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2010年10月15日
ドイツの２０年―欧州統合への歩みに学ぶ
2010/10/14
--The Asahi Shimbun, Oct. 13
EDITORIAL: Unified Germany at 20
ドイツの２０年―欧州統合への歩みに学ぶ
When the Berlin Wall came down, East Germans spilled into the streets and chanted, "We are one people." The outpouring of their longing for the freedom and prosperity of the West turned the wheels of history.
ベルリンの壁が崩壊し、街に繰り出した旧東独の人々が叫んだ。「我々は一つの国民だ」。西側の自由と豊かさへのあこがれ。噴き出した人々の情念が歴史の歯車を動かした。
Germany's reunification, on Oct. 3, 1990, heralded a new era in contemporary history.
１９９０年１０月の東西ドイツ統一は、現代史の新しい幕開けだった。
Celebrating the 20th anniversary, German President Christian Wulff noted: "In 1989 the East Germans chanted 'We are the people, we are one people.' This evoked a sense of national identity that had long been buried ... . Now, 20 years on, a new self-confidence has taken hold throughout Germany, a relaxed brand of patriotism, a frank assertion of belief in our country--a country that is aware of its great responsibility for the past and that is shaping the future accordingly."
あれから２０年。統一記念式典で演説したウルフ大統領の言葉は印象的だ。
「旧東独の人々の叫びが、眠っていた国民のアイデンティティーを呼び覚ました。２０年後のいま、この国には新しい自信、緩やかな愛国心、そして過去への大きな責任とともに、未来を担おうとの意識が生まれている」
We would say Germany has scored historic successes over the past 20 years.
ドイツにとって、歴史的な成功を収めた２０年だったといえよう。
Back in 1990, Germany's neighbors were apprehensive about reunification. Although Germany engaged in deep soul-searching after its defeat in World War II, former victim nations had yet to fully get over their collective memories of the destruction caused by Germany in the two world wars and the unspeakable horrors of the Nazi death camps.
当時、近隣国にはドイツ統一への警戒心が強かった。２度の大戦とユダヤ人虐殺。戦後ドイツが示した反省にもかかわらず、被害の記憶はなかなか消え去らなかった。
Aware of these sentiments, German leaders chose to incorporate their country into the multilateral cooperative framework of European nations which were striving to realize regional integration, even if that meant making some sacrifices.
ドイツの指導者たちが取り組んだのは、地域統合をめざす欧州の多国間協力の枠組みに、代償を払ってでも自らを組み込むことだった。
Germany abandoned the Deutsche mark, which was Europe's strongest currency at the time, and agreed to adopt the euro. Germany also encouraged Poland, Czechoslovakia and other central and eastern European nations to join the EU as well as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. These policies won the support of the rest of Europe and the United States and the acceptance of Russia.
欧州最強の通貨だった独マルクを捨て、単一通貨ユーロの導入を認めた。ポーランドやチェコなど中東欧諸国を後押しして、欧州連合（ＥＵ）や北大西洋条約機構（ＮＡＴＯ）に次々迎え入れた。欧州諸国や米国はこれを支援し、ロシアも受け入れた。
Rather than allow itself to be swallowed up in the current of history, Germany opted to go with the times and lead the nation in a direction that would best serve the interests of its people.
歴史の奔流に身をまかせるのではなく、国民の利益のため、流れに棹（さお）さして望ましい方向へ導いていく。
There is no question that Bonn's foreign policy, based on this position, has worked very favorably for the country.
そんなドイツの自覚的な外交戦略が大きな果実をもたらしたのは明らかだ。
As a result of the integration of European markets, more than 60 percent of German exports today are bound for Europe. Germany's highly competitive automobile and chemical industries are helping to prop up the European economy as a whole.
欧州市場の一体化により、ドイツの貿易のうち対欧は６割を超えた。自動車や化学品など強い産業競争力が欧州経済を下支えしている。
In foreign policy, Germany maintains independent relations with the United States and Russia, and is also party to negotiations over the Iranian nuclear issue. Also, many German troops are on missions in Afghanistan and the former Yugoslavia to restore law and order.
外交では、米国やロシアと自立した関係を築く一方、イランの核問題の交渉に加わっている。アフガニスタンや旧ユーゴスラビアの治安回復に多くの兵士が活動している。
Naturally, Germany is not without problems. The per-capita income of former East Germans is still only 70 percent of that of their West German compatriots, and the jobless rate is high.
もちろん陰の面もある。旧東独の１人あたり所得は旧西独の７割で、その失業率は高い。
During the ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of reunification, Wulff appealed to his countrymen to be more accepting of Turkish and other immigrants from the Islamic world.
ウルフ大統領は式典で、トルコなどイスラム系移民を社会に取り込む大切さを国民に訴えた。
What should the European Union do to reinforce its functions to overcome the problem of a single currency and fiscal concerns? How should the EU deal with conflict in the Middle East and the Iranian nuclear problem? The EU has an extremely important role to play in the international community.
単一通貨ユーロや財政の不安を乗り越えるために、ＥＵの機能をどう強めるか。中東紛争やイラン核問題をどう解決していくか。ＥＵが国際社会で果たす役割は極めて大きい。
As a core EU member, Germany bears the responsibility of further advancing the integration of Europe and leading the way in resolving various global issues.
ＥＵの中核メンバーとして、ドイツは欧州統合を深化させ、世界の課題解決の先頭に立つ責務がある。
This autumn, commemorative events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Japan and Germany kicked off in Japan. In Asia, a divided nation exists on the Korean Peninsula, and disputes over sovereignty and territory continue to flare elsewhere.
この秋、日本で「日独交流１５０周年」の行事が始まった。アジアでは、朝鮮半島に分断国家が残り、領土や主権をめぐる摩擦が起きている。
Japan's circumstances are obviously different from Germany's, but there are many things we can learn from Germany.
置かれた環境は異なるが、ドイツの経験に学べることは少なくない。
--The Asahi Shimbun, Oct. 13
EDITORIAL: Unified Germany at 20
ドイツの２０年―欧州統合への歩みに学ぶ
When the Berlin Wall came down, East Germans spilled into the streets and chanted, "We are one people." The outpouring of their longing for the freedom and prosperity of the West turned the wheels of history.
ベルリンの壁が崩壊し、街に繰り出した旧東独の人々が叫んだ。「我々は一つの国民だ」。西側の自由と豊かさへのあこがれ。噴き出した人々の情念が歴史の歯車を動かした。
Germany's reunification, on Oct. 3, 1990, heralded a new era in contemporary history.
１９９０年１０月の東西ドイツ統一は、現代史の新しい幕開けだった。
Celebrating the 20th anniversary, German President Christian Wulff noted: "In 1989 the East Germans chanted 'We are the people, we are one people.' This evoked a sense of national identity that had long been buried ... . Now, 20 years on, a new self-confidence has taken hold throughout Germany, a relaxed brand of patriotism, a frank assertion of belief in our country--a country that is aware of its great responsibility for the past and that is shaping the future accordingly."
あれから２０年。統一記念式典で演説したウルフ大統領の言葉は印象的だ。
「旧東独の人々の叫びが、眠っていた国民のアイデンティティーを呼び覚ました。２０年後のいま、この国には新しい自信、緩やかな愛国心、そして過去への大きな責任とともに、未来を担おうとの意識が生まれている」
We would say Germany has scored historic successes over the past 20 years.
ドイツにとって、歴史的な成功を収めた２０年だったといえよう。
Back in 1990, Germany's neighbors were apprehensive about reunification. Although Germany engaged in deep soul-searching after its defeat in World War II, former victim nations had yet to fully get over their collective memories of the destruction caused by Germany in the two world wars and the unspeakable horrors of the Nazi death camps.
当時、近隣国にはドイツ統一への警戒心が強かった。２度の大戦とユダヤ人虐殺。戦後ドイツが示した反省にもかかわらず、被害の記憶はなかなか消え去らなかった。
Aware of these sentiments, German leaders chose to incorporate their country into the multilateral cooperative framework of European nations which were striving to realize regional integration, even if that meant making some sacrifices.
ドイツの指導者たちが取り組んだのは、地域統合をめざす欧州の多国間協力の枠組みに、代償を払ってでも自らを組み込むことだった。
Germany abandoned the Deutsche mark, which was Europe's strongest currency at the time, and agreed to adopt the euro. Germany also encouraged Poland, Czechoslovakia and other central and eastern European nations to join the EU as well as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. These policies won the support of the rest of Europe and the United States and the acceptance of Russia.
欧州最強の通貨だった独マルクを捨て、単一通貨ユーロの導入を認めた。ポーランドやチェコなど中東欧諸国を後押しして、欧州連合（ＥＵ）や北大西洋条約機構（ＮＡＴＯ）に次々迎え入れた。欧州諸国や米国はこれを支援し、ロシアも受け入れた。
Rather than allow itself to be swallowed up in the current of history, Germany opted to go with the times and lead the nation in a direction that would best serve the interests of its people.
歴史の奔流に身をまかせるのではなく、国民の利益のため、流れに棹（さお）さして望ましい方向へ導いていく。
There is no question that Bonn's foreign policy, based on this position, has worked very favorably for the country.
そんなドイツの自覚的な外交戦略が大きな果実をもたらしたのは明らかだ。
As a result of the integration of European markets, more than 60 percent of German exports today are bound for Europe. Germany's highly competitive automobile and chemical industries are helping to prop up the European economy as a whole.
