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2016年03月02日
シリア情勢 露主導の停戦に不安が残る
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Uncertainties remain about Russia-led ceasefire to end Syrian civil war
シリア情勢 露主導の停戦に不安が残る
The ceasefire brokered by the United States and Russia to end the Syrian civil war has taken effect. Fighting between the administration of President Bashar Assad and antigovernment groups has largely subsided but it remains to be seen whether the truce can be maintained.
シリア内戦を巡り、米国とロシアが共に呼びかけた停戦が発効した。アサド政権と反体制派の戦闘は概おおむね沈静化したが、このまま維持できるかどうかは予断を許さない。
Large-scale fighting has been halted temporarily for the first time in the five years since the start of the civil war. The United Nations has announced a plan for peace talks, suspended in early February, to resume next Monday. The ceasefire must be maintained to help promote these talks.
５年に及ぶ内戦で大規模な戦闘が一時停止したのは、初めてである。国連は、２月上旬から中断している和平協議を７日に再開する方針を発表した。停戦を保ち、協議進展につなげねばならない。
The main framework of the ceasefire agreement is for the Assad regime and rebel groups to end their hostilities and accept food and water supplies for citizens from the United Nations and other organizations. The accord also calls for both parties to resume peace talks and discuss how to implement a road map starting with the establishment of a transitional government and leading to an election and formation of a new government.
アサド政権と反体制派が攻撃を中止し、国連などによる住民向けの食糧や水を受け入れることが停戦の主な枠組みだ。和平協議に応じ、移行政権樹立から選挙実施、新政権発足までの行程表の履行を話し合うことも含まれる。
The truce does not apply to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militant group, the Al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and other terrorist organizations. The U.S.-led coalition and Russia are permitted to continue military campaigns against these groups.
過激派組織「イスラム国」や、アル・カーイダ系の「ヌスラ戦線」などのテロ組織には、停戦は適用されない。米国主導の有志連合やロシアは、こうした勢力への軍事作戦を継続できる。
ISIL has stated it will try to thwart the ceasefire by continuing hostilities and terrorist attacks. Resolute responses are needed by the countries concerned.
「イスラム国」は、戦闘やテロを続け、停戦を妨害する構えを示している。関係国の断固とした対処が求められよう。
Ukraine a vexing precedent
One worry is a scenario in which the Assad regime and its ally Russia attack rebel groups under the pretext of wiping out terrorist groups, thereby breaking the truce.
懸念されるのは、アサド政権と、政権を支援するロシアがテロ組織掃討の名目で反体制派を攻撃し、停戦が破られる事態だ。
Before the ceasefire went into effect, air raids were carried out on the rebels’ stronghold in Aleppo on the grounds that Nusra Front fighters “are in the neighborhood.”
停戦前の反体制派拠点アレッポへの空爆も、「ヌスラ戦線兵士が周辺にいる」ことが理由になっていた。
The activities of the Nusra Front and the rebel groups overlap in many areas. Can Russia give a good explanation that it is not attacking the rebels?
ヌスラ戦線と反体制派の活動範囲は、重なる場合が多い。ロシアは、反体制派を攻撃していないという十分な説明ができるのか。
The ceasefire will be monitored by U.S., Russian and other working teams, but their operations are limited to information-gathering in areas where Russian troops are stationed and in Jordan, a country adjacent to Syria.
停戦監視は、米露などの作業チームが、シリアの露軍駐屯地や隣国ヨルダンなどで、情報収集を進めるにとどまっている。
The effectiveness of the truce cannot be assured unless an international framework including the United Nations is established to confirm on the spot when the ceasefire is violated and to respond adequately.
国連などが現地で停戦違反を確認し、対応する体制でなければ、実効性は期待できない。
U.S. President Barack Obama revealed his suspicions about Russia over the truce, saying that he was “not under any illusions.” He made this statement likely because of what happened in the Ukrainian conflict. While calling for a ceasefire, Russia continued to provide assistance to pro-Russia armed groups.
オバマ米大統領は停戦について、「いかなる幻想も抱いていない」と述べ、ロシアへの不信を露あらわにした。ウクライナ紛争での前例があるからだろう。ロシアは停戦を呼びかける一方で、親露派武装集団への支援を続けた。
The truce this time was reached with Moscow taking the leading role. Russian President Vladimir Putin said, “The true opportunity for ending bloodshed and violence has finally come.” He made this statement likely because he had ascertained that the Assad regime could be kept in place and Russia could secure influence in the Middle East to counter that of the United States.
今回の停戦を主導したのはロシアだ。プーチン大統領は「流血と暴力に終止符を打つ真の機会がようやく訪れた」と語った。アサド政権の温存や、中東で米国に対抗する影響力の確保に、メドがついたという判断からではないか。
The U.S.-Russia struggle for hegemony will only make it more difficult to resolve the conflict. Unless the civil war is ended, ISIL will not be weakened and the outflow of refugees will not be curbed. The international community must not forget this.
米露の覇権争いは、事態収拾を困難にするだけである。内戦が終結しなければ、「イスラム国」の弱体化や難民流出の抑制への道が開かれないことを、国際社会は忘れてはなるまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 1, 2016)
Uncertainties remain about Russia-led ceasefire to end Syrian civil war
シリア情勢 露主導の停戦に不安が残る
The ceasefire brokered by the United States and Russia to end the Syrian civil war has taken effect. Fighting between the administration of President Bashar Assad and antigovernment groups has largely subsided but it remains to be seen whether the truce can be maintained.
シリア内戦を巡り、米国とロシアが共に呼びかけた停戦が発効した。アサド政権と反体制派の戦闘は概おおむね沈静化したが、このまま維持できるかどうかは予断を許さない。
Large-scale fighting has been halted temporarily for the first time in the five years since the start of the civil war. The United Nations has announced a plan for peace talks, suspended in early February, to resume next Monday. The ceasefire must be maintained to help promote these talks.
５年に及ぶ内戦で大規模な戦闘が一時停止したのは、初めてである。国連は、２月上旬から中断している和平協議を７日に再開する方針を発表した。停戦を保ち、協議進展につなげねばならない。
The main framework of the ceasefire agreement is for the Assad regime and rebel groups to end their hostilities and accept food and water supplies for citizens from the United Nations and other organizations. The accord also calls for both parties to resume peace talks and discuss how to implement a road map starting with the establishment of a transitional government and leading to an election and formation of a new government.
アサド政権と反体制派が攻撃を中止し、国連などによる住民向けの食糧や水を受け入れることが停戦の主な枠組みだ。和平協議に応じ、移行政権樹立から選挙実施、新政権発足までの行程表の履行を話し合うことも含まれる。
The truce does not apply to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militant group, the Al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and other terrorist organizations. The U.S.-led coalition and Russia are permitted to continue military campaigns against these groups.
過激派組織「イスラム国」や、アル・カーイダ系の「ヌスラ戦線」などのテロ組織には、停戦は適用されない。米国主導の有志連合やロシアは、こうした勢力への軍事作戦を継続できる。
ISIL has stated it will try to thwart the ceasefire by continuing hostilities and terrorist attacks. Resolute responses are needed by the countries concerned.
「イスラム国」は、戦闘やテロを続け、停戦を妨害する構えを示している。関係国の断固とした対処が求められよう。
Ukraine a vexing precedent
One worry is a scenario in which the Assad regime and its ally Russia attack rebel groups under the pretext of wiping out terrorist groups, thereby breaking the truce.
懸念されるのは、アサド政権と、政権を支援するロシアがテロ組織掃討の名目で反体制派を攻撃し、停戦が破られる事態だ。
Before the ceasefire went into effect, air raids were carried out on the rebels’ stronghold in Aleppo on the grounds that Nusra Front fighters “are in the neighborhood.”
停戦前の反体制派拠点アレッポへの空爆も、「ヌスラ戦線兵士が周辺にいる」ことが理由になっていた。
The activities of the Nusra Front and the rebel groups overlap in many areas. Can Russia give a good explanation that it is not attacking the rebels?
ヌスラ戦線と反体制派の活動範囲は、重なる場合が多い。ロシアは、反体制派を攻撃していないという十分な説明ができるのか。
The ceasefire will be monitored by U.S., Russian and other working teams, but their operations are limited to information-gathering in areas where Russian troops are stationed and in Jordan, a country adjacent to Syria.
停戦監視は、米露などの作業チームが、シリアの露軍駐屯地や隣国ヨルダンなどで、情報収集を進めるにとどまっている。
The effectiveness of the truce cannot be assured unless an international framework including the United Nations is established to confirm on the spot when the ceasefire is violated and to respond adequately.
国連などが現地で停戦違反を確認し、対応する体制でなければ、実効性は期待できない。
U.S. President Barack Obama revealed his suspicions about Russia over the truce, saying that he was “not under any illusions.” He made this statement likely because of what happened in the Ukrainian conflict. While calling for a ceasefire, Russia continued to provide assistance to pro-Russia armed groups.
オバマ米大統領は停戦について、「いかなる幻想も抱いていない」と述べ、ロシアへの不信を露あらわにした。ウクライナ紛争での前例があるからだろう。ロシアは停戦を呼びかける一方で、親露派武装集団への支援を続けた。
The truce this time was reached with Moscow taking the leading role. Russian President Vladimir Putin said, “The true opportunity for ending bloodshed and violence has finally come.” He made this statement likely because he had ascertained that the Assad regime could be kept in place and Russia could secure influence in the Middle East to counter that of the United States.
今回の停戦を主導したのはロシアだ。プーチン大統領は「流血と暴力に終止符を打つ真の機会がようやく訪れた」と語った。アサド政権の温存や、中東で米国に対抗する影響力の確保に、メドがついたという判断からではないか。
The U.S.-Russia struggle for hegemony will only make it more difficult to resolve the conflict. Unless the civil war is ended, ISIL will not be weakened and the outflow of refugees will not be curbed. The international community must not forget this.
米露の覇権争いは、事態収拾を困難にするだけである。内戦が終結しなければ、「イスラム国」の弱体化や難民流出の抑制への道が開かれないことを、国際社会は忘れてはなるまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 1, 2016)
2016年02月29日
Ｇ２０と政策協調 市場安定へ行動が求められる
The Yomiuri Shimbun
G-20 nations must coordinate policies to stabilize global financial markets
Ｇ２０と政策協調 市場安定へ行動が求められる
Can the current turmoil in global financial markets be contained by the latest moves of the Group of 20 countries? The developed and emerging market economies must coordinate their policies effectively to achieve this goal.
世界的な金融市場の混乱を、これで抑えられるか。先進国と新興国は政策協調を実効あるものとしなくてはならない。
A conference of the G-20 finance ministers and central bank governors ended on Saturday. A joint communique adopted at the conference included the grim perception that “Downside risks and vulnerabilities have risen” for the global economy.
主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議が閉幕した。採択された共同声明は、「世界経済の下方リスクと脆弱ぜいじゃく性が高まっている」とする厳しい認識を示した。
Based on this recognition, the G-20 countries expressed their strong resolve in the communique to “use all policy tools − monetary, fiscal and structural − individually and collectively” to check the global economy from stalling.
そのうえで、世界経済の失速回避に向けて、金融政策や構造改革、財政出動といった「全ての政策手段を総合的に用いる」との強い決意を表明した。
The world economy has been shrouded in a number of destabilizing factors, such as the slowdown in China’s economic growth, a drop in crude oil prices, and capital flows out of emerging market economies in the wake of the recent U.S. interest rate hike.
世界経済は、中国の成長鈍化や原油安、米国の利上げに伴う新興国からの資金流出など、多くの不安要因に覆われている。
It is noteworthy that the G-20 countries shared a sense of alarm and came up with a stance of jointly tackling these challenges to realize market stabilization.
Ｇ２０が危機感を共有し、市場の安定化へ協調して臨む姿勢を打ち出したことは評価できよう。
The G-20 countries agreed on the view that excessive movement in exchange rates can adversely affect the world economy. They also reaffirmed that they will refrain from competitive devaluations of currencies to promote their exports. The communique thus took into consideration the concern in the market over the yen’s excessive rise and China’s devaluation of the yuan.
各国は、過度な為替の変動が経済に悪影響を及ぼすとの見解で一致した。輸出促進のために自国通貨を切り下げる「通貨安競争」を避けることも確認した。行き過ぎた円高や、人民元切り下げを懸念する市場に配慮した形だ。
The focal point of the conference was whether China, chair of the conference and a country reckoned to be the epicenter of market confusion, can send an effective message to calm the market turmoil.
会議の焦点は、市場の混乱の震源地とされる議長国・中国が、動揺を鎮めるのに有効なメッセージを発信できるかどうかだった。
Trying to calm fears
People’s Bank of China Gov. Zhou Xiaochuan sought to ease the distrust of the market by saying at a press conference, among other things, that the bank would take additional monetary-easing measures. The press conference was, unusually, held ahead of the opening of the G-20 conference. Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang also made clear the country’s policy of promoting structural reforms.
中国人民銀行の周小川総裁は、開会前に異例の記者会見を開いて追加の金融緩和策に言及するなど、市場の不信感を和らげるのに懸命だった。李克強首相も構造改革を進める方針を表明した。
However, just emphasizing a reform-promoting stance will not be enough to eliminate deep-rooted concerns about China’s economic prospects. The country will be required to specify the policy course it will take.
