The Yomiuri Shimbun August 29, 2013
Uncover the full truth about alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria
シリア内戦 化学兵器疑惑の徹底解明を(8月28日付・読売社説)
The death toll in the Syrian civil war has already exceeded 100,000. With last week’s alleged use of chemical weapons by Syrian government forces in mind, it is all the more imperative that the country’s bloodshed be stopped without further delay.
シリア内戦では、犠牲者がすでに10万人を超えた。まして化学兵器が使用されたとすれば、一刻の猶予もなく流血を止めなければならない。
President Bashar Assad’s regime forces fired rockets loaded with chemical gas on the suburbs of Damascus last Wednesday, killing and injuring a large number of civilians, according to the opposition Syrian National Coalition. Video footage of children injured in the attack has also been released on the Internet.
シリアの反体制派組織「国民連合」によると、アサド政権軍は21日、ダマスカス郊外に化学兵器を搭載したロケット弾を撃ち込み、多数の市民が犠牲になったという。負傷した子供たちの動画もインターネットで公開された。
The Assad government adamantly denies using chemical weapons, and insists the attack in question was perpetrated by rebel forces.
政権側は、これを全面否定し、化学兵器攻撃を行ったのは反体制派だと主張している。
Using chemical weapons is a clear violation of international law. If it is established that regime forces used chemical weapons, the Assad government must be sternly brought to task.
化学兵器の使用は、明白な国際規範違反である。事実が確認されれば、責任が厳しく問われなければならない。
A U.N. investigation team in Syria has started trying to confirm whether chemical weapons were used. However, the U.N. team is experiencing difficulties in probing the incident. One of the mission’s vehicles was fired on by unidentified snipers.
シリアに入っていた国連調査団は、現地で化学兵器が使われたかどうかを確認する作業に入ったが、何者かに車両を銃撃される妨害に遭い、難航している。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during a visit to Kuwait, had every reason to say, “I hope the U.N. investigating commission’s on-site probe will be conducted without disruption, and that all the facts will be established at an early date.”
安倍首相が、外遊先のクウェートで「国連調査団の現地調査が妨害なく遂行され、事実関係が早期に明らかにされることを望む」と語ったのはもっともである。
Results of the investigation will likely be referred to a session of the U.N. Security Council. The council should implement necessary measures toward Syria after establishing the facts about the alleged use of chemical weapons, based on the U.N. team’s findings.
調査結果は、安全保障理事会での討議に付される見通しだ。安保理は、調査結果を踏まえて、化学兵器疑惑を解明し、シリアへの対応措置を講じる必要がある。
Military response looming
The United States has started discussions with members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, including Britain and France, regarding whether to launch a military strike on Syrian government targets. Washington has concluded that Assad regime forces used chemical weapons during last week’s attack. Its talks with NATO allies over possible military action came before the U.N. team produces its report.
米国は、アサド政権側が化学兵器を使用したとみなし、国連の調査結果を待たず、英国やフランスなど北大西洋条約機構(NATO)諸国との間で、政権側に対する軍事攻撃の検討に入った。
U.S. President Barack Obama had initially been cautious about becoming directly involved in the Syrian civil war. However, he is shifting to a hard-line approach.
オバマ大統領はこれまで、シリア内戦への米国の直接関与について、慎重な態度を取ってきたが、強硬姿勢に転じつつある。
This is presumably because the alleged chemical weapons attack took place despite his repeated warnings to the Assad government that the use of deadly gases would cross “a red line.” Overlooking the latest incident would tarnish the national prestige of the United States. It could also encourage the use of chemical weapons in other parts of the world.
化学兵器の使用は「越えてはならない一線」とアサド政権に強く警告してきたからでもあろう。化学兵器使用を黙認すると、米国の威信に傷が付く。世界の他の地域にも使用が広まりかねない。
However, it should be noted that the U.S. State Department has emphasized the importance of seeking “a political solution” to the Syrian problem. Needless to say, further diplomatic efforts must be made to resolve the armed conflict before the United States and NATO nations possibly decide to launch a military operation.
ただ、米国務省は、「政治的解決」の重要性も強調している。軍事行動を決定する前に、一層の外交努力の積み重ねが求められるのは言うまでもない。
Another important task that must complement efforts to uncover the truth about the alleged chemical weapons use is to renew efforts to end the Syrian civil war, a challenge that will require shoring up international pressure on the Assad regime, which has relentlessly attacked the people of its own country.