欧州市場の一体化により、ドイツの貿易のうち対欧は６割を超えた。自動車や化学品など強い産業競争力が欧州経済を下支えしている。
In foreign policy, Germany maintains independent relations with the United States and Russia, and is also party to negotiations over the Iranian nuclear issue. Also, many German troops are on missions in Afghanistan and the former Yugoslavia to restore law and order.
外交では、米国やロシアと自立した関係を築く一方、イランの核問題の交渉に加わっている。アフガニスタンや旧ユーゴスラビアの治安回復に多くの兵士が活動している。
Naturally, Germany is not without problems. The per-capita income of former East Germans is still only 70 percent of that of their West German compatriots, and the jobless rate is high.
もちろん陰の面もある。旧東独の１人あたり所得は旧西独の７割で、その失業率は高い。
During the ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of reunification, Wulff appealed to his countrymen to be more accepting of Turkish and other immigrants from the Islamic world.
ウルフ大統領は式典で、トルコなどイスラム系移民を社会に取り込む大切さを国民に訴えた。
What should the European Union do to reinforce its functions to overcome the problem of a single currency and fiscal concerns? How should the EU deal with conflict in the Middle East and the Iranian nuclear problem? The EU has an extremely important role to play in the international community.
単一通貨ユーロや財政の不安を乗り越えるために、ＥＵの機能をどう強めるか。中東紛争やイラン核問題をどう解決していくか。ＥＵが国際社会で果たす役割は極めて大きい。
As a core EU member, Germany bears the responsibility of further advancing the integration of Europe and leading the way in resolving various global issues.
ＥＵの中核メンバーとして、ドイツは欧州統合を深化させ、世界の課題解決の先頭に立つ責務がある。
This autumn, commemorative events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Japan and Germany kicked off in Japan. In Asia, a divided nation exists on the Korean Peninsula, and disputes over sovereignty and territory continue to flare elsewhere.
この秋、日本で「日独交流１５０周年」の行事が始まった。アジアでは、朝鮮半島に分断国家が残り、領土や主権をめぐる摩擦が起きている。
Japan's circumstances are obviously different from Germany's, but there are many things we can learn from Germany.
置かれた環境は異なるが、ドイツの経験に学べることは少なくない。
2010年10月12日
平和賞―中国は背を向けるな
2010/10/11
--The Asahi Shimbun, Oct. 9
EDITORIAL: Nobel Peace Prize
平和賞―中国は背を向けるな
A strong message has been delivered to China's political leaders, who have shown little, if any, respect for democracy or human rights while their country has been accomplishing amazing economic growth.
驚異的な経済発展とは裏腹に、民主主義や人権を大切にしてこなかった中国の指導者に、痛烈なメッセージが突きつけられた。
The 2010 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Liu Xiaobo, a jailed Chinese writer and pro-democracy activist.
中国の民主活動家で作家の劉暁波氏に、ノーベル平和賞が授与されることになった。
Since he was involved in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, Liu has been consistently and passionately fighting for democracy in China. Liu has expressed his opinions in writing and spoken up without using violence or other radical means.
１９８９年の天安門民主化運動にかかわり、それ以来暴力など過激な手段を使わず、言論活動一筋に民主化を求めてきた人物だ。
The Norwegian Nobel Committee highly praised his peaceful struggle.
ノルウェーのノーベル賞委員会は、こうした活動を高く評価した。
At the end of 2008, the year of the Beijing Summer Olympics, Liu drafted "Charter 08," a manifesto calling for fundamental reforms for democracy that would ultimately end the Communist Party's monopoly on power. This and his criticism against the party and its leaders earned him an 11-year jail sentence for "inciting subversion of state power."
北京五輪のあった２００８年暮れ、劉氏は共産党独裁の廃止など根本的な民主化を訴える「０８憲章」を起草した。そのことと党や指導者に対する批判が、「国家政権転覆扇動罪」に問われて懲役１１年の判決を受けた。
Liu is now in prison in northeast Liaoning province.
今は東北部の遼寧省で獄中にある。
It is not clear whether Liu even knows yet that he won the Nobel Peace Prize. Many Chinese citizens probably are still unaware of the fact because of the media blackout imposed by the authorities.
劉氏が平和賞の知らせを聞くことができたかは定かでない。少なからぬ国民も、当局による報道規制のために知らずにいるかもしれない。
But the news will spread, sooner or later. And it will provide a big morale boost to other Chinese activists who have been struggling, along with Liu, to give their country democratic freedoms.
しかし早晩、授賞の知らせは中国で広がり、劉氏らとともに民主化につとめてきた人々への大きな励ましとなるだろう。
Beijing warned the Nobel committee that awarding the peace prize to a dissident like Liu would be regarded as an unfriendly act, according to the committee.
ノーベル賞委員会によれば、中国当局は「反体制派への授与は非友好的な行為と見なされる」と警告していたという。
If so, China again acted in a high-handed manner that apparently reflects the growing sentiment that it is now a major power fueled by its rapid economic growth and military buildup.
だとすれば、急成長する経済や軍事力の増強による「大国意識」を背景にした強権的な一面が、ここでも表れたといえる。
We applaud the Nobel committee for not giving in to pressure from China.
しかし、委員会は中国側の圧力に屈しなかった。高く評価したい。
The committee chastised the Chinese authorities for violating international conventions approving peaceful expressions of political beliefs to which Beijing is a party, as well as the country's own constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and other human rights. It pointed out that China now must accept greater responsibility.
中国当局は、政治的信条の平和的な表現を認める、自らも署名した国際規約に反し、言論の自由などをうたった中国憲法にも反している。委員会はそう厳しく批判し、中国の責任の大きさを指摘した。
China's behavior concerning the collisions between a Chinese trawler and Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels near the Senkaku Islands and the actions it took against Vietnamese fishermen operating near disputed islands in the South China Sea have alarmed the international community and strengthened China's image as a country willing to ignore rules for the sake of its interests.
尖閣諸島沖の衝突事件や南シナ海での行動は、中国がルールに従わない国という警戒感を国際社会に与えた。
As economic interdependence among countries has grown, the international community has been inclined to overlook China's trampling on universal values.
経済の相互依存が強まるなかで、国際社会は中国による普遍的価値の侵害に目をつぶりがちだった。
The United States and Europe, which traditionally place great importance on human rights, have also been willing to turn a blind eye to Beijing's poor human rights record to keep relations with the rising economic power on friendly terms. China also faced no harsh criticism at the recent Asia-Europe Meeting in Brussels.
人権問題を重視してきた欧米諸国も、最近は中国との関係維持を優先させていた。先のアジア欧州会議（ＡＳＥＭ）首脳会合でも厳しい注文はつけなかった。
The Nobel committee's decision to award the prestigious honor to a Chinese dissident should be taken seriously as a warning, especially to industrial nations.
そうした風潮の中でのノーベル賞委員会の決定は、とりわけ先進国への警鐘として重く受けとめたい。
China's Foreign Ministry has criticized the committee's move, saying Liu violated Chinese law and his actions run counter to the spirit of the prize. The ministry also indicated that the decision would adversely affect ties with Norway.
中国外務省は「劉暁波は中国の法律を犯しており、その行為は平和賞の趣旨に背いている」と批判し、ノルウェーとの関係悪化も示唆した。
There are concerns about the possibility that Beijing may tighten its crackdown on democracy advocates and other activists in China.
民主活動家らへの国内での締め付けが厳しくなることも心配だ。
Taking a hard-line posture both at home and abroad, however, will not serve China's interests.
内外で強硬な姿勢をとることは、長い目で見て中国の利益にならないだろう。
Chinese leaders must realize now that their country will never be recognized as a legitimate world power unless they start respecting universal values.
経済発展を続けても、普遍的な価値を大切にしなければ真の大国として認められないことに、中国当局は早く気づかねばならない。
--The Asahi Shimbun, Oct. 9
EDITORIAL: Nobel Peace Prize
平和賞―中国は背を向けるな
A strong message has been delivered to China's political leaders, who have shown little, if any, respect for democracy or human rights while their country has been accomplishing amazing economic growth.
驚異的な経済発展とは裏腹に、民主主義や人権を大切にしてこなかった中国の指導者に、痛烈なメッセージが突きつけられた。
The 2010 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Liu Xiaobo, a jailed Chinese writer and pro-democracy activist.
中国の民主活動家で作家の劉暁波氏に、ノーベル平和賞が授与されることになった。
Since he was involved in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, Liu has been consistently and passionately fighting for democracy in China. Liu has expressed his opinions in writing and spoken up without using violence or other radical means.
１９８９年の天安門民主化運動にかかわり、それ以来暴力など過激な手段を使わず、言論活動一筋に民主化を求めてきた人物だ。
The Norwegian Nobel Committee highly praised his peaceful struggle.
ノルウェーのノーベル賞委員会は、こうした活動を高く評価した。
At the end of 2008, the year of the Beijing Summer Olympics, Liu drafted "Charter 08," a manifesto calling for fundamental reforms for democracy that would ultimately end the Communist Party's monopoly on power. This and his criticism against the party and its leaders earned him an 11-year jail sentence for "inciting subversion of state power."