だが、中国経済の先行きへの根深い不安を払拭するには、改革姿勢を強調するだけでは足りない。今後の政策の道筋を市場に明示することが求められよう。
It is reasonable that Finance Minister Taro Aso said, “Chinese authorities need to present a structural reform plan with a concrete schedule.”
麻生財務相が「具体的なスケジュールを伴った構造改革のプランを示す必要がある」と注文をつけたのは、もっともだ。
In dealing with challenges such as reducing excess production capacity and reorganizing state-owned enterprises, the ability to act to carry through painful reforms is vitally needed.
過剰設備の解消や国有企業の再編など、痛みを伴う改革をやり抜く行動力が欠かせない。
It is also appropriate that the communique clearly stated, “We will clearly communicate our policy actions to minimize negative spillovers,” apparently taking into account such countries as the United States, which is exploring ways to make an additional interest rate hike.
声明が、追加利上げを模索する米国などを念頭に、「政策の負の波及効果を最小化するため、明確にコミュニケーションを行う」と明記したのも妥当である。
We hope G-20 countries make policy decisions carefully by also paying attention to the possible ill effects of interest rate hikes, such as an exodus of capital from emerging economies.
新興国からの資金流出など、利上げの悪影響にも目配りしながら慎重な政策判断をしてほしい。
The vulnerability of Europe’s financial system was also taken up for discussion at the conference. European countries need to throw their energy into accelerating their disposal of nonperforming loans and implementing structural reforms to vitalize their economies.
会議では欧州の金融システムの脆弱性も議論された。不良債権処理の加速や、経済を活性化する構造改革に力を注ぐ必要がある。
Japan explained to other G-20 countries that it will get the nation out of deflation with its negative interest rate policy. It is imperative to realize an economic recovery led by domestic demand while pushing through growth strategies.
日本は、マイナス金利政策でデフレ脱却を図る考えを説明した。成長戦略を進め、内需主導の景気回復を実現することが急務だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 28, 2016)
G-20 nations must coordinate policies to stabilize global financial markets
Ｇ２０と政策協調 市場安定へ行動が求められる
Can the current turmoil in global financial markets be contained by the latest moves of the Group of 20 countries? The developed and emerging market economies must coordinate their policies effectively to achieve this goal.
世界的な金融市場の混乱を、これで抑えられるか。先進国と新興国は政策協調を実効あるものとしなくてはならない。
A conference of the G-20 finance ministers and central bank governors ended on Saturday. A joint communique adopted at the conference included the grim perception that “Downside risks and vulnerabilities have risen” for the global economy.
主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議が閉幕した。採択された共同声明は、「世界経済の下方リスクと脆弱ぜいじゃく性が高まっている」とする厳しい認識を示した。
Based on this recognition, the G-20 countries expressed their strong resolve in the communique to “use all policy tools − monetary, fiscal and structural − individually and collectively” to check the global economy from stalling.
そのうえで、世界経済の失速回避に向けて、金融政策や構造改革、財政出動といった「全ての政策手段を総合的に用いる」との強い決意を表明した。
The world economy has been shrouded in a number of destabilizing factors, such as the slowdown in China’s economic growth, a drop in crude oil prices, and capital flows out of emerging market economies in the wake of the recent U.S. interest rate hike.
世界経済は、中国の成長鈍化や原油安、米国の利上げに伴う新興国からの資金流出など、多くの不安要因に覆われている。
It is noteworthy that the G-20 countries shared a sense of alarm and came up with a stance of jointly tackling these challenges to realize market stabilization.
Ｇ２０が危機感を共有し、市場の安定化へ協調して臨む姿勢を打ち出したことは評価できよう。
The G-20 countries agreed on the view that excessive movement in exchange rates can adversely affect the world economy. They also reaffirmed that they will refrain from competitive devaluations of currencies to promote their exports. The communique thus took into consideration the concern in the market over the yen’s excessive rise and China’s devaluation of the yuan.
各国は、過度な為替の変動が経済に悪影響を及ぼすとの見解で一致した。輸出促進のために自国通貨を切り下げる「通貨安競争」を避けることも確認した。行き過ぎた円高や、人民元切り下げを懸念する市場に配慮した形だ。
The focal point of the conference was whether China, chair of the conference and a country reckoned to be the epicenter of market confusion, can send an effective message to calm the market turmoil.
会議の焦点は、市場の混乱の震源地とされる議長国・中国が、動揺を鎮めるのに有効なメッセージを発信できるかどうかだった。
Trying to calm fears
People’s Bank of China Gov. Zhou Xiaochuan sought to ease the distrust of the market by saying at a press conference, among other things, that the bank would take additional monetary-easing measures. The press conference was, unusually, held ahead of the opening of the G-20 conference. Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang also made clear the country’s policy of promoting structural reforms.
中国人民銀行の周小川総裁は、開会前に異例の記者会見を開いて追加の金融緩和策に言及するなど、市場の不信感を和らげるのに懸命だった。李克強首相も構造改革を進める方針を表明した。
However, just emphasizing a reform-promoting stance will not be enough to eliminate deep-rooted concerns about China’s economic prospects. The country will be required to specify the policy course it will take.
だが、中国経済の先行きへの根深い不安を払拭するには、改革姿勢を強調するだけでは足りない。今後の政策の道筋を市場に明示することが求められよう。
It is reasonable that Finance Minister Taro Aso said, “Chinese authorities need to present a structural reform plan with a concrete schedule.”
麻生財務相が「具体的なスケジュールを伴った構造改革のプランを示す必要がある」と注文をつけたのは、もっともだ。
In dealing with challenges such as reducing excess production capacity and reorganizing state-owned enterprises, the ability to act to carry through painful reforms is vitally needed.
過剰設備の解消や国有企業の再編など、痛みを伴う改革をやり抜く行動力が欠かせない。
It is also appropriate that the communique clearly stated, “We will clearly communicate our policy actions to minimize negative spillovers,” apparently taking into account such countries as the United States, which is exploring ways to make an additional interest rate hike.
声明が、追加利上げを模索する米国などを念頭に、「政策の負の波及効果を最小化するため、明確にコミュニケーションを行う」と明記したのも妥当である。
We hope G-20 countries make policy decisions carefully by also paying attention to the possible ill effects of interest rate hikes, such as an exodus of capital from emerging economies.
新興国からの資金流出など、利上げの悪影響にも目配りしながら慎重な政策判断をしてほしい。
The vulnerability of Europe’s financial system was also taken up for discussion at the conference. European countries need to throw their energy into accelerating their disposal of nonperforming loans and implementing structural reforms to vitalize their economies.
会議では欧州の金融システムの脆弱性も議論された。不良債権処理の加速や、経済を活性化する構造改革に力を注ぐ必要がある。
Japan explained to other G-20 countries that it will get the nation out of deflation with its negative interest rate policy. It is imperative to realize an economic recovery led by domestic demand while pushing through growth strategies.
日本は、マイナス金利政策でデフレ脱却を図る考えを説明した。成長戦略を進め、内需主導の景気回復を実現することが急務だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 28, 2016)
2016年02月27日
中国と南シナ海 軍事拠点化の加速を憂慮する
The Yomiuri Shimbun
U.S. must bolster patrol activity to secure stability in S. China Sea
中国と南シナ海 軍事拠点化の加速を憂慮する
China’s recent maritime activities can be regarded as a self-serving attempt to expand its sphere of influence by force and thereby increase regional tensions.
力による支配の拡大で地域の緊張を高める独善的な企たくらみと言えよう。
China has been accelerating the militarization of islands and artificial isles in the South China Sea.
中国が南シナ海で、島とう嶼しょや人工島の軍事拠点化を加速させている。
Satellite images and other findings have shown that China is constructing facilities believed to be radar installations on four reclaimed islands in the Spratly Islands.
スプラトリー（南沙）諸島の四つの人工島でレーダーとみられる施設を建設していることが、衛星写真などで判明した。
It has already established a radar surveillance system in the northern half of the South China Sea, installing radar equipment in the Paracel Islands and elsewhere. With the latest installation of a radar system, China is apparently seeking to acquire warning and surveillance capabilities over almost the entire South China Sea.
南シナ海の北半分ではすでに、パラセル（西沙）諸島などに設置したレーダーで監視体制を築いている。今回のレーダー網の整備によって、南シナ海のほぼ全域をカバーできる警戒監視能力を獲得する狙いだろう。
It was also revealed that China had deployed fighter jets and bombers in addition to long-range surface-to-air missiles to Woody Island in the Paracel Islands, which is effectively controlled by China. The island’s area is said to have increased by 40 percent in less than two years through expansion of a runway and other facilities.
パラセル諸島では、中国が実効支配するウッディ島（永興島）に、長距離地対空ミサイルに続いて、戦闘機や戦闘爆撃機を配備したことも発覚した。滑走路の拡張などで、島の面積は２年足らずで４割も増大したとされる。
The series of Chinese maritime activities can be considered the foundation for establishing an air defense identification zone over the South China Sea in addition to the one already set up over the East China Sea.
一連の措置は、東シナ海に加え、南シナ海にも防空識別圏を設定するための布石ではないか。
Clearly, the administration led by President Xi Jinping has an ambition to enclose the South China Sea − without grounds under international law − and treat it like a Chinese “lake” in an attempt to eliminate U.S. influence in the area. China is believed to be considering effectively implementing an anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy to ensure naval and air supremacy, thereby deterring the intervention of the U.S. military in times of emergency.
国際法の根拠のないまま、南シナ海を自らの「湖」のように囲い込み、米国の影響力の排除を図る習近平政権の野心は明白だ。
制海権と制空権を確保し、米軍の有事介入を阻む「接近阻止・領域拒否（Ａ２ＡＤ）」戦略を効果的に進める思惑もあろう。
Chinese sophistry
Adm. Harry Harris, commander of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Command, has expressed a strong sense of caution against China’s militarization of the islands, telling a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, “I believe China seeks hegemony in East Asia.”
米太平洋軍のハリー・ハリス司令官は上院軍事委員会の公聴会で、「中国は東アジアで覇権を追求している」と述べ、軍事拠点化に強い警戒感を示した。
Of serious concern is that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Li has dismissed U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s concern about China’s maritime activities.
深刻なのは、訪米した中国の王毅外相がケリー米国務長官の懸念表明をはねつけたことである。
During a news conference after meeting with Wang, Kerry said, “I stressed that any enforcement by any party of maritime claims by deploying their own aircraft over disputed areas are not compatible with the freedoms of navigation and of skies of access to flight operations.” But unless Washington applies stronger pressure on Beijing, it will be impossible to stop China’s unilateral actions and speech.
ケリー氏は記者会見で、「係争海域への航空機配備は、航行や上空飛行の自由と両立しない」と強調した。だが、米国がもっと厳しくクギを刺さなければ、中国の一方的な言動は止められまい。
Wang countered by saying more attention must be given to the fact that “strategic bombers and missile destroyers are appearing every day in the South China Sea.” China’s assertion that U.S. military patrol operations, which embody freedom of navigation, are “militarization” is nothing but sophistry.
王氏は「戦略爆撃機やミサイル駆逐艦が南シナ海に毎日現れていることを重視すべきだ」と反論した。「航行の自由」を体現する米軍の巡視活動を「軍事化」だとするのは、詭弁きべんに過ぎない。
During his visit to the United States last September, Xi stated that his country “has no intention of pushing militarization.” China argued persistently that the country would perform its international responsibilities, including providing rescue operations and ensuring the safety of navigation.
習国家主席は昨年９月の訪米時に、「軍事化を進める意図はない」と明言していた。中国は、救難活動や航行の安全などで国際的責務を果たすとも強弁している。
We cannot accept a situation in which a great power that should play a pivotal role in stabilizing the South China Sea does not honor an international pledge and instead moves to destabilize the security conditions.
南シナ海の安定に重要な役割を発揮すべき大国が国際公約を守らず、率先して情勢を不安定化させるような状況は容認できない。
It is essential for the United States to maintain and bolster patrol operations. Tokyo and Washington must cooperate closely with other countries concerned as they apply continued pressure on Beijing.
米国が巡視活動を継続・強化することが肝要である。日米は関係国と緊密に連携し、対中圧力を維持せねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 26, 2016)
U.S. must bolster patrol activity to secure stability in S. China Sea
中国と南シナ海 軍事拠点化の加速を憂慮する
China’s recent maritime activities can be regarded as a self-serving attempt to expand its sphere of influence by force and thereby increase regional tensions.
力による支配の拡大で地域の緊張を高める独善的な企たくらみと言えよう。
China has been accelerating the militarization of islands and artificial isles in the South China Sea.
中国が南シナ海で、島とう嶼しょや人工島の軍事拠点化を加速させている。
Satellite images and other findings have shown that China is constructing facilities believed to be radar installations on four reclaimed islands in the Spratly Islands.
スプラトリー（南沙）諸島の四つの人工島でレーダーとみられる施設を建設していることが、衛星写真などで判明した。
It has already established a radar surveillance system in the northern half of the South China Sea, installing radar equipment in the Paracel Islands and elsewhere. With the latest installation of a radar system, China is apparently seeking to acquire warning and surveillance capabilities over almost the entire South China Sea.