疑惑の解明と並行して、自国民への攻撃をやめようとしないアサド政権への国際的圧力をより強化し、内戦の収拾を改めて目指すことも重要だ。
This year’s Group of Eight summit meeting in June agreed that the Syrian government, rebel forces and nations with a stake in the problem would hold an international conference aimed at ending the civil war. Such a meeting would ideally be convened as early as possible.
6月の主要8か国首脳会議は、シリアの和平に向け、政権と反体制派、関係各国による国際会議の開催で合意している。早期の会議実現が望まれる。
We will be closely watching how the United Nations and the international community handle the Syrian situation.
シリアをめぐる国連と国際社会の動向を注目したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 28, 2013)
(2013年8月28日02時13分 読売新聞)
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 29, 2013
Ban’s bias on history issues incompatible with U.N. post
潘国連事務総長 資質問われる偏向「介入」発言(8月28日付・読売社説)
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon’s recent remarks are unbelievable.
耳を疑うような国連事務総長の発言である。
“I think Japanese political leaders need to profoundly reflect on how to perceive history to maintain good-neighborly relations in a future-oriented way, and a vision to look ahead into the global future,” Ban said at a press conference at the South Korean Foreign Ministry on Monday.
潘基文事務総長が、韓国外交省で記者会見し、「歴史をどう認識すれば未来志向的に善隣友好関係を維持できるのか、日本の政府、政治指導者には、深い省察と国際的な未来を見通すビジョンが必要だ」と述べた。
He made the remarks in response to a question from a South Korean reporter who asked about the United Nations’ view and his own view as U.N. secretary general with regard to the confrontation between Japan and China and South Korea on the perception of history and territorial issues as well as Japan’s moves to revise the Constitution.
韓国人記者から、歴史認識や領土問題を巡る日中韓の対立と日本の憲法改正の動きについて、国連および事務総長としての見解を質問されて、答えた内容だ。
Ban is a veteran diplomat who served as foreign minister under the administration of former South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun. However, as U.N. secretary general, he is obliged to remain neutral and fair, refraining from siding with any particular country.
潘氏は、韓国の盧武鉉政権時代に外相を務めたベテラン外交官だ。だが、今は国連事務総長として、特定の国にくみしない中立性、公平性が求められている。
He did not refer to South Korean and Chinese politicians. By restricting his remarks to Japanese politicians, people around the world may believe Japan is the cause of frictions in Northeast Asia. It is obvious his remarks were one-sided and problematic.
潘氏は韓国や中国の政治家には触れなかった。日本の政治指導者だけへの言及は、あたかも北東アジア地域のあつれきの原因が日本にあるかのように、世界中で受け取られかねない。一方的で、問題ある発言と言わざるを得ない。
Customarily, a U.N. secretary general speaks at a press conference in English or French, two of the United Nations’ official languages, but Ban spoke in Korean throughout most of the press conference. This is extremely unusual.
事務総長の会見は、国連公用語の英語かフランス語で行われるのが通例だが、今回は異例にも大半が韓国語で行われた。
Ban implicitly demanded that Japan correct its view of history, saying a country only can earn respect and trust from other nations through a correct recognition of history.
潘氏は、「歴史に正しい認識を持ってこそ、他の国々から尊敬と信頼を受けるのではないか」と、暗に日本に注文も付けた。
Parroting Seoul’s stance
His remarks echo what South Korea has been saying. Seoul has relentlessly demanded that Japan face up to its prewar history by saying it should “have a correct recognition of history.” Ban’s comment therefore supports South Korea. The secretary general, who is supposed to mediate international disputes and conflicts, should not openly fan confrontation.
「正しい歴史認識を持て」と、日本に戦前の歴史に向き合うよう執拗(しつよう)に求める韓国と同じ言い方である。韓国の肩を持つ発言だ。本来、様々な紛争や対立を調停する立場の事務総長が、対立をあからさまにあおってどうするのか。
History cannot be neatly packaged under the term “correct recognition.”
歴史は、「正しい認識」でひとくくりにできないものだ。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshi-hide Suga said, “I strongly wonder whether Secretary General Ban made the remarks while considering Japan’s position.” He cited Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s remark, “It’s necessary for leaders to exchange opinions to maintain regional peace and stability.” It was natural for him to raise objections.