北京五輪のあった２００８年暮れ、劉氏は共産党独裁の廃止など根本的な民主化を訴える「０８憲章」を起草した。そのことと党や指導者に対する批判が、「国家政権転覆扇動罪」に問われて懲役１１年の判決を受けた。
Liu is now in prison in northeast Liaoning province.
今は東北部の遼寧省で獄中にある。
It is not clear whether Liu even knows yet that he won the Nobel Peace Prize. Many Chinese citizens probably are still unaware of the fact because of the media blackout imposed by the authorities.
劉氏が平和賞の知らせを聞くことができたかは定かでない。少なからぬ国民も、当局による報道規制のために知らずにいるかもしれない。
But the news will spread, sooner or later. And it will provide a big morale boost to other Chinese activists who have been struggling, along with Liu, to give their country democratic freedoms.
しかし早晩、授賞の知らせは中国で広がり、劉氏らとともに民主化につとめてきた人々への大きな励ましとなるだろう。
Beijing warned the Nobel committee that awarding the peace prize to a dissident like Liu would be regarded as an unfriendly act, according to the committee.
ノーベル賞委員会によれば、中国当局は「反体制派への授与は非友好的な行為と見なされる」と警告していたという。
If so, China again acted in a high-handed manner that apparently reflects the growing sentiment that it is now a major power fueled by its rapid economic growth and military buildup.
だとすれば、急成長する経済や軍事力の増強による「大国意識」を背景にした強権的な一面が、ここでも表れたといえる。
We applaud the Nobel committee for not giving in to pressure from China.
しかし、委員会は中国側の圧力に屈しなかった。高く評価したい。
The committee chastised the Chinese authorities for violating international conventions approving peaceful expressions of political beliefs to which Beijing is a party, as well as the country's own constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and other human rights. It pointed out that China now must accept greater responsibility.
中国当局は、政治的信条の平和的な表現を認める、自らも署名した国際規約に反し、言論の自由などをうたった中国憲法にも反している。委員会はそう厳しく批判し、中国の責任の大きさを指摘した。
China's behavior concerning the collisions between a Chinese trawler and Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels near the Senkaku Islands and the actions it took against Vietnamese fishermen operating near disputed islands in the South China Sea have alarmed the international community and strengthened China's image as a country willing to ignore rules for the sake of its interests.
尖閣諸島沖の衝突事件や南シナ海での行動は、中国がルールに従わない国という警戒感を国際社会に与えた。
As economic interdependence among countries has grown, the international community has been inclined to overlook China's trampling on universal values.
経済の相互依存が強まるなかで、国際社会は中国による普遍的価値の侵害に目をつぶりがちだった。
The United States and Europe, which traditionally place great importance on human rights, have also been willing to turn a blind eye to Beijing's poor human rights record to keep relations with the rising economic power on friendly terms. China also faced no harsh criticism at the recent Asia-Europe Meeting in Brussels.
人権問題を重視してきた欧米諸国も、最近は中国との関係維持を優先させていた。先のアジア欧州会議（ＡＳＥＭ）首脳会合でも厳しい注文はつけなかった。
The Nobel committee's decision to award the prestigious honor to a Chinese dissident should be taken seriously as a warning, especially to industrial nations.
そうした風潮の中でのノーベル賞委員会の決定は、とりわけ先進国への警鐘として重く受けとめたい。
China's Foreign Ministry has criticized the committee's move, saying Liu violated Chinese law and his actions run counter to the spirit of the prize. The ministry also indicated that the decision would adversely affect ties with Norway.
中国外務省は「劉暁波は中国の法律を犯しており、その行為は平和賞の趣旨に背いている」と批判し、ノルウェーとの関係悪化も示唆した。
There are concerns about the possibility that Beijing may tighten its crackdown on democracy advocates and other activists in China.
民主活動家らへの国内での締め付けが厳しくなることも心配だ。
Taking a hard-line posture both at home and abroad, however, will not serve China's interests.
内外で強硬な姿勢をとることは、長い目で見て中国の利益にならないだろう。
Chinese leaders must realize now that their country will never be recognized as a legitimate world power unless they start respecting universal values.
経済発展を続けても、普遍的な価値を大切にしなければ真の大国として認められないことに、中国当局は早く気づかねばならない。
2010年10月03日
Northern Territories
--The Asahi Shimbun, Oct. 12010/10/02
EDITORIAL: Northern Territories
北方領土―訪問は不毛な対立深める
As if to take advantage of Japan's confrontation with China over sovereignty of the Senkaku Islands, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said he intends to visit the Northern Territories soon.
尖閣諸島の領有をめぐって中国との緊張が高まる日本外交の足元を、見透かしたようなロシアの動きだ。
メドベージェフ大統領が「北方領土を近く必ず訪問する」と表明した。
Unlike the situation in the Senkaku Islands dispute, Tokyo and Moscow agreed in the 1993 Tokyo Declaration and other official documents to aim at settling the Northern Territories issue through negotiation. This is why successive Russian leaders have avoided making a visit.
尖閣と違って北方領土は、１９９３年の東京宣言をはじめとする公式文書で、両国政府が交渉で解決を目指すと確認している。だからこそロシアの歴代指導者も、訪問を避けてきた。
Russia has recently been emphasizing its claim that, as a result of World War II, ownership of the Northern Territories was transferred to the Soviet Union. The latest move is apparently aimed at highlighting Russia's effective control over the islands and undermining the position of Japan, which regards them as an integral part of the country. But such high-handed methods will render negotiations futile.
今回の動きには、「第２次世界大戦の結果、帰属が我々に移った」との主張を強めるロシアが実効支配の現状を強調し、四島を固有の領土とする日本の立場を揺るがす狙いがうかがえる。だが、強引なやりかたは交渉を不毛なものにするだけである。
It was natural for Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara to convey Japan's apprehension to the Russian side, saying the visit could seriously undermine Japan-Russia relations. Japan should continue to strongly urge Russia to avoid the visit.
「日ロ関係に重大な支障が生じる」と前原誠司外相が、ロシア側に懸念を伝えたのは当然だ。引き続き、強く訪問中止を働きかけるべきだ。
The Russian side has recently moved toward a more hard-line approach to territorial problems. First, it conducted a military exercise this summer with 1,500 troops on Etorofu Island, which is part of the Northern Territories.
このところ、ロシア側には領土問題で強硬な動きが目立つ。まず夏には、北方領土の択捉島で兵士１５００人が軍事演習をした。
It has also designated Sept. 2, the date on which Japan signed the instrument of surrender to the Allied Forces in 1945, the memorial day of the end of World War II. Most recently, Medvedev issued a joint statement with his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, emphasizing their commitment to territorial integrity during a visit to China earlier this week.
さらに日本が連合国への降伏文書に署名した９月２日を「第２次大戦終結記念日」に制定した。続いて今週、中国を訪問していた大統領が胡錦濤国家主席と、領土保全の原則的立場を保持するとの共同声明を出した。
In effect, the two countries were applying pressure on Japan by confirming the legitimacy of their respective claims to the Senkaku Islands and the Northern Territories.
尖閣や北方領土で主張の正当性を確認しあって日本に圧力をかけるような内容だ。
Russia may have become impatient with Japan, seeing that Tokyo's stance on the territorial problem had remained unchanged after the change of government from the Liberal Democratic Party to the Democratic Party of Japan. But we do not believe these moves will serve Russia's long-term interests.
日本の政権が自民党から民主党に代わっても、領土問題で立場が変わらないのに業をにやしたのかもしれない。しかし、こうした動きがロシアの長期的な利益にかなうとは思えない。
The Russian economy, which relies heavily on oil, natural gas and other resources, suffered a serious blow in the global financial crisis that hit two years ago. For this reason, the Russian administration is pursuing a policy of building good relations with Europe, the United States and Japan, with the aim of modernizing its economy by attracting technology and investment from these countries.
石油や天然ガスなどの資源に大きく依存するロシアの経済は、２年前の金融危機で大きな打撃を受けた。このためロシア政権は、経済の「現代化」を目指し、技術や投資の受け入れ先としての欧米や日本と良好な関係を築く政策に乗り出していた。
Russia is also trying to strengthen cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region to support development in Siberia and the Far East, which are lagging behind other regions. That is why it plans to take part in the East Asia Summit and will host the summit meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in 2012 in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East.
またロシアは、開発の遅れたシベリアや極東地区の底上げのために、アジア・太平洋諸国との協力強化に努めている。今後は東アジアサミットに参加し、２０１２年に極東のウラジオストクでアジア太平洋経済協力会議の首脳会議を主催するのもそのためだ。
In these circumstances, the Russian side should think hard about how much it could lose if it continues to be at loggerheads with Japan over territorial claims, at a time when it should instead be cooperating with Japan in the region.
それなのに、地域で積極的に協力しあうべき日本と領土問題でもめ続ける損失の大きさを、ロシア側はよく考えるべきだ。
The DPJ administration also faces some urgent decisions.
民主党政権にも課題がある。
Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama proposed the concept of an East Asian community. But he stepped down without showing how to position Japan-Russia relations within that framework. Prime Minister Naoto Kan has met with Medvedev only briefly on one occasion. Meanwhile, Chinese and Russian leaders have met as often as five times since the beginning of this year.