南シナ海の北半分ではすでに、パラセル（西沙）諸島などに設置したレーダーで監視体制を築いている。今回のレーダー網の整備によって、南シナ海のほぼ全域をカバーできる警戒監視能力を獲得する狙いだろう。
It was also revealed that China had deployed fighter jets and bombers in addition to long-range surface-to-air missiles to Woody Island in the Paracel Islands, which is effectively controlled by China. The island’s area is said to have increased by 40 percent in less than two years through expansion of a runway and other facilities.
パラセル諸島では、中国が実効支配するウッディ島（永興島）に、長距離地対空ミサイルに続いて、戦闘機や戦闘爆撃機を配備したことも発覚した。滑走路の拡張などで、島の面積は２年足らずで４割も増大したとされる。
The series of Chinese maritime activities can be considered the foundation for establishing an air defense identification zone over the South China Sea in addition to the one already set up over the East China Sea.
一連の措置は、東シナ海に加え、南シナ海にも防空識別圏を設定するための布石ではないか。
Clearly, the administration led by President Xi Jinping has an ambition to enclose the South China Sea − without grounds under international law − and treat it like a Chinese “lake” in an attempt to eliminate U.S. influence in the area. China is believed to be considering effectively implementing an anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy to ensure naval and air supremacy, thereby deterring the intervention of the U.S. military in times of emergency.
国際法の根拠のないまま、南シナ海を自らの「湖」のように囲い込み、米国の影響力の排除を図る習近平政権の野心は明白だ。
制海権と制空権を確保し、米軍の有事介入を阻む「接近阻止・領域拒否（Ａ２ＡＤ）」戦略を効果的に進める思惑もあろう。
Chinese sophistry
Adm. Harry Harris, commander of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Command, has expressed a strong sense of caution against China’s militarization of the islands, telling a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, “I believe China seeks hegemony in East Asia.”
米太平洋軍のハリー・ハリス司令官は上院軍事委員会の公聴会で、「中国は東アジアで覇権を追求している」と述べ、軍事拠点化に強い警戒感を示した。
Of serious concern is that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Li has dismissed U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s concern about China’s maritime activities.
深刻なのは、訪米した中国の王毅外相がケリー米国務長官の懸念表明をはねつけたことである。
During a news conference after meeting with Wang, Kerry said, “I stressed that any enforcement by any party of maritime claims by deploying their own aircraft over disputed areas are not compatible with the freedoms of navigation and of skies of access to flight operations.” But unless Washington applies stronger pressure on Beijing, it will be impossible to stop China’s unilateral actions and speech.
ケリー氏は記者会見で、「係争海域への航空機配備は、航行や上空飛行の自由と両立しない」と強調した。だが、米国がもっと厳しくクギを刺さなければ、中国の一方的な言動は止められまい。
Wang countered by saying more attention must be given to the fact that “strategic bombers and missile destroyers are appearing every day in the South China Sea.” China’s assertion that U.S. military patrol operations, which embody freedom of navigation, are “militarization” is nothing but sophistry.
王氏は「戦略爆撃機やミサイル駆逐艦が南シナ海に毎日現れていることを重視すべきだ」と反論した。「航行の自由」を体現する米軍の巡視活動を「軍事化」だとするのは、詭弁きべんに過ぎない。
During his visit to the United States last September, Xi stated that his country “has no intention of pushing militarization.” China argued persistently that the country would perform its international responsibilities, including providing rescue operations and ensuring the safety of navigation.
習国家主席は昨年９月の訪米時に、「軍事化を進める意図はない」と明言していた。中国は、救難活動や航行の安全などで国際的責務を果たすとも強弁している。
We cannot accept a situation in which a great power that should play a pivotal role in stabilizing the South China Sea does not honor an international pledge and instead moves to destabilize the security conditions.
南シナ海の安定に重要な役割を発揮すべき大国が国際公約を守らず、率先して情勢を不安定化させるような状況は容認できない。
It is essential for the United States to maintain and bolster patrol operations. Tokyo and Washington must cooperate closely with other countries concerned as they apply continued pressure on Beijing.
米国が巡視活動を継続・強化することが肝要である。日米は関係国と緊密に連携し、対中圧力を維持せねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 26, 2016)
2016年02月25日
英国民投票へ ＥＵ離脱なら不安定化を招く
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Europe to be unsettled if Britain opts to exit the EU in coming referendum
英国民投票へ ＥＵ離脱なら不安定化を招く
A referendum has been set for June 23 in Britain regarding whether the country should stay in or exit from the European Union.
欧州連合（ＥＵ）に英国が残留するか、離脱するかを問う国民投票が、６月２３日に実施されることになった。
Should the referendum comes out in favor of departure, there will be no turning back for the country. Britain is the second-largest economy in the EU and a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. If Britain leaves the bloc, it will inevitably have great impact on Europe’s politics and economy. The EU stands at a crossroads.
国民投票で離脱となれば、もう後戻りはできない。英国は域内第２の経済規模を持ち、国連安全保障理事会常任理事国でもある。欧州の政治・経済に大きな影響を及ぼすのは避けられまい。ＥＵは岐路に立っている。
Calling to stay in the EU, British Prime Minister David Cameron has emphasized, “Britain will be safer, stronger and better off by remaining in a reformed European Union.” It takes into account a recent agreement reached at a meeting of EU leaders to adopt a package of reform measures aimed at keeping Britain in the bloc.
残留を訴えるキャメロン英首相は、「改革した欧州にとどまる方が、英国は、より強く安全で豊かになれる」と強調した。ＥＵ首脳会議が残留を後押しする改革で合意したことを踏まえたものだ。
The deal promises to guarantee Britain “special status” as a concession to that country by the other EU members.
合意では、ＥＵ側が譲歩して、英国に特別な地位を保証した。
It acknowledges that Britain would not commit itself to further political integration. The agreement would enable Britain to restrict social security benefits given to immigrants and would also guarantee not to place a financial burden on Britain or other non-eurozone member states if an economic crisis erupts in the eurozone.
政治統合の深化には、英国が関与しないことを容認した。移民に対する社会保障を英国が制限することを可能にし、ユーロ圏の経済危機で英国など非ユーロ圏に負担をかけないよう保証した。
Cameron’s leadership will be tested over whether he will be able to persuade the British public to accept his calls for remaining a part of the EU.
ＥＵ加盟継続に向けて国民を説得できるのか、キャメロン氏の指導力が試されよう。
Divisions over immigration
Since last year, the EU has been confronted with the serious challenge of dealing with a sharp increase in immigrants from the Middle East. Each EU country resorted to its own measures aimed at restricting the inflow of immigrants to its respective territory, which has added impetus to the anti-EU movement. If the current situation goes on, European integration could fall into a crisis.
ＥＵは昨年以降、中東からの難民急増という深刻な課題に直面している。各国がバラバラに流入制限策に走り、反ＥＵの動きを勢いづかせた。このままでは、欧州統合が危機に陥りかねない。
In Britain, anti-immigration party has gained strength in recent years, against the backdrop of an increase in the number of immigrants from Eastern European countries that have joined the EU. Euroskepticism, the name given to skeptical views of the EU, has grown increasingly strong within the ruling Conservative Party, too. Pledging to settle the immigration issue through a referendum, Cameron scored a victory in a general election last year.
英国でも近年、ＥＵに加盟した東欧諸国からの移民増加を背景に「反移民」政党が伸長し、与党・保守党内でもＥＵ懐疑論が強まっていた。キャメロン氏は、この問題を決着させる国民投票を公約し、昨年の総選挙で勝利した。
Half of Britain’s export destinations are other EU countries. If Britain exits the EU, it will be necessary for the nation to conclude new trade and other agreements with the union. It is certain that the British economy will face greater uncertainties.
英国の輸出先の半分はＥＵだ。離脱の場合は、ＥＵとの間で貿易などの取り決めを締結し直す必要がある。英国経済の不透明さが増すのは確実だ。
The pro-exit camp has criticized the expansion of authorities given to EU and insists to restore sovereignty of Britain. London Mayor Boris Johnson − a prominent figure tipped as a candidate to succeed Cameron at the helm of the Conservative Party, with the hope of becoming the next prime minster − has said he supports Britain’s departure from the bloc. This will likely deal a blow to Cameron.
離脱派は、ＥＵの権限拡大を批判し、英国の主権を取り戻すべきだと主張する。保守党の首相後継候補と目される有力者、ジョンソン・ロンドン市長が「離脱」支持を表明したのは、キャメロン氏にとっては痛手となろう。
Johnson and others may expect that Britain will be able to achieve long-term economic development by having the City in London, an international financial center, freed from EU regulations.
ジョンソン氏らには、国際金融センターであるロンドンのシティーをＥＵの規制から解放することで、長期的な経済発展が望めるという期待もあるのではないか。
Britain’s exit from the EU would lead to a decline in the EU’s presence as a huge single market. It would also weaken the EU’s voice in dealing with such diplomatic issues as the sanctions imposed on Russia and the fight against terrorism.
英国の離脱は、巨大な単一市場としてのＥＵの存在感低下につながる。対ロシア制裁やテロ対策など外交分野での取り組みでも、ＥＵの発言権を弱めよう。
A number of Japanese corporations have bases in Britain for their business operations in Europe. They could be forced to reconsider their business strategy, depending on the result of the British referendum.
日本企業の多くが、欧州展開の拠点を英国に置く。国民投票の結果次第では、戦略の見直しを迫られることにもなる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 24, 2016)
Europe to be unsettled if Britain opts to exit the EU in coming referendum
英国民投票へ ＥＵ離脱なら不安定化を招く
A referendum has been set for June 23 in Britain regarding whether the country should stay in or exit from the European Union.
欧州連合（ＥＵ）に英国が残留するか、離脱するかを問う国民投票が、６月２３日に実施されることになった。
Should the referendum comes out in favor of departure, there will be no turning back for the country. Britain is the second-largest economy in the EU and a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. If Britain leaves the bloc, it will inevitably have great impact on Europe’s politics and economy. The EU stands at a crossroads.
国民投票で離脱となれば、もう後戻りはできない。英国は域内第２の経済規模を持ち、国連安全保障理事会常任理事国でもある。欧州の政治・経済に大きな影響を及ぼすのは避けられまい。ＥＵは岐路に立っている。
Calling to stay in the EU, British Prime Minister David Cameron has emphasized, “Britain will be safer, stronger and better off by remaining in a reformed European Union.” It takes into account a recent agreement reached at a meeting of EU leaders to adopt a package of reform measures aimed at keeping Britain in the bloc.
残留を訴えるキャメロン英首相は、「改革した欧州にとどまる方が、英国は、より強く安全で豊かになれる」と強調した。ＥＵ首脳会議が残留を後押しする改革で合意したことを踏まえたものだ。
The deal promises to guarantee Britain “special status” as a concession to that country by the other EU members.
合意では、ＥＵ側が譲歩して、英国に特別な地位を保証した。
It acknowledges that Britain would not commit itself to further political integration. The agreement would enable Britain to restrict social security benefits given to immigrants and would also guarantee not to place a financial burden on Britain or other non-eurozone member states if an economic crisis erupts in the eurozone.
政治統合の深化には、英国が関与しないことを容認した。移民に対する社会保障を英国が制限することを可能にし、ユーロ圏の経済危機で英国など非ユーロ圏に負担をかけないよう保証した。
Cameron’s leadership will be tested over whether he will be able to persuade the British public to accept his calls for remaining a part of the EU.
ＥＵ加盟継続に向けて国民を説得できるのか、キャメロン氏の指導力が試されよう。
Divisions over immigration
Since last year, the EU has been confronted with the serious challenge of dealing with a sharp increase in immigrants from the Middle East. Each EU country resorted to its own measures aimed at restricting the inflow of immigrants to its respective territory, which has added impetus to the anti-EU movement. If the current situation goes on, European integration could fall into a crisis.
ＥＵは昨年以降、中東からの難民急増という深刻な課題に直面している。各国がバラバラに流入制限策に走り、反ＥＵの動きを勢いづかせた。このままでは、欧州統合が危機に陥りかねない。
In Britain, anti-immigration party has gained strength in recent years, against the backdrop of an increase in the number of immigrants from Eastern European countries that have joined the EU. Euroskepticism, the name given to skeptical views of the EU, has grown increasingly strong within the ruling Conservative Party, too. Pledging to settle the immigration issue through a referendum, Cameron scored a victory in a general election last year.
英国でも近年、ＥＵに加盟した東欧諸国からの移民増加を背景に「反移民」政党が伸長し、与党・保守党内でもＥＵ懐疑論が強まっていた。キャメロン氏は、この問題を決着させる国民投票を公約し、昨年の総選挙で勝利した。
Half of Britain’s export destinations are other EU countries. If Britain exits the EU, it will be necessary for the nation to conclude new trade and other agreements with the union. It is certain that the British economy will face greater uncertainties.
英国の輸出先の半分はＥＵだ。離脱の場合は、ＥＵとの間で貿易などの取り決めを締結し直す必要がある。英国経済の不透明さが増すのは確実だ。
The pro-exit camp has criticized the expansion of authorities given to EU and insists to restore sovereignty of Britain. London Mayor Boris Johnson − a prominent figure tipped as a candidate to succeed Cameron at the helm of the Conservative Party, with the hope of becoming the next prime minster − has said he supports Britain’s departure from the bloc. This will likely deal a blow to Cameron.