菅官房長官は、「地域の平和と安定のためには首脳同士が意見交換することが必要だ」との安倍首相の発言を引いて、「こうした日本の立場を認識した上での発言なのか、非常に疑問を感じている」と述べた。当然の反発である。
The Japanese government needs to confirm Ban’s real intentions and to actively convey Japan’s position at such places as the United Nations so that its stance will not be misunderstood around the world.
政府は、潘氏に発言の真意をただし、日本の立場が世界で誤解されぬよう、国連などの場で、積極的な発信に努める必要がある。
For nearly 70 years since the end of World War II, Japan has consistently made efforts to promote world peace and prosperity. How does Ban evaluate Japan’s postwar history?
戦後70年近く、日本は一貫して平和と繁栄のために努力してきた。これまでの日本の戦後の歴史を、潘氏はどう評価するのか。
The Japan-South Korea Basic Relations Treaty of 1965 is an established international agreement that defines the bilateral relationship between the two countries after World War II. Even though the issue of compensation rights has been resolved, South Korea keeps raking over the issue of reparations for former forced laborers and on the issue of so-called comfort women.
1965年の日韓基本条約は、戦後の日本と韓国の関係を規定する国際協定として確立している。請求権問題は解決ずみなのに、韓国は、元徴用工への賠償や元慰安婦問題を蒸し返してやまない。
Ban, as an official of the international organization, should inform Seoul that South Korea’s common sense is irrational in other parts of the world.
国際機関に籍を置くなら、潘氏は、韓国の常識は世界の非常識であると韓国に伝えるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 28, 2013)
(2013年8月28日02時13分 読売新聞)
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 28, 2013
Use NISA system as pump-priming step water to reinvigorate investment
NISA 投資活性化の呼び水にしたい(8月27日付・読売社説)
We hope the Nippon Individual Savings Account system, or NISA, will help move individual financial assets held in the form of cash and deposits into investment and revitalize the nation’s economy.
現金や預金として滞留する個人金融資産を投資に誘導し、経済を活性化させる契機としたい。
NISA, a new tax system that offers tax exemptions on capital gains and dividend income from stocks and other investments of up to ¥1 million a year, will be introduced in January next year.
年間100万円までの株式投資などについて、売却益や配当を非課税とする新税制「NISA(ニーサ)」が、2014年1月にスタートする。
Financial institutions, including securities companies and banks, have already put their efforts to win new customers into full gear.
証券会社や銀行などの金融機関は、すでに新たな顧客獲得を目指す動きを本格化させている。
We applaud that stock markets will be reinvigorated due to competition over services among financial institutions, but they should refrain from forceful solicitation.
サービス競争で株式市場が活気づくのは歓迎だが、強引な勧誘などは控えるべきである。
It is essential to carefully foster NISA by listening to investors so that the new system will become a pump-priming measure to help individual investment take root in this country.
NISAが個人投資を根付かせる呼び水となるよう、利用者の声にもしっかり耳を傾け、大事に育てることが大切だ。
People aged 20 or older and living in Japan can open a NISA account at a financial institutions. The tax exemption period is five years and if ¥1 million is invested every year, the capital gains and dividends on ¥5 million worth of investments will be tax exempt.
金融機関にNISAの専用口座を開設できるのは、日本に住む20歳以上の人だ。非課税期間は5年間で、毎年100万円ずつ口座を開けば、非課税枠は500万円まで拡大できる。
The total amount of individual financial assets in Japan is estimated at a massive ¥1.6 quadrillion. However, more than half of those are in cash and deposits. The ratio of stocks and other investments used to fund corporate activity is only about 8 percent, which is far lower than the 34 percent in the United States and 15 percent in Europe.
日本の個人金融資産は約1600兆円と巨額だ。ただし、その半分以上は現金と預金で占められている。企業の活動資金となる「株式・出資金」の比率は約8%にとどまり、米国の34%や欧州の15%よりはるかに低い。
If individual assets, encouraged by NISA, flow into stock markets, it would be beneficial to corporate growth. The spread of long-term investment by individuals for the purpose of asset building will help stabilize stock prices.