鳩山由紀夫前首相は、東アジア共同体構想を唱えたが、その中で日ロ関係をどう位置づけるかを示す間もなく退陣した。菅直人首相も、メドベージェフ大統領との会談は顔合わせ程度の一度きりだ。中ロの首脳会談は今年だけで５度を数える。
Japan needs to rebuild its East Asia policy and must address how it intends to deal with Russia.
ロシアを含む日本の東アジア政策の立て直しが必要である。
EDITORIAL: Northern Territories
北方領土―訪問は不毛な対立深める
As if to take advantage of Japan's confrontation with China over sovereignty of the Senkaku Islands, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said he intends to visit the Northern Territories soon.
尖閣諸島の領有をめぐって中国との緊張が高まる日本外交の足元を、見透かしたようなロシアの動きだ。
メドベージェフ大統領が「北方領土を近く必ず訪問する」と表明した。
Unlike the situation in the Senkaku Islands dispute, Tokyo and Moscow agreed in the 1993 Tokyo Declaration and other official documents to aim at settling the Northern Territories issue through negotiation. This is why successive Russian leaders have avoided making a visit.
尖閣と違って北方領土は、１９９３年の東京宣言をはじめとする公式文書で、両国政府が交渉で解決を目指すと確認している。だからこそロシアの歴代指導者も、訪問を避けてきた。
Russia has recently been emphasizing its claim that, as a result of World War II, ownership of the Northern Territories was transferred to the Soviet Union. The latest move is apparently aimed at highlighting Russia's effective control over the islands and undermining the position of Japan, which regards them as an integral part of the country. But such high-handed methods will render negotiations futile.
今回の動きには、「第２次世界大戦の結果、帰属が我々に移った」との主張を強めるロシアが実効支配の現状を強調し、四島を固有の領土とする日本の立場を揺るがす狙いがうかがえる。だが、強引なやりかたは交渉を不毛なものにするだけである。
It was natural for Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara to convey Japan's apprehension to the Russian side, saying the visit could seriously undermine Japan-Russia relations. Japan should continue to strongly urge Russia to avoid the visit.
「日ロ関係に重大な支障が生じる」と前原誠司外相が、ロシア側に懸念を伝えたのは当然だ。引き続き、強く訪問中止を働きかけるべきだ。
The Russian side has recently moved toward a more hard-line approach to territorial problems. First, it conducted a military exercise this summer with 1,500 troops on Etorofu Island, which is part of the Northern Territories.
このところ、ロシア側には領土問題で強硬な動きが目立つ。まず夏には、北方領土の択捉島で兵士１５００人が軍事演習をした。
It has also designated Sept. 2, the date on which Japan signed the instrument of surrender to the Allied Forces in 1945, the memorial day of the end of World War II. Most recently, Medvedev issued a joint statement with his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, emphasizing their commitment to territorial integrity during a visit to China earlier this week.
さらに日本が連合国への降伏文書に署名した９月２日を「第２次大戦終結記念日」に制定した。続いて今週、中国を訪問していた大統領が胡錦濤国家主席と、領土保全の原則的立場を保持するとの共同声明を出した。
In effect, the two countries were applying pressure on Japan by confirming the legitimacy of their respective claims to the Senkaku Islands and the Northern Territories.
尖閣や北方領土で主張の正当性を確認しあって日本に圧力をかけるような内容だ。
Russia may have become impatient with Japan, seeing that Tokyo's stance on the territorial problem had remained unchanged after the change of government from the Liberal Democratic Party to the Democratic Party of Japan. But we do not believe these moves will serve Russia's long-term interests.
日本の政権が自民党から民主党に代わっても、領土問題で立場が変わらないのに業をにやしたのかもしれない。しかし、こうした動きがロシアの長期的な利益にかなうとは思えない。
The Russian economy, which relies heavily on oil, natural gas and other resources, suffered a serious blow in the global financial crisis that hit two years ago. For this reason, the Russian administration is pursuing a policy of building good relations with Europe, the United States and Japan, with the aim of modernizing its economy by attracting technology and investment from these countries.
石油や天然ガスなどの資源に大きく依存するロシアの経済は、２年前の金融危機で大きな打撃を受けた。このためロシア政権は、経済の「現代化」を目指し、技術や投資の受け入れ先としての欧米や日本と良好な関係を築く政策に乗り出していた。
Russia is also trying to strengthen cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region to support development in Siberia and the Far East, which are lagging behind other regions. That is why it plans to take part in the East Asia Summit and will host the summit meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in 2012 in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East.
またロシアは、開発の遅れたシベリアや極東地区の底上げのために、アジア・太平洋諸国との協力強化に努めている。今後は東アジアサミットに参加し、２０１２年に極東のウラジオストクでアジア太平洋経済協力会議の首脳会議を主催するのもそのためだ。
In these circumstances, the Russian side should think hard about how much it could lose if it continues to be at loggerheads with Japan over territorial claims, at a time when it should instead be cooperating with Japan in the region.
それなのに、地域で積極的に協力しあうべき日本と領土問題でもめ続ける損失の大きさを、ロシア側はよく考えるべきだ。
The DPJ administration also faces some urgent decisions.
民主党政権にも課題がある。
Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama proposed the concept of an East Asian community. But he stepped down without showing how to position Japan-Russia relations within that framework. Prime Minister Naoto Kan has met with Medvedev only briefly on one occasion. Meanwhile, Chinese and Russian leaders have met as often as five times since the beginning of this year.
鳩山由紀夫前首相は、東アジア共同体構想を唱えたが、その中で日ロ関係をどう位置づけるかを示す間もなく退陣した。菅直人首相も、メドベージェフ大統領との会談は顔合わせ程度の一度きりだ。中ロの首脳会談は今年だけで５度を数える。
Japan needs to rebuild its East Asia policy and must address how it intends to deal with Russia.
ロシアを含む日本の東アジア政策の立て直しが必要である。
2010年07月21日
日中間Ｍ＆Ａ―強みを生かす融合の時代
2010/07/20--The Asahi Shimbun, July 19
EDITORIAL: Closer Japan-China ties.
日中間Ｍ＆Ａ―強みを生かす融合の時代
Chinese companies are increasingly eyeing mergers and acquisitions (M&As) with Japanese companies. High-end clothing maker Renown Inc. becoming an affiliate of a large Chinese textiles company is but one example. These moves symbolize the coming of an era of increased business management fusion between China and Japan.
日本企業に対する中国企業の合併・買収（Ｍ＆Ａ）の動きが活発化してきた。高級衣料のレナウンが中国の大手繊維メーカーの傘下に入ることもその一例で、日中間の経営融合が進む時代の到来を象徴している。
Renown, which is now restructuring its management, will hold an extraordinary shareholders' meeting to decide whether to accept a 40-percent injection of capital investment from Shandong Ruyi Science and Technology Group.
経営再建中のレナウンは、山東如意科技集団から４割の出資を仰ぐことなどを臨時株主総会で決める。
Renown has been suffering under the onslaught of new competition, unable to move out of its old business model that relied on department store sales. Renown has famous brand products and the company has strong management skills.
レナウンは百貨店依存の古いビジネスモデルから脱却できず、新興勢力に押しまくられてきたが、有名ブランドや優れた品質管理力をもつ。
Shangdon Ruyi, on the other hand, is strong in high-end wool textiles, courtesy of its unique spinning technology. But it is still weak in terms of merchandising and brand-development strategies.
一方の山東如意は、独自の紡績技術を基に高級毛織物で強みを持つ半面、衣料の製品企画力やブランド戦略のノウハウではなお弱さを抱える。
The heads of the two companies said they will try to nurture a cooperative relationship "like brothers" and become a shining example of a new kind of M&A between Japan and China, where each company complements the other. This will help to advance both the development of the Chinese market and business innovation in Japan.
双方が補い合い、中国市場の開拓と日本でのビジネス変革を進める。「兄弟のような」と両社トップが語る協力関係を築き、日中間の新しいＭ＆Ａの良き先例となってほしい。
Previously, it was a one-way street with Japanese companies buying Chinese businesses. The collapse of Lehman Brothers in fall 2008 changed the tide. Chinese enterprises, which continue to grow, have begun buying Japanese companies even though they have particular skills and business know-how. More management fusion between Japan and China via M&As should occur.
以前は日本企業が中国企業を買う一方だったが、リーマン・ショックで流れが変わった。成長を続ける中国企業が、技術やノウハウを持ってはいるが経営難にある日本企業を買うようになった。Ｍ＆Ａを通じた日中の経営融合は、もっと起きていい。
Some people fear there will be an outflow of Japanese technology. But if this is in a specific area that Japan simply cannot let go, then there are ways to prevent a skills drain, with the cooperation of business partners and, if necessary, government support.
「日本の技術が流出する」との警戒感もあるが、本当に譲れない分野なら取引先の連帯や、場合によっては政府の支援などで守ればいい。
Rather, in order to open up a path whereby Japanese companies can better utilize their accumulated skills and know-how, perhaps they should approach M&A proposals more aggressively.
むしろ日本企業が蓄えてきた技術やノウハウをもっと生かす道を切り開くためには、Ｍ＆Ａに前向きに取り組むべきではないだろうか。
To help blend into the Chinese market, Japanese companies should consider how to get more people in China to understand Japanese business practices. M&As are one way of removing national barriers within management. It would be the quickest way to enhance Chinese appreciation of Japanese technology and tastes and demonstrate that these qualities will work to increase China's prosperity.