離脱派は、ＥＵの権限拡大を批判し、英国の主権を取り戻すべきだと主張する。保守党の首相後継候補と目される有力者、ジョンソン・ロンドン市長が「離脱」支持を表明したのは、キャメロン氏にとっては痛手となろう。
Johnson and others may expect that Britain will be able to achieve long-term economic development by having the City in London, an international financial center, freed from EU regulations.
ジョンソン氏らには、国際金融センターであるロンドンのシティーをＥＵの規制から解放することで、長期的な経済発展が望めるという期待もあるのではないか。
Britain’s exit from the EU would lead to a decline in the EU’s presence as a huge single market. It would also weaken the EU’s voice in dealing with such diplomatic issues as the sanctions imposed on Russia and the fight against terrorism.
英国の離脱は、巨大な単一市場としてのＥＵの存在感低下につながる。対ロシア制裁やテロ対策など外交分野での取り組みでも、ＥＵの発言権を弱めよう。
A number of Japanese corporations have bases in Britain for their business operations in Europe. They could be forced to reconsider their business strategy, depending on the result of the British referendum.
日本企業の多くが、欧州展開の拠点を英国に置く。国民投票の結果次第では、戦略の見直しを迫られることにもなる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 24, 2016)
2016年02月24日
衆院選制度改革 アダムズ方式を先送りするな
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Prompt introduction of Adams’ method crucial for lower house electoral reform
衆院選制度改革 アダムズ方式を先送りするな
The rectification of vote-value disparities between single-seat constituencies must be given priority in carrying out reform of the electoral system for the House of Representatives. Legislative steps must be taken for that purpose during the current Diet session after quickly consolidating the opinions of political parties.
衆院の選挙制度改革では、小選挙区の「１票の格差」の是正を優先すべきだ。各党の意見集約を急ぎ、今国会で立法措置を講じねばならない。
The ruling and opposition parties have presented their views on electoral system reforms to lower house Speaker Tadamori Oshima.
与野党が、選挙制度改革に関する見解を大島衆院議長にそれぞれ表明した。
The Democratic Party of Japan, Komeito and the Japan Innovation Party have basically accepted the reform proposals recommended by an expert research panel. The Liberal Democratic Party, on the other hand, has agreed to cuts in the number of total seats but wants to postpone the reallocation of seats to prefectures.
民主、公明、維新の各党などは有識者調査会の答申を基本的に受け入れた。自民党は、定数削減には応じるが、都道府県定数の再配分は先送りする考えを示した。
The LDP’s reform plan calls for reducing the number of seats in single-seat constituencies by six and reviewing the demarcation of these constituencies, both based on a simplified census conducted in 2015, to reduce vote-value disparities to less than 2 to 1. The number of seats in proportional representation blocs would be cut by four. The party has compiled these proposals by revising the party’s draft plan at the instruction of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has called for seat cuts to be carried out more rapidly.
自民党案は、１票の格差を２倍未満に抑えるため、２０１５年の簡易国勢調査に基づき、小選挙区定数を６減らし、区割りを見直す。比例選は４削減する。安倍首相の指示で、原案を修正し、定数削減を前倒ししたものだ。
The LDP is studying a plan to cut one seat each in six prefectures, including Kagoshima and Iwate, without increasing seats in other prefectures. The plan also calls for a reallocation of seats to prefectures based on the census to be taken in 2020, leaving the impression that this is a stopgap measure.
鹿児島、岩手など６県で各１減らす「０増６減」を検討している。都道府県ごとの定数再配分は２０年の国勢調査後に行うとしており、弥縫びほう策との印象は否めない。
The panel called for reallocating lower house seats based on the Adams’ method, under which seven seats would be added and 13 eliminated. This will reduce the maximum vote-value gap between prefectures to 1.621 to 1 and likely hold the disparities between constituencies to less than 2 to 1.
調査会は、「アダムズ方式」による「７増１３減」の再配分を求めていた。都道府県間格差は最大１・６２１倍となる。選挙区間格差も２倍未満に収まる見通しだ。
LDP’s concession vital
The LDP has put off the plan on the reallocation of seats to prefectures because of strong internal opposition to and cautious views against the panel’s reform proposals, which would affect incumbent lawmakers of the prefectures subject to the 13 cuts.
自民党が再配分を先送りしたのは、「１３減」の対象県の現職議員を中心に反対・慎重論が根強いという党内事情によるものだ。
The LDP must not make light of the fact that the ruling and opposition parties promised to respect the panel’s recommendations after entrusting it to study the situation following their failure to reach an agreement on reform plans. The LDP will have no alternative but to reconsider the reform plans, as the Adams’ method has been approved by other major parties.
だが、与野党が改革案で合意できず、有識者に検討を委ね、答申を尊重すると約束した経緯を軽視すべきではあるまい。他の主要政党がアダムズ方式への賛成で足並みをそろえる中、自民党は再考せざるを得ないのではないか。
It is desirable to revise the electoral system, the foundation of democracy, with the approval of as many parties as possible. Abe has suggested he will aim to pass related bills through the current Diet session. As an overwhelmingly dominant force in the Diet, the LDP has the responsibility to lead consensus-building efforts on the reform.
民主主義の基盤である選挙制度は、より多くの党の賛同で見直すことが望ましい。安倍首相は今国会で関連法案を成立させる考えを示した。「１強」の自民党には合意形成を主導する責任がある。
It is disappointing, however, that major parties still hold on to the idea of cutting the total seat number.
残念なのは、主要政党が定数削減になお固執していることだ。
The panel proposed cutting 10 seats only in consideration of parties’ pledges to the people that the number of seats would be cut, as it said that “it is difficult to find appropriate reasons or logical basis” for cutting the total seat number.
調査会が「１０減」を提案したのは、各党の「国民との約束」に配慮しただけで、定数削減に「積極的な理由や理論的根拠は見いだし難い」と指摘している。
If the seat number is reduced, diverse public opinions may not be reflected in elections. The legislature’s monitoring of the administrative branch through deliberations on government-proposed bills could be weakened. The number of Japanese lawmakers in relation to the national population is no greater than in some European countries and elsewhere.
定数を減らせば、選挙で多様な民意を反映しにくくなる。法案審議などを通じた立法府の行政監視機能も低下しかねない。日本の国会議員は人口比でみれば、欧州諸国などより多くない。
It must be taken into consideration that if the number of total seats is reduced, it will become more difficult and troublesome to correct vote disparities.
定数が少ないほど、格差是正が難しくなり、その手間が増えることも考慮すべきだろう。
When lawmakers are asked to accept reforms that are painful to themselves, they should do it by agreeing to cuts in subsidies to political parties rather than by decreasing seat numbers.
議員が「身を切る」姿勢を示す必要があるなら、定数を減らすのでなく、政党交付金の削減などで対応するのが筋である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 23, 2016)
Prompt introduction of Adams’ method crucial for lower house electoral reform
衆院選制度改革 アダムズ方式を先送りするな
The rectification of vote-value disparities between single-seat constituencies must be given priority in carrying out reform of the electoral system for the House of Representatives. Legislative steps must be taken for that purpose during the current Diet session after quickly consolidating the opinions of political parties.
衆院の選挙制度改革では、小選挙区の「１票の格差」の是正を優先すべきだ。各党の意見集約を急ぎ、今国会で立法措置を講じねばならない。
The ruling and opposition parties have presented their views on electoral system reforms to lower house Speaker Tadamori Oshima.
与野党が、選挙制度改革に関する見解を大島衆院議長にそれぞれ表明した。
The Democratic Party of Japan, Komeito and the Japan Innovation Party have basically accepted the reform proposals recommended by an expert research panel. The Liberal Democratic Party, on the other hand, has agreed to cuts in the number of total seats but wants to postpone the reallocation of seats to prefectures.
民主、公明、維新の各党などは有識者調査会の答申を基本的に受け入れた。自民党は、定数削減には応じるが、都道府県定数の再配分は先送りする考えを示した。
The LDP’s reform plan calls for reducing the number of seats in single-seat constituencies by six and reviewing the demarcation of these constituencies, both based on a simplified census conducted in 2015, to reduce vote-value disparities to less than 2 to 1. The number of seats in proportional representation blocs would be cut by four. The party has compiled these proposals by revising the party’s draft plan at the instruction of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has called for seat cuts to be carried out more rapidly.
自民党案は、１票の格差を２倍未満に抑えるため、２０１５年の簡易国勢調査に基づき、小選挙区定数を６減らし、区割りを見直す。比例選は４削減する。安倍首相の指示で、原案を修正し、定数削減を前倒ししたものだ。
The LDP is studying a plan to cut one seat each in six prefectures, including Kagoshima and Iwate, without increasing seats in other prefectures. The plan also calls for a reallocation of seats to prefectures based on the census to be taken in 2020, leaving the impression that this is a stopgap measure.
鹿児島、岩手など６県で各１減らす「０増６減」を検討している。都道府県ごとの定数再配分は２０年の国勢調査後に行うとしており、弥縫びほう策との印象は否めない。
The panel called for reallocating lower house seats based on the Adams’ method, under which seven seats would be added and 13 eliminated. This will reduce the maximum vote-value gap between prefectures to 1.621 to 1 and likely hold the disparities between constituencies to less than 2 to 1.
調査会は、「アダムズ方式」による「７増１３減」の再配分を求めていた。都道府県間格差は最大１・６２１倍となる。選挙区間格差も２倍未満に収まる見通しだ。
LDP’s concession vital
The LDP has put off the plan on the reallocation of seats to prefectures because of strong internal opposition to and cautious views against the panel’s reform proposals, which would affect incumbent lawmakers of the prefectures subject to the 13 cuts.
自民党が再配分を先送りしたのは、「１３減」の対象県の現職議員を中心に反対・慎重論が根強いという党内事情によるものだ。
The LDP must not make light of the fact that the ruling and opposition parties promised to respect the panel’s recommendations after entrusting it to study the situation following their failure to reach an agreement on reform plans. The LDP will have no alternative but to reconsider the reform plans, as the Adams’ method has been approved by other major parties.
だが、与野党が改革案で合意できず、有識者に検討を委ね、答申を尊重すると約束した経緯を軽視すべきではあるまい。他の主要政党がアダムズ方式への賛成で足並みをそろえる中、自民党は再考せざるを得ないのではないか。
It is desirable to revise the electoral system, the foundation of democracy, with the approval of as many parties as possible. Abe has suggested he will aim to pass related bills through the current Diet session. As an overwhelmingly dominant force in the Diet, the LDP has the responsibility to lead consensus-building efforts on the reform.
民主主義の基盤である選挙制度は、より多くの党の賛同で見直すことが望ましい。安倍首相は今国会で関連法案を成立させる考えを示した。「１強」の自民党には合意形成を主導する責任がある。
It is disappointing, however, that major parties still hold on to the idea of cutting the total seat number.
残念なのは、主要政党が定数削減になお固執していることだ。
The panel proposed cutting 10 seats only in consideration of parties’ pledges to the people that the number of seats would be cut, as it said that “it is difficult to find appropriate reasons or logical basis” for cutting the total seat number.
調査会が「１０減」を提案したのは、各党の「国民との約束」に配慮しただけで、定数削減に「積極的な理由や理論的根拠は見いだし難い」と指摘している。
If the seat number is reduced, diverse public opinions may not be reflected in elections. The legislature’s monitoring of the administrative branch through deliberations on government-proposed bills could be weakened. The number of Japanese lawmakers in relation to the national population is no greater than in some European countries and elsewhere.
定数を減らせば、選挙で多様な民意を反映しにくくなる。法案審議などを通じた立法府の行政監視機能も低下しかねない。日本の国会議員は人口比でみれば、欧州諸国などより多くない。
It must be taken into consideration that if the number of total seats is reduced, it will become more difficult and troublesome to correct vote disparities.
定数が少ないほど、格差是正が難しくなり、その手間が増えることも考慮すべきだろう。
When lawmakers are asked to accept reforms that are painful to themselves, they should do it by agreeing to cuts in subsidies to political parties rather than by decreasing seat numbers.
議員が「身を切る」姿勢を示す必要があるなら、定数を減らすのでなく、政党交付金の削減などで対応するのが筋である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 23, 2016)
2016年02月23日
年金運用改革 ガバナンス強化を優先したい
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Prioritize reinforcing governance of public pension fund management
年金運用改革 ガバナンス強化を優先したい
To manage a massive amount of funds safely and efficiently, it is vital to build an effective organization and system suited to carrying out the task.
巨額の資金を安全かつ効率的に運用するには、それにふさわしい実効性ある組織や体制を構築することが肝要である。
A council of the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has proposed that the current ban on direct stock investment by the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) remain in place, at least for the time being.
年金積立金管理運用独立行政法人（ＧＰＩＦ）による株式の直接運用の可否について、厚生労働省の審議会が、当面は認めず、現状を維持することが望ましいとする報告書をまとめた。
The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito has supported the proposal. The government has decided not to include direct stock investment by the GPIF in a bill related to pension reforms, which it plans to submit to the current Diet.