NISAに後押しされる形で、個人資金が株式市場に流入していけば、企業の成長促進にとって有益だ。資産形成のため、個人の長期投資が広がることは、株価の安定にも役立つだろう。
Under Britain’s Individual Savings Account system, which NISA is modeled after, 40 percent of the population opened an ISA account.
NISAのお手本となった英国の「ISA」の場合、口座開設者が人口の4割に達するという。
Careful explanation essential
To promote wide use of NISA in Japan, it is indispensable for financial institutions to give detailed explanations about the new system to their customers.
日本でも普及させるには、金融機関が顧客に、丁寧に説明することが不可欠といえる。
Rather than placing priority on sales quota or simply stressing NISA’s merits, they must explain risks associated with investments as well as the system’s flaws.
営業ノルマを優先し、メリットばかり強調するのではなく、投資に伴うリスクや短所も、きちんと伝える姿勢が求められる。
For example, if losses are incurred due to a drop in the value of stocks and investment trusts, investors are not eligible for tax exemptions. Another problem is that if investors open a NISA account at a financial institution that only handles investment trusts, they cannot invest in particular stocks.
例えば、株式や投資信託が値下がりして損失を出すと、非課税の恩恵は受けられない。投資信託しか扱わない会社で口座を開くと、株式の個別銘柄などには投資できないという問題もある。
We urge people considering a NISA account to think carefully about selecting the financial institution where they will open their NISA account.
NISAを始める人は、口座をどの金融機関に開くか、よく考えて選択してもらいたい。
One person can only open one NISA account in principle and in the first four years, the individual must keep investing at the same financial institution. This is inconvenient for investors and is believed to be one reason financial institutions are desperately trying to attract and keep customers.
NISAは原則1人1口座で、当初4年は毎年、同じ金融機関でしか口座を開けない仕組みだ。利用者には不便なうえに、金融機関が顧客の囲い込みに必死になる要因とも指摘される。
It is said that the Financial Services Agency plans to change this regulation so people can switch their NISA accounts to a different financial institution every year. The government should discuss changes to NISA to encourage its use by more people.
金融庁は、口座を開設する金融機関を毎年変えられるよう改める方針という。NISAの利用拡大を図るためにも、政府は制度の手直しを検討すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 27, 2013)
(2013年8月27日02時03分 読売新聞)
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 27, 2013
Deepen strategic ties with nations of GCC to ensure energy security
首相中東訪問 資源確保へ戦略的協力深めよ(8月26日付・読売社説)
To ensure stable supplies of energy resources to this country, it is crucial to deepen strategic cooperation with the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
エネルギー資源の安定的な確保に向け、日本が湾岸協力会議(GCC)各国と戦略的な協力を深める意義は大きい。
On Saturday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Bahrain, the chair of the GCC, and had talks with Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
安倍首相がGCC議長国のバーレーンを訪問し、ハリファ首相と会談した。
The two leaders agreed to hold strategic ministerial dialogues between Japan and the GCC, while setting up a framework for working-level security talks. Signs are that the strategic dialogues may begin as early as September.
日本とGCCの閣僚級戦略対話の開始や、事務レベルの安全保障対話の新設で一致した。戦略対話は9月にも開かれる見通しだ。
The GCC, a regional organization comprising six Middle East nations facing the Persian Gulf, groups Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman.
GCCは、同国と、サウジアラビア、アラブ首長国連邦(UAE)、カタール、クウェート、オマーンの計6か国で構成される。
Abe, who visited Saudi Arabia and the UAE in spring this year, will also visit Qatar and Kuwait on the current trip.
安倍首相は、今春にサウジとUAEを訪れており、今回はカタール、クウェートも歴訪する。
Japan depends on GCC members for more than 70 percent of its annual crude oil imports amid the country’s stringent energy supply-demand situation caused by delays in the resumption of nuclear power plant operations after the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake.
原子力発電所の再稼働が進まずにエネルギー需給が逼迫(ひっぱく)する中、日本が原油の年間輸入量の7割超をGCC各国に依存していることを踏まえたものだ。
The Persian Gulf’s maritime shipping lanes for transporting crude oil and other resources are vitally important to the Japanese economy. Continual consultations must be held on such issues as securing the sea lanes and preparing antipiracy countermeasures as part of the strategic Japan-GCC dialogues.