とりわけ中国市場に溶け込むには、経営の中から国境を取り除く効果が期待できるＭ＆Ａを通じて、中国側に理解者を増やすことを考えてはどうか。日本の技術や感性の「良さ」への評価を広げ、中国の豊かさにも役立つことを示すのが近道だ。
In the case of golf club maker Honma Golf Co., which was absorbed by a conglomerate of Chinese retailers, it was the Chinese who admired Honma's high-grade artisan club sets, which cost millions of yen. Now, they are planning to market the clubs to China's new rich class.
中国の小売業などの連合体の傘下に入った本間ゴルフでは、職人技で作られた数百万円もする高級クラブセットに中国側が惚（ほ）れ込み、富裕層に向けて売ろうとしている。
The winds of fusion are bringing change to Japanese enterprises, too. The business style of Japanese electronics retailer Laox Co. changed markedly during the past year or so after Suning Appliance Co. of Nanjing took over. 「融合」は日本での事業にも新風を吹き込む。家電量販店ラオックスの経営は、南京市の蘇寧電器集団の傘下に入ったこの１年余で激変した。
Its flagship shop in Akihabara, Tokyo, is at the forefront of international retail. Of the 116 sales clerks, 60 percent are not Japanese, but Chinese, Russian, Brazilian and so on. Staff can handle inquiries in 23 languages. This turned the tide, which had been constantly on the decline.
東京・秋葉原にある本店は国際化の最先端を行く。１１６人の店員の６割は中国、ロシア、ブラジルなどの外国人。２３の言語で顧客対応できる。縮小一辺倒だった流れを逆転した。
Japanese companies that have entered into business ventures in China are also appointing more Chinese to top executive positions, so fusion is progressing.
中国に進出した日本企業の間でも、中国人を経営上層部に登用する動きが広がり、融合は進みつつある。
In the Chinese classic "Yi Jing," there is a passage that goes as follows: "When hard-pressed, things will change; when things change, a path will open; when a path opens, it will last." Thus, in order to adapt to change and open up a vision for the future, it is important to pursue the path of fusion that utilizes each other's strong points.
中国の古典「易経」に「窮すれば変ず、変ずれば通ず、通ずれば久し」とある。変化に対応して未来への展望を開くには、互いの長所を生かした「融合」の道を極めることが大切だ。
EDITORIAL: Closer Japan-China ties.
日中間Ｍ＆Ａ―強みを生かす融合の時代
Chinese companies are increasingly eyeing mergers and acquisitions (M&As) with Japanese companies. High-end clothing maker Renown Inc. becoming an affiliate of a large Chinese textiles company is but one example. These moves symbolize the coming of an era of increased business management fusion between China and Japan.
日本企業に対する中国企業の合併・買収（Ｍ＆Ａ）の動きが活発化してきた。高級衣料のレナウンが中国の大手繊維メーカーの傘下に入ることもその一例で、日中間の経営融合が進む時代の到来を象徴している。
Renown, which is now restructuring its management, will hold an extraordinary shareholders' meeting to decide whether to accept a 40-percent injection of capital investment from Shandong Ruyi Science and Technology Group.
経営再建中のレナウンは、山東如意科技集団から４割の出資を仰ぐことなどを臨時株主総会で決める。
Renown has been suffering under the onslaught of new competition, unable to move out of its old business model that relied on department store sales. Renown has famous brand products and the company has strong management skills.
レナウンは百貨店依存の古いビジネスモデルから脱却できず、新興勢力に押しまくられてきたが、有名ブランドや優れた品質管理力をもつ。
Shangdon Ruyi, on the other hand, is strong in high-end wool textiles, courtesy of its unique spinning technology. But it is still weak in terms of merchandising and brand-development strategies.
一方の山東如意は、独自の紡績技術を基に高級毛織物で強みを持つ半面、衣料の製品企画力やブランド戦略のノウハウではなお弱さを抱える。
The heads of the two companies said they will try to nurture a cooperative relationship "like brothers" and become a shining example of a new kind of M&A between Japan and China, where each company complements the other. This will help to advance both the development of the Chinese market and business innovation in Japan.
双方が補い合い、中国市場の開拓と日本でのビジネス変革を進める。「兄弟のような」と両社トップが語る協力関係を築き、日中間の新しいＭ＆Ａの良き先例となってほしい。
Previously, it was a one-way street with Japanese companies buying Chinese businesses. The collapse of Lehman Brothers in fall 2008 changed the tide. Chinese enterprises, which continue to grow, have begun buying Japanese companies even though they have particular skills and business know-how. More management fusion between Japan and China via M&As should occur.
以前は日本企業が中国企業を買う一方だったが、リーマン・ショックで流れが変わった。成長を続ける中国企業が、技術やノウハウを持ってはいるが経営難にある日本企業を買うようになった。Ｍ＆Ａを通じた日中の経営融合は、もっと起きていい。
Some people fear there will be an outflow of Japanese technology. But if this is in a specific area that Japan simply cannot let go, then there are ways to prevent a skills drain, with the cooperation of business partners and, if necessary, government support.
「日本の技術が流出する」との警戒感もあるが、本当に譲れない分野なら取引先の連帯や、場合によっては政府の支援などで守ればいい。
Rather, in order to open up a path whereby Japanese companies can better utilize their accumulated skills and know-how, perhaps they should approach M&A proposals more aggressively.
むしろ日本企業が蓄えてきた技術やノウハウをもっと生かす道を切り開くためには、Ｍ＆Ａに前向きに取り組むべきではないだろうか。
To help blend into the Chinese market, Japanese companies should consider how to get more people in China to understand Japanese business practices. M&As are one way of removing national barriers within management. It would be the quickest way to enhance Chinese appreciation of Japanese technology and tastes and demonstrate that these qualities will work to increase China's prosperity.
とりわけ中国市場に溶け込むには、経営の中から国境を取り除く効果が期待できるＭ＆Ａを通じて、中国側に理解者を増やすことを考えてはどうか。日本の技術や感性の「良さ」への評価を広げ、中国の豊かさにも役立つことを示すのが近道だ。
In the case of golf club maker Honma Golf Co., which was absorbed by a conglomerate of Chinese retailers, it was the Chinese who admired Honma's high-grade artisan club sets, which cost millions of yen. Now, they are planning to market the clubs to China's new rich class.
中国の小売業などの連合体の傘下に入った本間ゴルフでは、職人技で作られた数百万円もする高級クラブセットに中国側が惚（ほ）れ込み、富裕層に向けて売ろうとしている。
The winds of fusion are bringing change to Japanese enterprises, too. The business style of Japanese electronics retailer Laox Co. changed markedly during the past year or so after Suning Appliance Co. of Nanjing took over. 「融合」は日本での事業にも新風を吹き込む。家電量販店ラオックスの経営は、南京市の蘇寧電器集団の傘下に入ったこの１年余で激変した。
Its flagship shop in Akihabara, Tokyo, is at the forefront of international retail. Of the 116 sales clerks, 60 percent are not Japanese, but Chinese, Russian, Brazilian and so on. Staff can handle inquiries in 23 languages. This turned the tide, which had been constantly on the decline.
東京・秋葉原にある本店は国際化の最先端を行く。１１６人の店員の６割は中国、ロシア、ブラジルなどの外国人。２３の言語で顧客対応できる。縮小一辺倒だった流れを逆転した。
Japanese companies that have entered into business ventures in China are also appointing more Chinese to top executive positions, so fusion is progressing.
中国に進出した日本企業の間でも、中国人を経営上層部に登用する動きが広がり、融合は進みつつある。
In the Chinese classic "Yi Jing," there is a passage that goes as follows: "When hard-pressed, things will change; when things change, a path will open; when a path opens, it will last." Thus, in order to adapt to change and open up a vision for the future, it is important to pursue the path of fusion that utilizes each other's strong points.
中国の古典「易経」に「窮すれば変ず、変ずれば通ず、通ずれば久し」とある。変化に対応して未来への展望を開くには、互いの長所を生かした「融合」の道を極めることが大切だ。
2009年12月14日
米朝協議―北朝鮮は６者合意に戻れ
--The Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 11(IHT/Asahi: December 12,2009)
EDITORIAL: U.S.-North Korea talks.
米朝協議―北朝鮮は６者合意に戻れ
At long last, negotiations between the United States and North Korea have resumed, with the visit of the first U.S. government envoy to Pyongyang since the administration of President Barack Obama began.
オバマ政権になって初めて米政府代表が北朝鮮を訪問し、ようやく協議の仕切り直しが始まった。
Stephen Bosworth, U.S. special representative for North Korea policy, met with First Vice Foreign Minister Kang Sok Ju, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's close aide who handles foreign policy.
ボズワース北朝鮮政策特別代表が、金正日総書記の側近で外交を取り仕切る姜錫柱第１外務次官と会談した。
Returning to Seoul from Pyongyang on Thursday, Bosworth said to the effect that the United States reached a "common understanding" with North Korea on the role of the six-party talks.
きのう平壌からソウルに戻った特別代表は、「６者協議の役割」について「北朝鮮と共通の理解に達した」と語った。
However, he also stated that further discussion is needed among the six parties about when and how North Korea would return to the table.