自民、公明両党も、この内容を了承した。政府は、今国会に提出する予定の年金改革関連法案に直接運用を盛り込まない方針だ。
This was a reasonable conclusion, as it is not only doubtful if the GPIF, under the current structure and human resources, would be able to make appropriate stock investment decisions but also difficult to ensure impartiality and transparency in such investments.
妥当な結論である。現在のＧＰＩＦの体制や人材で的確な投資判断ができるか、疑問が拭えないうえ、株式運用の公平・透明性を確保することも困難だからだ。
The GPIF, which manages the reserve funds of corporate employees’ pension programs and the national pension program − worth a combined total of about \140 trillion − is one of the world’s largest institutional investors.
約１４０兆円に上る厚生年金、国民年金の積立金を運用するＧＰＩＦは、世界最大級の機関投資家である。
In principle, the GPIF manages funds through trust banks and other financial institutions, and is prohibited from making direct equity investments.
信託銀行などを通じた資金運用が原則で、株式への直接投資は認められていない。
The GPIF had called for lifting the ban on direct stock investment on the grounds that by flexibly responding to capital market movements, it will be able to earn more profits, while reducing the commissions it pays to the trust banks.
ＧＰＩＦは、直接運用の解禁を求めていた。市場の動きに機動的に対応できれば、運用益が向上し、信託銀行へ払う運用委託手数料も節約できるという理屈だ。
But the decision-making power of the GPIF has been concentrated on its president, and few of its staff members specialize in fund management.
しかし、ＧＰＩＦは現在、権限が理事長に集中しており、資金運用の専門人材も少ない。
Expert panel appropriate
The council’s proposal calls for reinforcing the GPIF’s governance structure to increase public trust in it.
報告書は、国民の信頼を高めるため、ＧＰＩＦのガバナンス（統治）体制の強化を求めた。
The main point of the proposal is to establish an executive committee, comprising financial experts and other people, with a collegial decision-making system to consider such important matters as the component ratio of management assets. This is an appropriate recommendation.
金融専門家らを集めた経営委員会を新設し、運用資産の構成比率などの重要案件を合議制で決めることが柱だ。適切な提案である。
To carry out asset management stably over the long term, it will be important to develop its own specialists in fund management and enhance risk-management capabilities.
長期的に安定した資産運用を行うためには、専門人材を自前で育成し、リスク管理能力を高めることも大切となろう。
The fund’s organizational reforms, led by welfare minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki, ran into difficulties last year due to differences of opinion with the Pension Bureau. We hope efforts to develop a new structure will be expedited.
塩崎厚労相が主導した組織改革は昨年、年金局との意見の不一致で暗礁に乗り上げた。新たな体制整備を急いでもらいたい。
The ministry says it plans to study the issue of direct stock investment again three years from now.
厚労省は、直接運用を３年後に再び検討するとしている。
Needless to say, there is risk involved in investing in stocks that fluctuate widely. Safety is an essential consideration to manage pension funds over the long term.
だが、言うまでもなく、値動きが大きい株式投資にはリスクが伴う。長期の年金資金の運用には、安全性への配慮は不可欠だ。
There is also the problem that if the GPIF takes a more active role in investing in stocks with massive amounts of pension funds, it will likely have greater influence on stock markets. This is because stock prices likely would be affected by which stock the GPIF buys and how much.
巨額の年金資金を使って株式投資を積極化すれば、ＧＰＩＦの市場に対する影響力は一段と大きくなるという問題もある。ＧＰＩＦがどの会社の株式をどれだけ買うかによって、株価を左右する恐れが高まるからだ。
The GPIF’s fund management reforms are seen as part of the government’s measures to prop up stock prices. Should pension funds be used with short-term price increases in mind, it will distort stock prices. Sufficient consideration should also be given in this respect.
市場では、ＧＰＩＦの運用改革が株価対策と受け取られている面もある。年金資金を短期的な株価下支えに使えば、株価形成を歪ゆがめる。こうした点にも十分に目配りせねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 22, 2016)
Prioritize reinforcing governance of public pension fund management
年金運用改革 ガバナンス強化を優先したい
To manage a massive amount of funds safely and efficiently, it is vital to build an effective organization and system suited to carrying out the task.
巨額の資金を安全かつ効率的に運用するには、それにふさわしい実効性ある組織や体制を構築することが肝要である。
A council of the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has proposed that the current ban on direct stock investment by the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) remain in place, at least for the time being.
年金積立金管理運用独立行政法人（ＧＰＩＦ）による株式の直接運用の可否について、厚生労働省の審議会が、当面は認めず、現状を維持することが望ましいとする報告書をまとめた。
The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito has supported the proposal. The government has decided not to include direct stock investment by the GPIF in a bill related to pension reforms, which it plans to submit to the current Diet.
自民、公明両党も、この内容を了承した。政府は、今国会に提出する予定の年金改革関連法案に直接運用を盛り込まない方針だ。
This was a reasonable conclusion, as it is not only doubtful if the GPIF, under the current structure and human resources, would be able to make appropriate stock investment decisions but also difficult to ensure impartiality and transparency in such investments.
妥当な結論である。現在のＧＰＩＦの体制や人材で的確な投資判断ができるか、疑問が拭えないうえ、株式運用の公平・透明性を確保することも困難だからだ。
The GPIF, which manages the reserve funds of corporate employees’ pension programs and the national pension program − worth a combined total of about \140 trillion − is one of the world’s largest institutional investors.
約１４０兆円に上る厚生年金、国民年金の積立金を運用するＧＰＩＦは、世界最大級の機関投資家である。
In principle, the GPIF manages funds through trust banks and other financial institutions, and is prohibited from making direct equity investments.
信託銀行などを通じた資金運用が原則で、株式への直接投資は認められていない。
The GPIF had called for lifting the ban on direct stock investment on the grounds that by flexibly responding to capital market movements, it will be able to earn more profits, while reducing the commissions it pays to the trust banks.
ＧＰＩＦは、直接運用の解禁を求めていた。市場の動きに機動的に対応できれば、運用益が向上し、信託銀行へ払う運用委託手数料も節約できるという理屈だ。
But the decision-making power of the GPIF has been concentrated on its president, and few of its staff members specialize in fund management.
しかし、ＧＰＩＦは現在、権限が理事長に集中しており、資金運用の専門人材も少ない。
Expert panel appropriate
The council’s proposal calls for reinforcing the GPIF’s governance structure to increase public trust in it.
報告書は、国民の信頼を高めるため、ＧＰＩＦのガバナンス（統治）体制の強化を求めた。
The main point of the proposal is to establish an executive committee, comprising financial experts and other people, with a collegial decision-making system to consider such important matters as the component ratio of management assets. This is an appropriate recommendation.
金融専門家らを集めた経営委員会を新設し、運用資産の構成比率などの重要案件を合議制で決めることが柱だ。適切な提案である。
To carry out asset management stably over the long term, it will be important to develop its own specialists in fund management and enhance risk-management capabilities.
長期的に安定した資産運用を行うためには、専門人材を自前で育成し、リスク管理能力を高めることも大切となろう。
The fund’s organizational reforms, led by welfare minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki, ran into difficulties last year due to differences of opinion with the Pension Bureau. We hope efforts to develop a new structure will be expedited.
塩崎厚労相が主導した組織改革は昨年、年金局との意見の不一致で暗礁に乗り上げた。新たな体制整備を急いでもらいたい。
The ministry says it plans to study the issue of direct stock investment again three years from now.
厚労省は、直接運用を３年後に再び検討するとしている。
Needless to say, there is risk involved in investing in stocks that fluctuate widely. Safety is an essential consideration to manage pension funds over the long term.
だが、言うまでもなく、値動きが大きい株式投資にはリスクが伴う。長期の年金資金の運用には、安全性への配慮は不可欠だ。
There is also the problem that if the GPIF takes a more active role in investing in stocks with massive amounts of pension funds, it will likely have greater influence on stock markets. This is because stock prices likely would be affected by which stock the GPIF buys and how much.
巨額の年金資金を使って株式投資を積極化すれば、ＧＰＩＦの市場に対する影響力は一段と大きくなるという問題もある。ＧＰＩＦがどの会社の株式をどれだけ買うかによって、株価を左右する恐れが高まるからだ。
The GPIF’s fund management reforms are seen as part of the government’s measures to prop up stock prices. Should pension funds be used with short-term price increases in mind, it will distort stock prices. Sufficient consideration should also be given in this respect.
市場では、ＧＰＩＦの運用改革が株価対策と受け取られている面もある。年金資金を短期的な株価下支えに使えば、株価形成を歪ゆがめる。こうした点にも十分に目配りせねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 22, 2016)
2016年02月22日
丸山議員の失言 国政を担う自覚はあるのか
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Gaffe-prone lawmakers need greater awareness of their responsibilities
丸山議員の失言 国政を担う自覚はあるのか
There has recently been a succession of inappropriate remarks made by Diet members from both the ruling and opposition parties and by Cabinet members. This could heighten distrust in politics. They should be aware that they are in a position of heavy responsibility, and also feel a sense of alertness.
与野党の国会議員や閣僚の不適切な発言が相次いでいる。政治不信を助長する恐れがある。重い職責を担う自覚と緊張感を持つべきだ。
The remarks in question include one made by Kazuya Maruyama, a House of Councillors member from the Liberal Democratic Party. At a session of the upper house Commission on the Constitution, he said: “In the United States, a black man is president [of the country] now. He is in a bloodline of black people who were slaves.” The remark could be taken as an expression of racial discrimination. Besides, the father of President Barack Obama was a Kenyan and not a descendant of slaves.
参院憲法審査会で自民党の丸山和也氏が「今、米国は黒人が大統領になっている。黒人の血を引く。これは奴隷ですよ」と語った。人種差別と受けとられかねない。オバマ大統領の父はケニア人で、奴隷の子孫でもない。
The day after making that remark, Maruyama attempted to justify himself by saying, “I said that with the intention of praising the fact that the current United States came into being through self-transformation.” However, this cannot possibly be understood.
翌日、「自己変革があって、今の米国が生まれたことをたたえるつもりで話した」と釈明したが、到底、理解されまい。
Maruyama also said, “If Japan becomes the 51st state of the United States, no controversy could erupt over its right of collective self-defense, and the abduction problem would not have arisen, either.” This is just preposterous and a remark that raises questions about his qualifications as a legislator.
丸山氏は「日本が米国の５１番目の州になれば、集団的自衛権は問題にならないし、拉致問題も起こらなかった」とも述べた。荒唐無稽であり、国会議員としての資質を疑われても仕方ない発言だ。
The opposition Democratic Party of Japan cannot treat the recent inappropriate remarks as having nothing to do with itself.
民主党も人ごとではない。
Masaharu Nakagawa, a House of Representatives member from the DPJ, said at a meeting of party lower house members, “Let’s fight to ensure Prime Minister [Shinzo] Abe develops a sleep disorder.”
中川正春衆院議員は代議士会で「安倍首相の睡眠障害を勝ち取ろう」と訴えた。
Nakagawa made the remark when he referred to Akira Amari, former minister in charge of economic revitalization, who has been diagnosed with a sleep disorder. Nakagawa’s remark lacked consideration for people who suffer from such a condition.
睡眠障害と診断された甘利明・前経済再生相を引き合いにした発言だが、同じ病気に悩む人への配慮が欠けている。
The prime minister has expressed a sense of displeasure with the remark, saying it is “a question of human rights.”
安倍首相は「人権問題だ」などと不快感を示した。
Focus on serious issues
There are a number of themes to be discussed in the Diet now, including the revitalization of the Japanese economy and the situation in northeast Asia. We hope each lawmaker will come to tackle Diet deliberations more seriously and deepen constructive discussions.
日本経済の再生、北東アジア情勢など、国会で論じるべきテーマは多い。各議員は、審議にもっと真剣に取り組み、建設的な議論を深めてもらいたい。
Needless to say, Cabinet members must speak and act with even greater caution.
無論、閣僚には、より慎重な言動が求められる。
During a lecture in which she referred to the nuclear accident that occurred at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, Environment Minister Tamayo Marukawa said the government’s decontamination goal of reducing radiation levels to an annual dose of one millisievert or less had “no scientific grounds.”
丸川環境相は講演で、福島第一原発事故に関し、放射線量を「年間１ミリ・シーベルト以下」にする国の除染目標について「何の科学的根拠もない」と発言した。
Later, she offered an apology, saying, “I said that [with the aim of] stating that a full explanation has not been given about why [the target] was set at one millisievert.” In the end, Marukawa retracted her original remark.
その後、「なぜ１ミリに決めたのか、十分に説明し切れていないと（いう趣旨で）言った」と陳謝して、最終的に発言を撤回した。
In response to requests from communities affected by the accident to thoroughly decontaminate their areas, the administration led by the then ruling DPJ announced it would pursue the goal of curtailing radiation levels to one millisievert or less. By international standards, evacuees from a nuclear accident-affected area can return to their community if radiation levels stand at 20 millisieverts or lower.
