,
Local industries risk being undercut. I think we are likely to see stronger moves in 2026, like higher tariffs and tighter import controls.
00:21:44 話者 9
The Xi Jinping leadership is inclined to use economic pressure on other countries like the US and Japan.
This includes tighter controls on rare earth exports, travel advisories, and suspension of seafood imports. Seguchi believes this approach will continue.
00:22:03 話者 5
I think China wants to avoid confrontation with the US if possible, so even when it retaliates, it tends to do so with some restraint.
But doing nothing would invite domestic criticism for being too soft, so some retaliation is likely.
Middle powers like Japan, South Korea, and Australia don't receive the same consideration. If China is dissatisfied, it will use whatever leverage it has.
I believe it's crucial for Japan to work closely with other partners, sharing strategies on how to manage relations with both Washington and Beijing, and forming alliances when necessary.
00:22:38 話者 9
With the property downturn and slowing domestic demand dragging on, both experts forecast GDP growth in 2026 in the low 4 percent range, below last year's level.
China accounts for around one-fifth of the global economy,
so even modest changes in its growth path will be felt far beyond its borders.
MARKETS
00:23:02 話者 8
Okay, let's go check on the markets.
♪
And that is it for Business News.
♫～
WEATHER
00:23:54 話者 1
Now it's time to check out the world weather. Much of Europe is being affected by cold conditions. Our meteorologist, Yumi Hirano, has the details.
00:24:05 話者 11
Arctic air is covering Europe this week.
People in the Balkans are facing severe cold and heavy snow.
Much of Hungary was blanketed by heavy snow on Wednesday, creating beautiful frozen lakes as temperatures dropped below zero.
In Bosnia, some areas got intense snowfall that blocked roads.
According to the Bosnia Weather Agency, the capital had over 30 centimeters of snow on Wednesday. Other areas experienced high river levels and flooding.
Some tourists still visited the iconic Old Ridge, braving the cold weather.
The system, which brought heavy snow and rain, is now expected to affect Ukraine and Turkey into Friday.
And people in France and the British Isles should watch out for another system approaching from the Atlantic.
It's expected to intensify and bring strong winds, storm surges, and also heavy snowfall.
Hurricane-force gusts of 160 kilometers per hour are possible in western France.
Moving to Japan, cold air is bringing heavy snow to Hokkaido.
26 centimeters in just six hours fell in Sapporo, setting a record for January.
More snow is expected from Hokkaido to Hokuriku on Thursday, but the conditions will ease on Friday.
However, another round of heavy snow is likely to arrive over the long holiday weekend.
Sapporo and Niigata will have heavy snow and strong winds on Sunday and Monday.
There is a risk of blizzard and whiteout conditions. Snow is also likely in Fukuyoka.
Tokyo will stay on the sunny side, but the high will only be 9 on Monday.
That's it for now. Have a nice day.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
NEW YEAR BONFIRES IN NAGASAKI
00:26:36 話者 1
We leave you with a new year tradition in Japan.
People prayed for good health and the well-being of their families by lighting bonfires.
The fires are called onibitaki.
They are lit on January 7 in Goto City in Nagasaki Prefecture.
They are meant to ward off demons and evil.
Residents of the Ohama district built and burned a bamboo tower about 10 meters tall near the sea.
They added New Year decorations from their homes.
They roasted rice cakes in the embers.
Eating them is traditionally believed to ensure good health in the coming year.
00:27:25 話者 10
Holding this kind of event is very good for our community ties.
00:27:32 話者 1
A community leader also says he'll pray everyone stays healthy and happy.
That's all for this edition of NHK Newsline. I'm Morishita Erika in Tokyo.
Thank you for joining us.
checked.
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