だが北朝鮮が６者協議にいつ、どのように復帰するかは「６者でさらなる協議が必要だ」とも述べた。
It has been a year since the six-party talks were suspended. During this time, as if to test the newly established Obama administration, Pyongyang repeatedly test-fired ballistic missiles and even conducted its second nuclear test in May.
６者協議が途絶えてちょうど１年である。この間、北朝鮮は発足早々のオバマ政権を試すかのように、弾道ミサイルの発射実験を繰り返し、２回目の核実験まで強行した。
North Korea also openly admitted for the first time in June that it embarked on uranium enrichment tests. Furthermore, it reportedly reprocessed used nuclear fuel and extracted plutonium, which can be used to make nuclear weapons. It also declared its withdrawal from the six-party talks.
ウラン濃縮の試験に乗り出したことも初めて公にした。使用済み核燃料を再処理し、核兵器の材料であるプルトニウムを新たに抽出したともいう。６者協議からの離脱も宣言した。
Uranium enrichment must not be tolerated. But even if North Korea tries to advance its uranium program, it would take some time before the program can become fully operational. The first priority must be to stop North Korea from resuming operations of nuclear reactors that can lead to the production of plutonium.
ウラン濃縮は認めるわけにはいかない。だが、北朝鮮が計画を進めようとしても、本格的な活動までにまだ時間がかかるとされる。まずはプルトニウムを生む原子炉を再び稼働させないことを最優先としなければならない。
There are also suspicions that North Korea exported weapons to Africa in violation of a United Nations Security Council resolution. Surveillance for executing sanctions against Pyongyang must be strengthened.
北朝鮮が国連安保理の制裁決議に違反してアフリカに武器を輸出した疑惑も浮上している。制裁の履行への監視も強める必要があろう。
Now that U.S.-North Korea talks have resumed, it is important not to allow Pyongyang to act selfishly and aggravate the crisis.
米朝間の協議が再開したばかりのいま大事なのは、こうした危機を高める身勝手な行動をこれ以上、取らせないことである。
For that, we need dialogue to take root and encourage North Korea to sit down at the negotiating table of the six-party talks. Although the future of U.S.-North Korea talks remains uncertain, we urge Washington, which holds the key to the North Korean problem, and Beijing, which chairs the six-party talks, to continue their effort to persuade Pyongyang.
そのためには対話への流れを定着させ、北朝鮮を６者協議の交渉テーブルにつかせないといけない。米朝協議の行方はまだ不透明だが、北朝鮮問題の鍵を握る米国、６者議長国の中国には引き続き説得を重ねてもらいたい。
The purpose is the complete denuclearization of North Korea.
目的は北朝鮮の完全な非核化だ。
There are concerns over Kim's health. In addition, North Korea hopes to open its doors toward becoming "a major power" to commemorate the centennial of the birth of former North Korean leader Kim Il Sung three years from now.
金総書記の健康不安。３年後の故金日成主席生誕１００年に「大国」への扉を開けるという目標。
Because of such time restraints, perhaps North Korea is growing impatient for achievements, such as paving the way to replace the cease-fire agreement of the Korean War with a peace accord through direct negotiations with the United States.
そうした時間の制約から、北朝鮮は米国との直接交渉で、朝鮮戦争の休戦協定から平和協定への転換の道筋をつけるなど、成果を急ぎたいかもしれない。
But what North Korea needs to understand is that the issues of a peace accord, denuclearization and normalization of diplomatic relations with the United States and Japan cannot be resolved by Washington and Pyongyang alone.
だが、北朝鮮が心しておかねばならないのは、平和協定にせよ、非核化や米朝・日朝の国交正常化にせよ、米朝だけで解決できないという現実だ。
Such objectives have already been incorporated into the joint statement of the six-party talks four years ago. North Korea must return to that track.
こうした目標はすべて、４年前の６者協議の共同声明にすでに盛り込まれている。北朝鮮はそのレールに戻ってこなければならない。
North Korea has staged crises to solicit kickbacks from other countries. But it must also seriously accept that Japan, the United States and South Korea have vowed not to allow a repeat of such developments.
北朝鮮が危機を演出し、他の国が見返りを与える。過去のそんな繰り返しはしないと日米韓が強調していることも北朝鮮は重く受け止めるべきだ。
Japan, the United States, South Korea, China and Russia should not easily compromise until they can move North Korea toward denuclearization. They should put the 2005 joint statement into practice. It is vital that they further strengthen their cooperation.
５者は安易に妥協せず北朝鮮を非核化へと動かさねばならない。そして共同声明を実行に移させる。さらなる連携強化が欠かせない。
EDITORIAL: U.S.-North Korea talks.
米朝協議―北朝鮮は６者合意に戻れ
At long last, negotiations between the United States and North Korea have resumed, with the visit of the first U.S. government envoy to Pyongyang since the administration of President Barack Obama began.
オバマ政権になって初めて米政府代表が北朝鮮を訪問し、ようやく協議の仕切り直しが始まった。
Stephen Bosworth, U.S. special representative for North Korea policy, met with First Vice Foreign Minister Kang Sok Ju, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's close aide who handles foreign policy.
ボズワース北朝鮮政策特別代表が、金正日総書記の側近で外交を取り仕切る姜錫柱第１外務次官と会談した。
Returning to Seoul from Pyongyang on Thursday, Bosworth said to the effect that the United States reached a "common understanding" with North Korea on the role of the six-party talks.
きのう平壌からソウルに戻った特別代表は、「６者協議の役割」について「北朝鮮と共通の理解に達した」と語った。
However, he also stated that further discussion is needed among the six parties about when and how North Korea would return to the table.
だが北朝鮮が６者協議にいつ、どのように復帰するかは「６者でさらなる協議が必要だ」とも述べた。
It has been a year since the six-party talks were suspended. During this time, as if to test the newly established Obama administration, Pyongyang repeatedly test-fired ballistic missiles and even conducted its second nuclear test in May.
６者協議が途絶えてちょうど１年である。この間、北朝鮮は発足早々のオバマ政権を試すかのように、弾道ミサイルの発射実験を繰り返し、２回目の核実験まで強行した。
North Korea also openly admitted for the first time in June that it embarked on uranium enrichment tests. Furthermore, it reportedly reprocessed used nuclear fuel and extracted plutonium, which can be used to make nuclear weapons. It also declared its withdrawal from the six-party talks.
ウラン濃縮の試験に乗り出したことも初めて公にした。使用済み核燃料を再処理し、核兵器の材料であるプルトニウムを新たに抽出したともいう。６者協議からの離脱も宣言した。
Uranium enrichment must not be tolerated. But even if North Korea tries to advance its uranium program, it would take some time before the program can become fully operational. The first priority must be to stop North Korea from resuming operations of nuclear reactors that can lead to the production of plutonium.
ウラン濃縮は認めるわけにはいかない。だが、北朝鮮が計画を進めようとしても、本格的な活動までにまだ時間がかかるとされる。まずはプルトニウムを生む原子炉を再び稼働させないことを最優先としなければならない。
There are also suspicions that North Korea exported weapons to Africa in violation of a United Nations Security Council resolution. Surveillance for executing sanctions against Pyongyang must be strengthened.
北朝鮮が国連安保理の制裁決議に違反してアフリカに武器を輸出した疑惑も浮上している。制裁の履行への監視も強める必要があろう。
Now that U.S.-North Korea talks have resumed, it is important not to allow Pyongyang to act selfishly and aggravate the crisis.
米朝間の協議が再開したばかりのいま大事なのは、こうした危機を高める身勝手な行動をこれ以上、取らせないことである。
For that, we need dialogue to take root and encourage North Korea to sit down at the negotiating table of the six-party talks. Although the future of U.S.-North Korea talks remains uncertain, we urge Washington, which holds the key to the North Korean problem, and Beijing, which chairs the six-party talks, to continue their effort to persuade Pyongyang.
そのためには対話への流れを定着させ、北朝鮮を６者協議の交渉テーブルにつかせないといけない。米朝協議の行方はまだ不透明だが、北朝鮮問題の鍵を握る米国、６者議長国の中国には引き続き説得を重ねてもらいたい。
The purpose is the complete denuclearization of North Korea.
目的は北朝鮮の完全な非核化だ。
There are concerns over Kim's health. In addition, North Korea hopes to open its doors toward becoming "a major power" to commemorate the centennial of the birth of former North Korean leader Kim Il Sung three years from now.
金総書記の健康不安。３年後の故金日成主席生誕１００年に「大国」への扉を開けるという目標。
Because of such time restraints, perhaps North Korea is growing impatient for achievements, such as paving the way to replace the cease-fire agreement of the Korean War with a peace accord through direct negotiations with the United States.
そうした時間の制約から、北朝鮮は米国との直接交渉で、朝鮮戦争の休戦協定から平和協定への転換の道筋をつけるなど、成果を急ぎたいかもしれない。
But what North Korea needs to understand is that the issues of a peace accord, denuclearization and normalization of diplomatic relations with the United States and Japan cannot be resolved by Washington and Pyongyang alone.
だが、北朝鮮が心しておかねばならないのは、平和協定にせよ、非核化や米朝・日朝の国交正常化にせよ、米朝だけで解決できないという現実だ。
Such objectives have already been incorporated into the joint statement of the six-party talks four years ago. North Korea must return to that track.