民主党政権は、徹底除染を求める地元の要望を受け、１ミリ・シーベルトの目標を掲げた。国際的には、２０ミリ・シーベルト以下なら帰還可能とされる。
It has been pointed out that the high decontamination goal is hindering efforts to ensure that evacuees from communities struck by the disaster can return home, and to rehabilitate the affected areas.
高い目標が住民帰還や復興の障害になっているとの指摘がある。
Although Marukawa’s remark seems to make sense in some respects, there is no denying her statement was unguarded and worded immaturely.
丸川氏の発言には、もっともな面もあるが、舌足らずで、不用意だったことは否めない。
Kensei Mizote, chairman of the LDP caucus of upper house members, referred to former lower house member Kensuke Miyazaki, who was discovered to have been seeing another woman just before his wife gave birth. “Some people may feel envious [of Miyazaki],” Mizote said. Though Mizote may have said this as a joke, his remark was thoughtless.
自民党の溝手顕正参院議員会長は、妻の出産直前に別の女性と交際していた宮崎謙介前衆院議員について、「うらやましい人もいるんじゃないの」と語った。軽口にしても不見識である。
The LDP is being viewed sternly, for reasons such as the scandal involving Miyazaki, who had proposed establishing a system by which Diet members would be allowed to take childcare leave.
国会議員の育児休業の制度化を唱えていた宮崎氏の不祥事などで、自民党への視線は厳しい。
Does all this demonstrate that the LDP may be filled with conceit at a time when the party is the sole dominant force in political circles? Now is the time for the LDP to pull itself together.
「１強」状況の中、慢心が生じていないか。タガを締め直すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 21, 2016)
Gaffe-prone lawmakers need greater awareness of their responsibilities
丸山議員の失言 国政を担う自覚はあるのか
There has recently been a succession of inappropriate remarks made by Diet members from both the ruling and opposition parties and by Cabinet members. This could heighten distrust in politics. They should be aware that they are in a position of heavy responsibility, and also feel a sense of alertness.
与野党の国会議員や閣僚の不適切な発言が相次いでいる。政治不信を助長する恐れがある。重い職責を担う自覚と緊張感を持つべきだ。
The remarks in question include one made by Kazuya Maruyama, a House of Councillors member from the Liberal Democratic Party. At a session of the upper house Commission on the Constitution, he said: “In the United States, a black man is president [of the country] now. He is in a bloodline of black people who were slaves.” The remark could be taken as an expression of racial discrimination. Besides, the father of President Barack Obama was a Kenyan and not a descendant of slaves.
参院憲法審査会で自民党の丸山和也氏が「今、米国は黒人が大統領になっている。黒人の血を引く。これは奴隷ですよ」と語った。人種差別と受けとられかねない。オバマ大統領の父はケニア人で、奴隷の子孫でもない。
The day after making that remark, Maruyama attempted to justify himself by saying, “I said that with the intention of praising the fact that the current United States came into being through self-transformation.” However, this cannot possibly be understood.
翌日、「自己変革があって、今の米国が生まれたことをたたえるつもりで話した」と釈明したが、到底、理解されまい。
Maruyama also said, “If Japan becomes the 51st state of the United States, no controversy could erupt over its right of collective self-defense, and the abduction problem would not have arisen, either.” This is just preposterous and a remark that raises questions about his qualifications as a legislator.
丸山氏は「日本が米国の５１番目の州になれば、集団的自衛権は問題にならないし、拉致問題も起こらなかった」とも述べた。荒唐無稽であり、国会議員としての資質を疑われても仕方ない発言だ。
The opposition Democratic Party of Japan cannot treat the recent inappropriate remarks as having nothing to do with itself.
民主党も人ごとではない。
Masaharu Nakagawa, a House of Representatives member from the DPJ, said at a meeting of party lower house members, “Let’s fight to ensure Prime Minister [Shinzo] Abe develops a sleep disorder.”
中川正春衆院議員は代議士会で「安倍首相の睡眠障害を勝ち取ろう」と訴えた。
Nakagawa made the remark when he referred to Akira Amari, former minister in charge of economic revitalization, who has been diagnosed with a sleep disorder. Nakagawa’s remark lacked consideration for people who suffer from such a condition.
睡眠障害と診断された甘利明・前経済再生相を引き合いにした発言だが、同じ病気に悩む人への配慮が欠けている。
The prime minister has expressed a sense of displeasure with the remark, saying it is “a question of human rights.”
安倍首相は「人権問題だ」などと不快感を示した。
Focus on serious issues
There are a number of themes to be discussed in the Diet now, including the revitalization of the Japanese economy and the situation in northeast Asia. We hope each lawmaker will come to tackle Diet deliberations more seriously and deepen constructive discussions.
日本経済の再生、北東アジア情勢など、国会で論じるべきテーマは多い。各議員は、審議にもっと真剣に取り組み、建設的な議論を深めてもらいたい。
Needless to say, Cabinet members must speak and act with even greater caution.
無論、閣僚には、より慎重な言動が求められる。
During a lecture in which she referred to the nuclear accident that occurred at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, Environment Minister Tamayo Marukawa said the government’s decontamination goal of reducing radiation levels to an annual dose of one millisievert or less had “no scientific grounds.”
丸川環境相は講演で、福島第一原発事故に関し、放射線量を「年間１ミリ・シーベルト以下」にする国の除染目標について「何の科学的根拠もない」と発言した。
Later, she offered an apology, saying, “I said that [with the aim of] stating that a full explanation has not been given about why [the target] was set at one millisievert.” In the end, Marukawa retracted her original remark.
その後、「なぜ１ミリに決めたのか、十分に説明し切れていないと（いう趣旨で）言った」と陳謝して、最終的に発言を撤回した。
In response to requests from communities affected by the accident to thoroughly decontaminate their areas, the administration led by the then ruling DPJ announced it would pursue the goal of curtailing radiation levels to one millisievert or less. By international standards, evacuees from a nuclear accident-affected area can return to their community if radiation levels stand at 20 millisieverts or lower.
民主党政権は、徹底除染を求める地元の要望を受け、１ミリ・シーベルトの目標を掲げた。国際的には、２０ミリ・シーベルト以下なら帰還可能とされる。
It has been pointed out that the high decontamination goal is hindering efforts to ensure that evacuees from communities struck by the disaster can return home, and to rehabilitate the affected areas.
高い目標が住民帰還や復興の障害になっているとの指摘がある。
Although Marukawa’s remark seems to make sense in some respects, there is no denying her statement was unguarded and worded immaturely.
丸川氏の発言には、もっともな面もあるが、舌足らずで、不用意だったことは否めない。
Kensei Mizote, chairman of the LDP caucus of upper house members, referred to former lower house member Kensuke Miyazaki, who was discovered to have been seeing another woman just before his wife gave birth. “Some people may feel envious [of Miyazaki],” Mizote said. Though Mizote may have said this as a joke, his remark was thoughtless.
自民党の溝手顕正参院議員会長は、妻の出産直前に別の女性と交際していた宮崎謙介前衆院議員について、「うらやましい人もいるんじゃないの」と語った。軽口にしても不見識である。
The LDP is being viewed sternly, for reasons such as the scandal involving Miyazaki, who had proposed establishing a system by which Diet members would be allowed to take childcare leave.
国会議員の育児休業の制度化を唱えていた宮崎氏の不祥事などで、自民党への視線は厳しい。
Does all this demonstrate that the LDP may be filled with conceit at a time when the party is the sole dominant force in political circles? Now is the time for the LDP to pull itself together.
「１強」状況の中、慢心が生じていないか。タガを締め直すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 21, 2016)
2016年02月20日
政府慰安婦説明 誤解払拭へ国際発信を強めよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun
More outward approach needed to fix ‘comfort women’ misperception
政府慰安婦説明 誤解払拭へ国際発信を強めよ
Japan must ramp up outbound dissemination of information in an effort to eliminate misperceptions about the so-called comfort women issue.
慰安婦問題に関する誤解を払拭するため、国際的な情報発信を一段と強化せねばならない。
During a recent session of the U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in Geneva, the government gave comprehensive explanations about facts related to the issue for the first time, saying among other things that no documents confirming forcible recruitment of comfort women have been found.
政府は、ジュネーブでの国連女子差別撤廃委員会で、慰安婦の強制連行を裏付ける資料は発見されていないことなど、事実関係について初めて包括的に説明した。
Referring to testimony by the late Seiji Yoshida that he “hunted women” for recruitment of comfort women on Jeju Island in what is now South Korea, Deputy Foreign Minister Shinsuke Sugiyama denounced his testimony as a total fabrication and said The Asahi Shimbun, which had reported his testimony, had since admitted it was an erroneous report and apologized over it.
杉山晋輔外務審議官が、韓国で「女性狩り」をしたとする吉田清治氏の証言は捏造ねつぞうで、吉田証言を報道した朝日新聞が誤報を認め、謝罪したことにも言及した。
Though the government’s rebuttal came belatedly, it is absolutely necessary to accurately correct the international community’s misunderstanding of the facts and actively rebut assertions that could damage the reputation of Japan.
遅きに失した感はあるが、国際社会では、事実誤認は的確に正し、日本を貶おとしめる主張には積極的に反論することが欠かせない。
Touching on Japan’s support for former comfort women based on the Asian Women’s Fund and the Japan-South Korea agreement last December, Sugiyama said, “Criticisms that the Japanese government denies history and has taken no action on the matter run counter to facts.”
杉山氏は、アジア女性基金や昨年１２月の日韓合意に基づく元慰安婦支援に触れ、「日本政府が歴史の否定をしているとか、何の措置もとっていないという批判は事実に反する」と強調した。
With this as a starting point, Japan must step up diplomatic efforts to disseminate all facts related to the comfort women issue across the world.
これを機に、慰安婦問題に関して、正確な事実関係を世界に広げる外交努力を加速させたい。
Of concern is the global spread of the misperception that “200,000 women were forced by the Japanese military to become sex slaves.”
懸念されるのは、「日本軍が２０万人の女性を性奴隷にした」といった誤った言説が、世界各国でひとり歩きしていることだ。
Contrary to facts
The spread of that misperception was triggered by a report by Radhika Coomaraswamy, submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Commission in 1996.
誤解を広げた発端は、１９９６年に国連人権委員会に提出されたクマラスワミ報告である。
Using the Yoshida testimony as part of its grounds for concluding that the comfort women were “sex slaves,” the report mentioned that the number of comfort women hailing from the Korean Peninsula alone totaled 200,000. Such a mistaken expression was inscribed as part of the epitaphs of comfort women statues installed in the United States.
吉田証言を論拠の一つとして慰安婦を「性奴隷」と断じた。慰安婦の数は、朝鮮半島出身者だけでも２０万人と記載した。こうした誤まった表現は、米国に設置された慰安婦像の碑文にも刻まれた。
Arguing that there can be no ground for asserting that there were “200,000” comfort women, Sugiyama also said the expression “sex slaves” was “contrary to the facts.”
杉山氏は今回、「２０万人」に根拠はなく、「性奴隷」との表現は「事実に反する」と指摘した。
History researchers in Japan and foreign countries have assumed certain numbers of comfort women based on such data as the number of soldiers at the time. Their majority view is that 200,000 is an overestimated figure.
慰安婦の数は、国内外の複数の歴史研究者が兵士の数などを基に推計しているが、２０万人は過大だとの見方が有力である。
It is regrettable, however, that the Foreign Ministry did not make any effective refutation when the Coomaraswamy’s report was submitted to the United Nations panel.
悔やまれるのは、クマラスワミ報告が出た時点で、外務省が有効な反論をしなかったことだ。
This is probably because the ministry was bound by the fact that the report used some quotes from the statement made by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono in 1993. Kono said that “in many cases they were recruited against their own will” and “administrative/military personnel directly took part in the recruitments.” Revision of the Kono Statement is a heavy challenge for the future.
慰安婦募集が「総じて本人たちの意思に反して行われ」「官憲等が直接これに加担したこともあった」とした９３年の河野官房長官談話の一部が報告に引用され、それに縛られたのだろう。河野談話の見直しは今後の重い課題だ。
The South Korean government has contended during the U.N. panel session in Geneva that “the forcible mobilization of comfort women is a historical fact.” But it refrained from making a strong condemnation in consideration of the last year’s bilateral agreement that called for both parties to exercise self-restraint on criticizing each other at the United Nations and other international forums.
韓国政府は、「慰安婦動員の強制性は歴史的事実」と主張した。一方で、国連などで相互批判を自制するとの昨年の日韓合意を踏まえ、強い非難はしなかった。
Japan’s focus this time on explaining the facts about comfort women can be deemed to be based on the same intention. Japan-South Korea relations have started improving after remaining stagnant for a long time. They must avoid a return to the folly of waging a futile battle of mutual criticism.
日本が今回、事実関係の説明に徹したのも同じ趣旨だろう。長く停滞していた日韓関係は今、改善傾向にある。不毛な批判合戦に逆戻りする愚は避けるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 19, 2016)
More outward approach needed to fix ‘comfort women’ misperception
政府慰安婦説明 誤解払拭へ国際発信を強めよ
Japan must ramp up outbound dissemination of information in an effort to eliminate misperceptions about the so-called comfort women issue.
慰安婦問題に関する誤解を払拭するため、国際的な情報発信を一段と強化せねばならない。
During a recent session of the U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in Geneva, the government gave comprehensive explanations about facts related to the issue for the first time, saying among other things that no documents confirming forcible recruitment of comfort women have been found.