原油などを運ぶペルシャ湾の海上交通路(シーレーン)は、日本にとって死活的な重要性を持つ。戦略対話では、シーレーンの安全確保策や海賊対策などを継続的に協議することが大切である。
In January, Japanese nationals were taken hostage in Algeria. As part of the Japan-GCC dialogues, information about terrorist activities by extremists in the Middle East and Africa must be shared.
1月にはアルジェリアで邦人人質事件が発生した。中東・アフリカの過激派によるテロ情報の共有・交換も着実に進めるべきだ。
Conducive to ME peace
As chances of having summit talks with China and South Korea in the near future appear slim, Abe has focused his diplomatic efforts on the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
安倍首相は、中国、韓国との首脳会談ができない中、対中東・東南アジア外交を重視している。
Expediting efforts to strengthen ties with these regions’ mid-level countries will most likely earn Japan a precious diplomatic asset from the mid- and long-term points of view.
こうした中堅国との関係を強化することは、中長期的に日本外交の貴重な“財産”となるはずだ。
In the Mideast, the situations in Egypt and Syria have been deteriorating alarmingly amid discussions on the problems of Iran’s nuclear development programs and Middle East peace negotiations. Building up strategic relations between Japan and the GCC nations may indirectly help stabilize the Middle East as a whole.
中東では今、エジプト、シリア情勢が悪化する一方、イランの核開発問題の協議や中東和平交渉が続く。日本のGCCとの戦略的関係の構築は、中東全体の安定に向けた側面支援にもつながろう。
In Saturday’s talks, Japan and Bahrain agreed to resume talks on a Japan-GCC free trade agreement and expand cooperation in such fields as agriculture, railways and medical services.
首脳会談では経済分野で、日本とGCCの自由貿易協定(FTA)交渉の再開や、農業・鉄道・医療分野の協力拡大で合意した。
In the current tour of Middle East countries, Abe is accompanied by an economic mission comprising about 50 people, who represent mostly private-sector businesses. This is because a number of large-scale infrastructure development projects have been planned in the GCC countries, including some in Qatar, which will host the 2022 World Cup soccer tournament.
安倍首相の歴訪には、50人規模の民間企業関係者らが同行している。2022年にサッカー・ワールドカップを開催するカタールをはじめ各国で、大型の社会資本整備が予定されているためだ。
Economic cooperation between the two sides should be encouraged in a way reciprocally beneficial to Japan and the GCC.
日本、GCC双方の利益となるよう経済面の連携を進めたい。
The prime minister will visit Djibouti on Tuesday to encourage Maritime Self-Defense Force members engaged in antipiracy activities in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia. The MSDF has been enhancing its presence in the region by dispatching destroyers and P-3C surveillance aircraft.
首相は27日にジブチを訪れ、アデン湾で海賊対処行動に従事する海上自衛隊員を激励する。海自は護衛艦とP3C哨戒機を派遣し、日本の存在感を高めている。
Abe’s words of encouragement will be sure to help improve the morale of the MSDF personnel. The prime minister has often expressed his appreciation of the roles of the Self-Defense Forces, frequently visiting SDF troops in various places. We hope the prime minister will continue this practice.
首相の激励は隊員の士気を高めよう。首相は従来、自衛隊の役割を高く評価し、各地で部隊訪問を重ねている。今後も、こうした姿勢を維持してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 26, 2013)
(2013年8月26日01時17分 読売新聞)
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 25, 2013
China’s hegemonic ambition heightening regional tension
中国海洋強国化 地域の緊張高める覇権主義(8月24日付・読売社説)
The administration of Chinese President Xi Jinping, which has been stepping up efforts to make the country a great maritime power, seems to have more fully revealed its hard-line stance through a recent statement by the Chinese defense chief in the United States.
「海洋強国化」を加速する中国の習近平政権が強硬姿勢を一段と鮮明にしたと言えよう。
In a joint news conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel held after their meeting, Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan warned that nobody should have the idea that China would ever relinquish its core interests.
米国を訪れた中国の常万全国防相は、ヘーゲル米国防長官との会談後の共同記者会見で、「中国が核心的利益を手放すと夢想すべきではない」と強調した。
This was a peremptory statement, as he clearly had in mind the confrontation with Japan over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture and friction with Vietnam and the Philippines over sovereignty in the South China Sea. Chang went on to say that China’s determination to defend its territory, sovereignty and maritime interests should not be underestimated.