こうした目標はすべて、４年前の６者協議の共同声明にすでに盛り込まれている。北朝鮮はそのレールに戻ってこなければならない。
North Korea has staged crises to solicit kickbacks from other countries. But it must also seriously accept that Japan, the United States and South Korea have vowed not to allow a repeat of such developments.
北朝鮮が危機を演出し、他の国が見返りを与える。過去のそんな繰り返しはしないと日米韓が強調していることも北朝鮮は重く受け止めるべきだ。
Japan, the United States, South Korea, China and Russia should not easily compromise until they can move North Korea toward denuclearization. They should put the 2005 joint statement into practice. It is vital that they further strengthen their cooperation.
５者は安易に妥協せず北朝鮮を非核化へと動かさねばならない。そして共同声明を実行に移させる。さらなる連携強化が欠かせない。
2009年11月18日
車年産１千万台―中国は緑色革命に弾みを
--The Asahi Shimbun, Nov. 17(IHT/Asahi: November 18,2009)
EDITORIAL: China's auto industry.
車年産１千万台―中国は緑色革命に弾みを
From January through October, China's automobile output and sales both exceeded 10 million units. The figures could each top 13 million by the end of this year, which would make China the world's top vehicle maker as well as largest sales market for the first time. Currently, the United States leads the world in sales, and Japan in production.
中国での自動車の生産、販売台数が１月から１０月までの合計で、ともに１千万台を超えた。年間では１３００万台を超える可能性もある。販売では米国、生産では日本を抜き、いずれも初めて世界一になる。
New vehicle sales in China grew sixfold in the last decade. In sharp contrast, the U.S. market shrank rapidly after the global economic meltdown forced General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC to file for bankruptcy. Japanese automakers, which had depended on the U.S. market for growth, also slumped.
新車販売台数はこの１０年で６倍に膨らんだ。世界経済危機でゼネラル・モーターズやクライスラーの経営が破綻（はたん）し、急速にしぼんだ米国市場や、そこに依存して伸びてきた日本メーカーの疲弊ぶりと対照的な勢いだ。
China is expected to overtake Japan in terms of gross domestic product next year at the earliest--an achievement befitting a nation that is now seen as a new engine to drive global economic growth. But given the grave impact of a bloating Chinese auto market on energy resources and the environment, the situation signals the urgency of technological renovation to shift to non-gasoline cars.
来年にも国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）が日本を追い抜く中国。世界経済の新たな成長エンジンとして寄せられた期待に応える実績だろう。だが同時に、資源や環境への影響の深刻さを考えると、中国自動車市場の急膨張は、「脱ガソリン車」への技術革新をせかすシグナルでもある。
China's Communist Party and government have actively promoted the auto industry for its huge potential to create jobs and push technological development in a broad range of sectors. Expressways built in China over the last decade are more than six times longer than the total in Japan.
中国共産党・政府は雇用や技術開発のすそ野が広い自動車産業を重視してきた。高速道路はここ１０年で、日本の総延長の６倍を超える距離を整備した。
When China's annual vehicle production reached the 10-million mark for the first time last month, the occasion was celebrated with a new model of the Jiefang (Liberation) truck rolling off the assembly line at state-owned China FAW Group Corp.
１千万台目には、国有企業が生産してきた中国製トラック「解放」の現代版を選び、派手に祝った。
Passenger cars became the market mainstay a few years ago. Rising income levels in China have made them affordable to more citizens. With the emergence of domestic automakers, inexpensive passenger cars have become available. The government has been promoting sales with tax breaks and subsidies for buyers.
市場の主力は、すでに数年前から乗用車だ。所得水準が向上し、マイカーに手の届く人が増えた。国内メーカーの台頭で安い乗用車も出回るようになった。政府の購入補助や減税措置が消費を後押しした面もある。
In 2008, China's per-capita GDP topped $3,000 (about 267,000 yen)--the watershed that turns a nation into a mass consumer society. Japan got there in the early 1970s.
中国の１人あたりＧＤＰは０８年、３千ドルを超えた。大衆消費社会へ生活様式の変わり目となるとされる水準だ。日本では７０年代初めにあたる。
With car ownership still less than 5 percent today, China is on the threshold of motorization.
自動車普及率は５％足らずで、なおモータリゼーションの入り口にある。
According to International Monetary Fund projections, China will have roughly doubled its per-capita GDP by around 2015. New vehicle sales at that time are expected to increase to 15 million units, comparable with sales in the reviving U.S. market. The figure in China is estimated to reach about 20 million around 2020.
国際通貨基金の予測によると、２０１５年ごろに中国の１人あたりＧＤＰは現在の約２倍になる。中国の新車販売はそのころ、１５００万台規模に復活する米国と並び、２０２０年ごろには２千万台規模となるとみられている。
That's effectively double the scale of today's Chinese market. And if 20th-century-type gasoline cars are still the mainstay, the massive energy consumption and environmental destruction that will result are too horrendous to even consider.
いまの中国市場がもうひとつできるようなものだ。ガソリンエンジンに頼った２０世紀型の自動車が主流のままでは、すさまじい資源消費と環境破壊に直面するだろう。
Beijing is aware of the need to save energy and protect the environment if the nation's auto industry is to keep growing. The Chinese government has taken measures, including more stringent fuel-efficiency requirements, tax breaks for small cars and support for the development of electric vehicles and other green cars. It has also begun improving rail, subway and other mass public transport services. These efforts must be enhanced.
中国共産党・政府も、成長の持続には省エネと環境保護が重要だとして、燃費規制の強化や小型車向け減税に加え、電気自動車など「環境車」の開発支援に取り組んでいる。鉄道や地下鉄など公共交通網の整備にも力を入れるようになった。こうした施策はさらに強める必要がある。
The Chinese auto market has become a battleground where Japanese, U.S., European, South Korean--and now Chinese--automakers are engaged in cutthroat competition.
中国市場は、日米欧韓に加えて中国メーカーがしのぎを削る大競争の舞台だ。
To survive in this burgeoning market, we hope Japanese makers, which have been leading the world in gas-electric hybrid and other clean-car technologies, will remain leaders in the "green revolution" by using their technological expertise to offer affordable green cars and help the auto industry grow without sacrificing the environment.
ハイブリッド車を軸に環境車でリードしてきた日本メーカーは、頼もしい中国市場に活路を見いだすためにも、蓄えた技術を手の届く価格で商品にし、環境と発展を調和させる「緑色革命」の先導役を担ってほしい。
EDITORIAL: China's auto industry.
車年産１千万台―中国は緑色革命に弾みを
From January through October, China's automobile output and sales both exceeded 10 million units. The figures could each top 13 million by the end of this year, which would make China the world's top vehicle maker as well as largest sales market for the first time. Currently, the United States leads the world in sales, and Japan in production.
中国での自動車の生産、販売台数が１月から１０月までの合計で、ともに１千万台を超えた。年間では１３００万台を超える可能性もある。販売では米国、生産では日本を抜き、いずれも初めて世界一になる。
New vehicle sales in China grew sixfold in the last decade. In sharp contrast, the U.S. market shrank rapidly after the global economic meltdown forced General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC to file for bankruptcy. Japanese automakers, which had depended on the U.S. market for growth, also slumped.
新車販売台数はこの１０年で６倍に膨らんだ。世界経済危機でゼネラル・モーターズやクライスラーの経営が破綻（はたん）し、急速にしぼんだ米国市場や、そこに依存して伸びてきた日本メーカーの疲弊ぶりと対照的な勢いだ。
China is expected to overtake Japan in terms of gross domestic product next year at the earliest--an achievement befitting a nation that is now seen as a new engine to drive global economic growth. But given the grave impact of a bloating Chinese auto market on energy resources and the environment, the situation signals the urgency of technological renovation to shift to non-gasoline cars.
来年にも国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）が日本を追い抜く中国。世界経済の新たな成長エンジンとして寄せられた期待に応える実績だろう。だが同時に、資源や環境への影響の深刻さを考えると、中国自動車市場の急膨張は、「脱ガソリン車」への技術革新をせかすシグナルでもある。
China's Communist Party and government have actively promoted the auto industry for its huge potential to create jobs and push technological development in a broad range of sectors. Expressways built in China over the last decade are more than six times longer than the total in Japan.
中国共産党・政府は雇用や技術開発のすそ野が広い自動車産業を重視してきた。高速道路はここ１０年で、日本の総延長の６倍を超える距離を整備した。
When China's annual vehicle production reached the 10-million mark for the first time last month, the occasion was celebrated with a new model of the Jiefang (Liberation) truck rolling off the assembly line at state-owned China FAW Group Corp.
１千万台目には、国有企業が生産してきた中国製トラック「解放」の現代版を選び、派手に祝った。
Passenger cars became the market mainstay a few years ago. Rising income levels in China have made them affordable to more citizens. With the emergence of domestic automakers, inexpensive passenger cars have become available. The government has been promoting sales with tax breaks and subsidies for buyers.
市場の主力は、すでに数年前から乗用車だ。所得水準が向上し、マイカーに手の届く人が増えた。国内メーカーの台頭で安い乗用車も出回るようになった。政府の購入補助や減税措置が消費を後押しした面もある。
In 2008, China's per-capita GDP topped $3,000 (about 267,000 yen)--the watershed that turns a nation into a mass consumer society. Japan got there in the early 1970s.