政府は、ジュネーブでの国連女子差別撤廃委員会で、慰安婦の強制連行を裏付ける資料は発見されていないことなど、事実関係について初めて包括的に説明した。
Referring to testimony by the late Seiji Yoshida that he “hunted women” for recruitment of comfort women on Jeju Island in what is now South Korea, Deputy Foreign Minister Shinsuke Sugiyama denounced his testimony as a total fabrication and said The Asahi Shimbun, which had reported his testimony, had since admitted it was an erroneous report and apologized over it.
杉山晋輔外務審議官が、韓国で「女性狩り」をしたとする吉田清治氏の証言は捏造ねつぞうで、吉田証言を報道した朝日新聞が誤報を認め、謝罪したことにも言及した。
Though the government’s rebuttal came belatedly, it is absolutely necessary to accurately correct the international community’s misunderstanding of the facts and actively rebut assertions that could damage the reputation of Japan.
遅きに失した感はあるが、国際社会では、事実誤認は的確に正し、日本を貶おとしめる主張には積極的に反論することが欠かせない。
Touching on Japan’s support for former comfort women based on the Asian Women’s Fund and the Japan-South Korea agreement last December, Sugiyama said, “Criticisms that the Japanese government denies history and has taken no action on the matter run counter to facts.”
杉山氏は、アジア女性基金や昨年１２月の日韓合意に基づく元慰安婦支援に触れ、「日本政府が歴史の否定をしているとか、何の措置もとっていないという批判は事実に反する」と強調した。
With this as a starting point, Japan must step up diplomatic efforts to disseminate all facts related to the comfort women issue across the world.
これを機に、慰安婦問題に関して、正確な事実関係を世界に広げる外交努力を加速させたい。
Of concern is the global spread of the misperception that “200,000 women were forced by the Japanese military to become sex slaves.”
懸念されるのは、「日本軍が２０万人の女性を性奴隷にした」といった誤った言説が、世界各国でひとり歩きしていることだ。
Contrary to facts
The spread of that misperception was triggered by a report by Radhika Coomaraswamy, submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Commission in 1996.
誤解を広げた発端は、１９９６年に国連人権委員会に提出されたクマラスワミ報告である。
Using the Yoshida testimony as part of its grounds for concluding that the comfort women were “sex slaves,” the report mentioned that the number of comfort women hailing from the Korean Peninsula alone totaled 200,000. Such a mistaken expression was inscribed as part of the epitaphs of comfort women statues installed in the United States.
吉田証言を論拠の一つとして慰安婦を「性奴隷」と断じた。慰安婦の数は、朝鮮半島出身者だけでも２０万人と記載した。こうした誤まった表現は、米国に設置された慰安婦像の碑文にも刻まれた。
Arguing that there can be no ground for asserting that there were “200,000” comfort women, Sugiyama also said the expression “sex slaves” was “contrary to the facts.”
杉山氏は今回、「２０万人」に根拠はなく、「性奴隷」との表現は「事実に反する」と指摘した。
History researchers in Japan and foreign countries have assumed certain numbers of comfort women based on such data as the number of soldiers at the time. Their majority view is that 200,000 is an overestimated figure.
慰安婦の数は、国内外の複数の歴史研究者が兵士の数などを基に推計しているが、２０万人は過大だとの見方が有力である。
It is regrettable, however, that the Foreign Ministry did not make any effective refutation when the Coomaraswamy’s report was submitted to the United Nations panel.
悔やまれるのは、クマラスワミ報告が出た時点で、外務省が有効な反論をしなかったことだ。
This is probably because the ministry was bound by the fact that the report used some quotes from the statement made by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono in 1993. Kono said that “in many cases they were recruited against their own will” and “administrative/military personnel directly took part in the recruitments.” Revision of the Kono Statement is a heavy challenge for the future.
慰安婦募集が「総じて本人たちの意思に反して行われ」「官憲等が直接これに加担したこともあった」とした９３年の河野官房長官談話の一部が報告に引用され、それに縛られたのだろう。河野談話の見直しは今後の重い課題だ。
The South Korean government has contended during the U.N. panel session in Geneva that “the forcible mobilization of comfort women is a historical fact.” But it refrained from making a strong condemnation in consideration of the last year’s bilateral agreement that called for both parties to exercise self-restraint on criticizing each other at the United Nations and other international forums.
韓国政府は、「慰安婦動員の強制性は歴史的事実」と主張した。一方で、国連などで相互批判を自制するとの昨年の日韓合意を踏まえ、強い非難はしなかった。
Japan’s focus this time on explaining the facts about comfort women can be deemed to be based on the same intention. Japan-South Korea relations have started improving after remaining stagnant for a long time. They must avoid a return to the folly of waging a futile battle of mutual criticism.
日本が今回、事実関係の説明に徹したのも同じ趣旨だろう。長く停滞していた日韓関係は今、改善傾向にある。不毛な批判合戦に逆戻りする愚は避けるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 19, 2016)
2016年02月19日
米ＡＳＥＡＮ 南シナ海での狼藉に警告した
The Yomiuri Shimbun
U.S., ASEAN warn Beijing over outrageous actions in S. China Sea
米ＡＳＥＡＮ 南シナ海での狼藉に警告した
A message has been sent to China, which is attempting to turn the artificial islands it has built in the South China Sea into military strongholds, warning that its self-serving actions are unacceptable.
南シナ海で人工島の軍事拠点化を図る中国に、独善的な行動は許されないとのメッセージを送ったということだろう。
U.S. President Barack Obama invited leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations for the first U.S.-ASEAN summit to be held in the United States.
オバマ米大統領が東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）１０か国の首脳を招き、米国で初めて会議を開催した。
With the South China Sea in mind, a joint statement by the leaders set forth the importance of maintaining maritime security and safety by ensuring the right to the freedom of navigation, nonmilitarization and self-restraint. It avoided making pointed references to China but implicitly issued a warning regarding China’s outrageous behavior.
共同声明では、南シナ海を念頭に、「航行の自由」の確保や非軍事化、行動の自制を通じて、海洋の安全を維持する重要性が明記された。名指しは避けたが、中国の狼藉ろうぜきへの警告を意味している。
One of the artificial islands China has built in the Spratly Islands reportedly contains a 3,000-meter-class runway and hangars for fighter jets.
スプラトリー（南沙）諸島の中国の人工島には、３０００メートル級の滑走路や戦闘機用の格納庫が整備されたという。
Test flights were conducted on the island at the beginning of this year, and full-fledged operations of the runway are expected to start shortly.
今年初めに試験飛行が実施され、滑走路の本格運用が近く始まるとみられる。
China has also reportedly deployed an advanced surface-to-air missile system and a radar system on an island it effectively controls in the Paracel Islands.
パラセル（西沙）諸島で中国が実効支配する島には、新型の地対空ミサイルとレーダーシステムが配備されたとも報じられた。
Viewing the United States as an “extra-regional state” in the South China Sea, China refuses to accept U.S. intervention in the region. China may be making too light of the situation, thinking that once it excludes U.S. influence from the region, it can make its maritime interests a fait accompli.
中国は、米国を南シナ海の「域外国」と位置づけ、介入を拒んでいる。米国の影響力を排除すれば、海洋権益を既成事実化できると高をくくっているのだろう。
Yet the safety of sea lanes is a common good for the international community, including Japan.
だが、海上交通路（シーレーン）の安全は、日本を含む国際社会共通の利益だ。
It was natural for Obama and ASEAN leaders to have announced in the joint statement the significance of “an international order where international rules and norms and the rights of all nations are upheld.”
オバマ氏とＡＳＥＡＮ首脳が、「すべての国の権利を保護する、ルールに基づいた国際秩序」の意義を共同声明で打ち出したのは当然である。
Regular sailings needed
Last October and in January this year, U.S. Navy vessels sailed close to disputed islands in the South China Sea, conducting patrols to concretely demonstrate the right to the freedom of navigation.
米軍艦艇は昨年１０月と今年１月に、南シナ海で「航行の自由」を行動で示す巡視活動を行った。
At a press conference, Obama said the United States would “continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows,” clarifying again that the United States would continue its activities in the region. To deter China from taking provocative steps, it is essential for U.S. warships to sail there regularly.
オバマ氏は記者会見で「国際法が許すところでは、どこでも実施し続ける」と述べ、活動継続を改めて明言した。中国の挑発を抑えるには、定期化が欠かせない。
The noticeable difference among ASEAN countries’ enthusiasm for holding China in check is a matter of concern. Such countries as Laos, the current ASEAN chair, and Cambodia have close economic ties with China. A situation in which ASEAN members become further divided in their positions, weakening the pressure they put on China, must be avoided.
懸念されるのは、ＡＳＥＡＮ内の温度差が目立つことである。議長国ラオスやカンボジアなどは中国と経済関係が深い。ＡＳＥＡＮの分断が進み、対中圧力が弱まる事態は避けねばならない。
The United States is being called on to promote its rebalancing policy, which focuses on Asia, and to exercise strong leadership. Obama’s planned visit to Vietnam in May is part of such efforts.
米国には「アジア重視」政策の推進と強い指導力が求められる。オバマ氏が５月にベトナムを訪問するのも、その一環となる。
Obama and ASEAN leaders at the summit also discussed the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade accord, participated in by 12 countries, including Japan and the United States.
首脳会議では、日米など１２か国による環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）についても話し合われた。
Obama welcomed the participation of four ASEAN members, including Singapore, while expressing support for the remaining six, including Indonesia and Thailand, to join.
オバマ氏は、シンガポールなど４か国の参加を歓迎し、インドネシア、タイなど残る６か国の参加に向けた支援を表明した。
An expanded membership in the TPP accord, which strictly regulates trade and investment, would help restrain China, which is taking hegemonic actions in economic fields as well. Greater participation in the TPP by ASEAN member countries would also help vitalize Japan’s trade.
高い水準の貿易・投資ルールを適用するＴＰＰの拡大は、経済面でも覇権的行動をとる中国への牽制けんせいになる。ＡＳＥＡＮからの参加国の増加は、日本の貿易活性化にもつながろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 18, 2016)
U.S., ASEAN warn Beijing over outrageous actions in S. China Sea
米ＡＳＥＡＮ 南シナ海での狼藉に警告した
A message has been sent to China, which is attempting to turn the artificial islands it has built in the South China Sea into military strongholds, warning that its self-serving actions are unacceptable.
南シナ海で人工島の軍事拠点化を図る中国に、独善的な行動は許されないとのメッセージを送ったということだろう。
U.S. President Barack Obama invited leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations for the first U.S.-ASEAN summit to be held in the United States.
オバマ米大統領が東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）１０か国の首脳を招き、米国で初めて会議を開催した。
With the South China Sea in mind, a joint statement by the leaders set forth the importance of maintaining maritime security and safety by ensuring the right to the freedom of navigation, nonmilitarization and self-restraint. It avoided making pointed references to China but implicitly issued a warning regarding China’s outrageous behavior.
共同声明では、南シナ海を念頭に、「航行の自由」の確保や非軍事化、行動の自制を通じて、海洋の安全を維持する重要性が明記された。名指しは避けたが、中国の狼藉ろうぜきへの警告を意味している。
One of the artificial islands China has built in the Spratly Islands reportedly contains a 3,000-meter-class runway and hangars for fighter jets.
スプラトリー（南沙）諸島の中国の人工島には、３０００メートル級の滑走路や戦闘機用の格納庫が整備されたという。
Test flights were conducted on the island at the beginning of this year, and full-fledged operations of the runway are expected to start shortly.
今年初めに試験飛行が実施され、滑走路の本格運用が近く始まるとみられる。
China has also reportedly deployed an advanced surface-to-air missile system and a radar system on an island it effectively controls in the Paracel Islands.
パラセル（西沙）諸島で中国が実効支配する島には、新型の地対空ミサイルとレーダーシステムが配備されたとも報じられた。
Viewing the United States as an “extra-regional state” in the South China Sea, China refuses to accept U.S. intervention in the region. China may be making too light of the situation, thinking that once it excludes U.S. influence from the region, it can make its maritime interests a fait accompli.
中国は、米国を南シナ海の「域外国」と位置づけ、介入を拒んでいる。米国の影響力を排除すれば、海洋権益を既成事実化できると高をくくっているのだろう。
Yet the safety of sea lanes is a common good for the international community, including Japan.
だが、海上交通路（シーレーン）の安全は、日本を含む国際社会共通の利益だ。
It was natural for Obama and ASEAN leaders to have announced in the joint statement the significance of “an international order where international rules and norms and the rights of all nations are upheld.”
オバマ氏とＡＳＥＡＮ首脳が、「すべての国の権利を保護する、ルールに基づいた国際秩序」の意義を共同声明で打ち出したのは当然である。
Regular sailings needed
Last October and in January this year, U.S. Navy vessels sailed close to disputed islands in the South China Sea, conducting patrols to concretely demonstrate the right to the freedom of navigation.