沖縄県・尖閣諸島を巡る日本との対立や、南シナ海の領有権問題でのベトナム、フィリピンとの摩擦を念頭に置いた威圧的発言である。常氏は「我々の領土、主権、海洋権益を守る決意を過小評価すべきではない」とも語った。
His statement echoes Xi’s remarks at a key conference in late July that “core interests cannot be sacrificed” and his resolve to build a “strong maritime state.”
習国家主席が7月末の重要会議で、「核心的利益は犠牲にできない」と、「海洋強国」建設へ決意表明したことを受けたものだ。
Chang’s warning could be intended as a check on the Asia-focused military strategy of the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama. It was also likely meant to put pressure on Japan prior to the first anniversary of the Japanese government’s nationalization of the Senkakus in September.
オバマ米政権の「アジア重視」の軍事戦略に対する牽制(けんせい)だろう。日本政府の尖閣諸島国有化から9月で1年になるのを前に、日本に圧力をかける狙いもある。
On Aug. 15, the 68th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Chinese military conducted live-fire drills and other training with the aircraft carrier Liaoning. These might be intended as threats to Japan.
終戦の日の8月15日、中国軍が東シナ海での実弾演習と、空母「遼寧」の訓練を実施したのも、日本への威嚇のつもりなのだろう。
Xi has said that China will never seek to reign supreme. But backed by its strong military power, China has been trying to forcibly impound the sea, a common resource, thereby achieving hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region.
習氏は「中国は決して覇権を唱えない」と言うが、強大な軍事力を背景に公共財である海洋を力ずくで囲い込み、アジア太平洋地域で覇権を握ろうとしている。
Accidental clashes feared
In light of the January incident in which Chinese Navy ships locked weapons-targeting radar onto a Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel near the Senkakus, the Xi administration’s hard-line stance may provoke Chinese troops to engage in radical and provocative actions in the field.
尖閣諸島周辺で1月、中国海軍艦艇によるレーダー照射事件が起きたように、習政権の強硬姿勢は、現場部隊の過激な挑発行動を煽(あお)る可能性がある。
Japan must tighten its guard around the Senkakus.
日本は尖閣諸島周辺の警戒を強めねばならない。
To prevent accidental military clashes involving ships and aircraft, it is necessary to accelerate the building of a “maritime communications mechanism” between Japanese and Chinese military authorties. The Xi administration must proceed with talks on the matter as long as it claims to seek “peaceful development.”
艦艇や航空機の偶発的な軍事衝突を回避するために、日中防衛当局間の緊急連絡体制である「海上連絡メカニズム」の構築を急ぐ必要がある。習政権は「平和発展」を掲げている以上、協議を進めるべきではないか。
The situation is no less serious in the South China Sea. China last year took control of the Scarborough Shoal, over which the Philippines also claims sovereignty, and has its government ships patrol around the shoal.
南シナ海でも同様に事態は深刻だ。中国とフィリピンが領有権を巡って対立するスカボロー礁では昨年、中国が支配権を確立し、公船の巡回を常態化させている。
The United States and the Philippines entered into negotiations in the middle of this month to conclude a new agreement that would increase the frequency and expand the scale of U.S. military patrols. This is a concrete step to push the new Asia-centered U.S. strategy and a laudable strengthening of deterrence against China.
米国はフィリピンとの間で、米軍の巡回頻度と展開規模を拡大する新協定締結に向けた協議を今月中旬から始めた。「アジア重視」戦略の具体化であり、対中抑止力を強める動きと評価できよう。
Japan will provide 10 patrol boats to the Philippines. These ships will help improve the country’s maritime security capabilities. Cooperation must also be deepened in terms of personnel development.
日本は巡視船10隻を供与する。フィリピンの海上保安能力の向上に寄与するだろう。人材養成面でも協力を深めたい。
It is crucial for Japan to emphasize the unjustness of China’s provocations in international forums, including the expanded defense ministerial conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to be held later this month.
今月末の東南アジア諸国連合(ASEAN)拡大国防相会議などで、日本は中国の挑発の不当さを訴えていくことが重要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 24, 2013)
(2013年8月24日01時11分 読売新聞)