米軍艦艇は昨年１０月と今年１月に、南シナ海で「航行の自由」を行動で示す巡視活動を行った。
At a press conference, Obama said the United States would “continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows,” clarifying again that the United States would continue its activities in the region. To deter China from taking provocative steps, it is essential for U.S. warships to sail there regularly.
オバマ氏は記者会見で「国際法が許すところでは、どこでも実施し続ける」と述べ、活動継続を改めて明言した。中国の挑発を抑えるには、定期化が欠かせない。
The noticeable difference among ASEAN countries’ enthusiasm for holding China in check is a matter of concern. Such countries as Laos, the current ASEAN chair, and Cambodia have close economic ties with China. A situation in which ASEAN members become further divided in their positions, weakening the pressure they put on China, must be avoided.
懸念されるのは、ＡＳＥＡＮ内の温度差が目立つことである。議長国ラオスやカンボジアなどは中国と経済関係が深い。ＡＳＥＡＮの分断が進み、対中圧力が弱まる事態は避けねばならない。
The United States is being called on to promote its rebalancing policy, which focuses on Asia, and to exercise strong leadership. Obama’s planned visit to Vietnam in May is part of such efforts.
米国には「アジア重視」政策の推進と強い指導力が求められる。オバマ氏が５月にベトナムを訪問するのも、その一環となる。
Obama and ASEAN leaders at the summit also discussed the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade accord, participated in by 12 countries, including Japan and the United States.
首脳会議では、日米など１２か国による環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）についても話し合われた。
Obama welcomed the participation of four ASEAN members, including Singapore, while expressing support for the remaining six, including Indonesia and Thailand, to join.
オバマ氏は、シンガポールなど４か国の参加を歓迎し、インドネシア、タイなど残る６か国の参加に向けた支援を表明した。
An expanded membership in the TPP accord, which strictly regulates trade and investment, would help restrain China, which is taking hegemonic actions in economic fields as well. Greater participation in the TPP by ASEAN member countries would also help vitalize Japan’s trade.
高い水準の貿易・投資ルールを適用するＴＰＰの拡大は、経済面でも覇権的行動をとる中国への牽制けんせいになる。ＡＳＥＡＮからの参加国の増加は、日本の貿易活性化にもつながろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 18, 2016)
2016年02月18日
朝鮮半島緊張 「北」の軍事挑発に警戒怠るな
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Vigilance must be increased over North Korean military provocation
朝鮮半島緊張 「北」の軍事挑発に警戒怠るな
Ignoring repeated calls for self-restraint from the international community, North Korea continues taking provocative actions. Pyongyang should quickly recognize that such actions will only deepen its isolation and aggravate its plight.
国際社会の再三の自制要求を顧みず、北朝鮮が挑発を重ねている。孤立を深め、自らの困窮を悪化させるだけであることを早く認識すべきだ。
The Korean Central News Agency reported Monday that Kim Jong Un, the first secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, called for more satellite launches in the future. This suggests that the country will launch long-range ballistic missiles again.
朝鮮中央通信は、北朝鮮の金正恩第１書記が「衛星をもっと多く打ち上げねばならない」と述べたと伝えた。長距離弾道ミサイルの再発射を示唆したものだ。
Defense Minister Gen Nakatani pointed out Tuesday, “We cannot rule out the possibility of North Korea’s repeatedly launching missiles on the pretext of launching satellites.”
中谷防衛相は「北朝鮮が人工衛星の打ち上げを口実としたミサイル発射を繰り返す可能性も否定できない」と指摘した。
It is important for Japan to cooperate with other countries concerned, including the United States and South Korea, and increase its vigilance.
日本は、米韓など関係国と連携して、警戒を強めることが大切である。
South Korean President Park Geun-hye said in a parliamentary address, “If time passes like this with no change, Kim Jong Un’s regime, on a reckless run without brakes, will deploy nuclear missiles.” It was reasonable for Park to have warned the nation of the danger of an increasing North Korean threat in light of advances in the North’s military technologies.
朴槿恵韓国大統領が国会で「このままでは、ブレーキなしに暴走する金正恩政権が核ミサイルを実戦配備する」と演説した。軍事技術向上により北朝鮮の脅威が高まる危険性を訴えたのは当然だ。
In imposing sanctions on North Korea for its nuclear test last month and the latest launch of a long-range ballistic missile, South Korea suspended all operations at Kaesong industrial park, a jointly run cooperation project in North Korea.
韓国は、北朝鮮の核実験と長距離弾道ミサイル発射への独自制裁として、南北協力事業「開城工業団地」の操業を全面中断した。
Problematic is that North Korea has unilaterally declared the Kaesong complex a military control zone and shut down cross-border telecommunications hot lines for both military forces.
問題なのは、北朝鮮が一方的に開城工業団地を「軍事統制区域」にすると宣言し、南北の軍同士の通信を閉鎖したことである。
North Korea has taken these steps apparently because it was upset by Seoul’s aiming to cut financial resources of the Kim regime.
金政権の資金源を標的にしたことに猛反発したとみられる。
Concerted trilateral moves
Since the Kaesong industrial complex started operations in 2004, North Korea has earned a total of $560 million (or about \63.4 billion) in foreign currency, including workers’ wages. Seventy percent of the money paid in wages and for other things is said to have gone to the Workers’ Party, which funneled it toward its nuclear and missile development programs or to purchase luxury goods.
開城工業団地の２００４年の操業開始以来、北朝鮮は労賃など計５億６０００万ドル（約６３４億円）の外貨を得ている。労賃などの７割が朝鮮労働党に上納され、核・ミサイル開発や、ぜいたく品購入などに流用されたという。
There were also news reports saying that the chief of staff of the North Korean Army was recently executed. First Secretary Kim may have become unable to maintain his regime without resorting to a reign of terror by purging one aide after another among senior officials of the military or the ruling party.
北朝鮮軍の総参謀長が最近、処刑されたとの情報もある。金第１書記は側近の軍・党幹部を次々に粛清する恐怖政治でしか、体制を維持できないのではないか。
It is inevitable for the tensions between the two Koreas to increase. The U.S. forces will deploy a nuclear-powered attack submarine and F-22 stealth fighter planes in and around South Korea. The United States and South Korea should cooperate and deter North Korea from engaging in military provocations.
南北の緊張が高まるのは避けられまい。米軍は攻撃型原潜やステルス戦闘機Ｆ２２を韓国周辺に展開する。米韓が協調し、北朝鮮の軍事挑発を抑止すべきだ。
In her address, Park emphasized that her country is advancing the buildup of defense capabilities of the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
朴氏は演説で、米韓同盟の「防衛力増強を進めている」と力説した。
Park’s new policy of negotiating with Washington over the deployment of a state-of-the-art U.S. missile defense system in her country, which she had been wary about, is also part of the defense buildup.
これまで慎重だった最新鋭の米ミサイル防衛システムの韓国配備について、米国と協議する方針に転換したのもその一環だ。
In South Korea, senior officials of the ruling party, a leading newspaper and others have begun to publicly refer to the idea of arming the country with nuclear weapons. Park’s parliamentary remarks may also be aimed at cooling off such a move.
韓国では、与党幹部や有力紙などが公然と核武装論に言及し始めた。朴氏の発言には、これを沈静化する狙いもあるのだろう。
Park has highly rated Japan’s imposition of unilateral sanctions on North Korea, saying it has demonstrated Japan’s strong will not to overlook its behavior.
朴氏は、日米の対北朝鮮独自制裁の動きについて、「北朝鮮の行動を看過しないという強い意思を示している」と評価した。
It is vitally important to make use of the momentum of concerted moves by Japan, the United States and South Korea toward tough sanctions against North Korea so as to realize the adoption of a resolution by the U.N. Security Council.
厳格な北朝鮮制裁で日米韓の足並みがそろった機運を生かし、国連安全保障理事会の制裁決議採択につなげることが肝要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 17, 2016)
Vigilance must be increased over North Korean military provocation
朝鮮半島緊張 「北」の軍事挑発に警戒怠るな
Ignoring repeated calls for self-restraint from the international community, North Korea continues taking provocative actions. Pyongyang should quickly recognize that such actions will only deepen its isolation and aggravate its plight.
国際社会の再三の自制要求を顧みず、北朝鮮が挑発を重ねている。孤立を深め、自らの困窮を悪化させるだけであることを早く認識すべきだ。
The Korean Central News Agency reported Monday that Kim Jong Un, the first secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, called for more satellite launches in the future. This suggests that the country will launch long-range ballistic missiles again.
朝鮮中央通信は、北朝鮮の金正恩第１書記が「衛星をもっと多く打ち上げねばならない」と述べたと伝えた。長距離弾道ミサイルの再発射を示唆したものだ。
Defense Minister Gen Nakatani pointed out Tuesday, “We cannot rule out the possibility of North Korea’s repeatedly launching missiles on the pretext of launching satellites.”
中谷防衛相は「北朝鮮が人工衛星の打ち上げを口実としたミサイル発射を繰り返す可能性も否定できない」と指摘した。
It is important for Japan to cooperate with other countries concerned, including the United States and South Korea, and increase its vigilance.
日本は、米韓など関係国と連携して、警戒を強めることが大切である。
South Korean President Park Geun-hye said in a parliamentary address, “If time passes like this with no change, Kim Jong Un’s regime, on a reckless run without brakes, will deploy nuclear missiles.” It was reasonable for Park to have warned the nation of the danger of an increasing North Korean threat in light of advances in the North’s military technologies.
朴槿恵韓国大統領が国会で「このままでは、ブレーキなしに暴走する金正恩政権が核ミサイルを実戦配備する」と演説した。軍事技術向上により北朝鮮の脅威が高まる危険性を訴えたのは当然だ。
In imposing sanctions on North Korea for its nuclear test last month and the latest launch of a long-range ballistic missile, South Korea suspended all operations at Kaesong industrial park, a jointly run cooperation project in North Korea.
韓国は、北朝鮮の核実験と長距離弾道ミサイル発射への独自制裁として、南北協力事業「開城工業団地」の操業を全面中断した。
Problematic is that North Korea has unilaterally declared the Kaesong complex a military control zone and shut down cross-border telecommunications hot lines for both military forces.
問題なのは、北朝鮮が一方的に開城工業団地を「軍事統制区域」にすると宣言し、南北の軍同士の通信を閉鎖したことである。
North Korea has taken these steps apparently because it was upset by Seoul’s aiming to cut financial resources of the Kim regime.
金政権の資金源を標的にしたことに猛反発したとみられる。
Concerted trilateral moves
Since the Kaesong industrial complex started operations in 2004, North Korea has earned a total of $560 million (or about \63.4 billion) in foreign currency, including workers’ wages. Seventy percent of the money paid in wages and for other things is said to have gone to the Workers’ Party, which funneled it toward its nuclear and missile development programs or to purchase luxury goods.
開城工業団地の２００４年の操業開始以来、北朝鮮は労賃など計５億６０００万ドル（約６３４億円）の外貨を得ている。労賃などの７割が朝鮮労働党に上納され、核・ミサイル開発や、ぜいたく品購入などに流用されたという。
There were also news reports saying that the chief of staff of the North Korean Army was recently executed. First Secretary Kim may have become unable to maintain his regime without resorting to a reign of terror by purging one aide after another among senior officials of the military or the ruling party.
北朝鮮軍の総参謀長が最近、処刑されたとの情報もある。金第１書記は側近の軍・党幹部を次々に粛清する恐怖政治でしか、体制を維持できないのではないか。
It is inevitable for the tensions between the two Koreas to increase. The U.S. forces will deploy a nuclear-powered attack submarine and F-22 stealth fighter planes in and around South Korea. The United States and South Korea should cooperate and deter North Korea from engaging in military provocations.
南北の緊張が高まるのは避けられまい。米軍は攻撃型原潜やステルス戦闘機Ｆ２２を韓国周辺に展開する。米韓が協調し、北朝鮮の軍事挑発を抑止すべきだ。
In her address, Park emphasized that her country is advancing the buildup of defense capabilities of the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
朴氏は演説で、米韓同盟の「防衛力増強を進めている」と力説した。
Park’s new policy of negotiating with Washington over the deployment of a state-of-the-art U.S. missile defense system in her country, which she had been wary about, is also part of the defense buildup.
これまで慎重だった最新鋭の米ミサイル防衛システムの韓国配備について、米国と協議する方針に転換したのもその一環だ。
In South Korea, senior officials of the ruling party, a leading newspaper and others have begun to publicly refer to the idea of arming the country with nuclear weapons. Park’s parliamentary remarks may also be aimed at cooling off such a move.
韓国では、与党幹部や有力紙などが公然と核武装論に言及し始めた。朴氏の発言には、これを沈静化する狙いもあるのだろう。
Park has highly rated Japan’s imposition of unilateral sanctions on North Korea, saying it has demonstrated Japan’s strong will not to overlook its behavior.
朴氏は、日米の対北朝鮮独自制裁の動きについて、「北朝鮮の行動を看過しないという強い意思を示している」と評価した。
It is vitally important to make use of the momentum of concerted moves by Japan, the United States and South Korea toward tough sanctions against North Korea so as to realize the adoption of a resolution by the U.N. Security Council.
厳格な北朝鮮制裁で日米韓の足並みがそろった機運を生かし、国連安全保障理事会の制裁決議採択につなげることが肝要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 17, 2016)