中国の１人あたりＧＤＰは０８年、３千ドルを超えた。大衆消費社会へ生活様式の変わり目となるとされる水準だ。日本では７０年代初めにあたる。
With car ownership still less than 5 percent today, China is on the threshold of motorization.
自動車普及率は５％足らずで、なおモータリゼーションの入り口にある。
According to International Monetary Fund projections, China will have roughly doubled its per-capita GDP by around 2015. New vehicle sales at that time are expected to increase to 15 million units, comparable with sales in the reviving U.S. market. The figure in China is estimated to reach about 20 million around 2020.
国際通貨基金の予測によると、２０１５年ごろに中国の１人あたりＧＤＰは現在の約２倍になる。中国の新車販売はそのころ、１５００万台規模に復活する米国と並び、２０２０年ごろには２千万台規模となるとみられている。
That's effectively double the scale of today's Chinese market. And if 20th-century-type gasoline cars are still the mainstay, the massive energy consumption and environmental destruction that will result are too horrendous to even consider.
いまの中国市場がもうひとつできるようなものだ。ガソリンエンジンに頼った２０世紀型の自動車が主流のままでは、すさまじい資源消費と環境破壊に直面するだろう。
Beijing is aware of the need to save energy and protect the environment if the nation's auto industry is to keep growing. The Chinese government has taken measures, including more stringent fuel-efficiency requirements, tax breaks for small cars and support for the development of electric vehicles and other green cars. It has also begun improving rail, subway and other mass public transport services. These efforts must be enhanced.
中国共産党・政府も、成長の持続には省エネと環境保護が重要だとして、燃費規制の強化や小型車向け減税に加え、電気自動車など「環境車」の開発支援に取り組んでいる。鉄道や地下鉄など公共交通網の整備にも力を入れるようになった。こうした施策はさらに強める必要がある。
The Chinese auto market has become a battleground where Japanese, U.S., European, South Korean--and now Chinese--automakers are engaged in cutthroat competition.
中国市場は、日米欧韓に加えて中国メーカーがしのぎを削る大競争の舞台だ。
To survive in this burgeoning market, we hope Japanese makers, which have been leading the world in gas-electric hybrid and other clean-car technologies, will remain leaders in the "green revolution" by using their technological expertise to offer affordable green cars and help the auto industry grow without sacrificing the environment.
ハイブリッド車を軸に環境車でリードしてきた日本メーカーは、頼もしい中国市場に活路を見いだすためにも、蓄えた技術を手の届く価格で商品にし、環境と発展を調和させる「緑色革命」の先導役を担ってほしい。
2009年07月21日
分裂選挙？―時代錯誤もはなはだしい
--The Asahi Shimbun, July 18(IHT/Asahi: July 20,2009)
EDITORIAL: LDP in danger of splitting
分裂選挙？―時代錯誤もはなはだしい
Prime Minister Taro Aso apparently has fended off an attempt by a group of Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers to oust him.
麻生首相がどうやら逃げ切りそうな様相だ。
Aso has rejected the anti-Aso group's demand for a joint plenary meeting of LDP Diet members and is poised to dissolve the Lower House on July 21 for a snap election according to his plan.
「反麻生」の議員らから出されていた自民党両院議員総会の開催要求を退け、予定通り２１日に衆院解散に踏み切る見通しだ。
A wave of criticism against Aso was beginning to emerge within the LDP over the ruling party's historic defeat in the recent Tokyo metropolitan assembly election and the prime minister's move immediately after the election to announce his plan to dissolve the Lower House.
東京都議選での歴史的大敗とその直後の解散予告をめぐって、党内には首相批判のうねりが起きかけていた。
Aso has said he will hold an informal gathering of party members to address these issues immediately before he calls a general election.
これに対しては、解散の直前に非公式の「懇談会」を開き、首相がみずから釈明するという。
In other words, Aso hopes to settle the situation by allowing critics to "let off steam."
つまりは「ガス抜き」で事態を収拾しようということなのだろう。
But this is unlikely to calm the anti-Aso group led by former LDP Secretary-General Hidenao Nakagawa, which demanded a plenary party meeting after collecting the signatures of more than 130 party members.
おさまらないのは、１３０人以上の署名を添えて両院議員総会を求めていた中川秀直元幹事長ら「反麻生」の人々だ。
Nakagawa's group was hoping to have its proposal to move forward the party presidential election approved at the plenary meeting, the LDP's second-highest decision-making institution after the party convention.
党大会に次ぐ議決機関である総会で、あわよくば総裁選の前倒しを決めようと策を練っていた。
Nakagawa and his allies are considering developing their own election manifesto independently of Aso's LDP. Some of them are even proposing to name their own candidate for prime minister.
中川氏らの間では、麻生自民党とは別に独自のマニフェストをつくって総選挙に臨もうという動きが出ている。新しい首相候補の名前を掲げようという声も聞かれる。
That would cause the LDP to split before the election.
そうなれば、自民党は事実上の分裂選挙に突入する。
If the LDP spends a great deal of energy on an internal power struggle, it remains the party's problem. If the struggle spills over into the Lower House election, however, that would be a different story.
コップの中の争いにいくら精力を費やそうと自民党の党内問題だが、それが総選挙の場にまであふれ出てくるとなると話は別である。
When Japan had multi-seat constituencies, members of the mainstream factions of the LDP and those of nonmainstream factions were sometimes pitted against each other in the same electoral districts.
選挙制度が中選挙区制だった時代には、自民党内の主流派と反主流派が分裂して選挙を戦うこともなかったわけではない。
In those days, the LDP could afford to settle internecine struggles through national elections under the solid one-party rule called the "1955 regime" after the year when the party was founded.
自民党政権という大枠は揺るがない５５年体制の下で、党内抗争を選挙で決着させたのだった。
It would be grossly anachronistic and a mistake for the party to readopt this approach in a Lower House election now held under a single-seat constituency system.
その気分を小選挙区制となった今の総選挙に持ち込むのは、大変な時代錯誤であり、思い違いもはなはだしい。
The core objective of the political reform in the 1990s was a shift from an electoral system focused on individual candidates to a party-oriented system to make a power transfer possible.
政権交代可能な政治システムを目指して、個人本位から政党本位の選挙制度に転換したのが９０年代の政治改革の核心だ。
The tax-financed program of state subsidies to political parties is based on the assumption of party-oriented politics.
税金からの政党交付金も、政党本位の政治が前提になっている。
Under the current system, voters are supposed to vote for the party they want to govern the nation in their respective electoral districts.
有権者はそれぞれの選挙区で政権を託す政党を選ぶ。
Party manifestoes are critical informational material for voters to use to make their electoral choices.
その最も大事なよりどころが政党のマニフェストだ。
A party's manifesto for a Lower House election is its covenant with the voting public, spelling out policies the party promises to realize if elected to govern during the four-year term.
政党にとっては、４年間の任期で実現を約束する「国民との契約」である。
If more than one manifesto emerges from a party, voters will find it impossible to make a decision regarding that party.
同じ党のなかからマニフェストが二つも三つも出てくれば、有権者は選択のしようがなくなってしまう。
That would betray the public trust because the electorate has supported the current direction of political reform.
それは政治改革の流れを後押ししてきた国民への背信だろう。
Aso is responsibile for ensuring the LDP has a unified election manifesto. He must not allow the party to be split before the election, which would greatly confuse voters.
自民党のマニフェストを一本化する責任は、何と言っても首相にある。分裂選挙となるのを放置し、有権者を惑わすことは許されない。
Aso should bear in mind that simply letting off steam will not settle the situation.
「ガス抜き」で事は決して終わらないことを首相は肝に銘じるべきだ。
We also urge opposition parties to present their manifestoes to voters as early as possible.
野党にも責任あるマニフェストを早く有権者に示すことを求めたい。
In particular, main opposition Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan) should set policy priorities and make clear how it intends to realize its proposals within a timeframe of four years and under tight fiscal constraints.
とりわけ政権をうかがう民主党は、４年間という時間の制約と、限られた財源のなかで、どの政策を優先するのか。
Minshuto needs to show a clear policy vision that also explains how the party will actually run the government.
政権運営の仕組みを含め、分かりやすい青写真を示さねばならない。
EDITORIAL: LDP in danger of splitting
分裂選挙？―時代錯誤もはなはだしい
Prime Minister Taro Aso apparently has fended off an attempt by a group of Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers to oust him.
麻生首相がどうやら逃げ切りそうな様相だ。
Aso has rejected the anti-Aso group's demand for a joint plenary meeting of LDP Diet members and is poised to dissolve the Lower House on July 21 for a snap election according to his plan.
「反麻生」の議員らから出されていた自民党両院議員総会の開催要求を退け、予定通り２１日に衆院解散に踏み切る見通しだ。
A wave of criticism against Aso was beginning to emerge within the LDP over the ruling party's historic defeat in the recent Tokyo metropolitan assembly election and the prime minister's move immediately after the election to announce his plan to dissolve the Lower House.
東京都議選での歴史的大敗とその直後の解散予告をめぐって、党内には首相批判のうねりが起きかけていた。
Aso has said he will hold an informal gathering of party members to address these issues immediately before he calls a general election.
これに対しては、解散の直前に非公式の「懇談会」を開き、首相がみずから釈明するという。
In other words, Aso hopes to settle the situation by allowing critics to "let off steam."
つまりは「ガス抜き」で事態を収拾しようということなのだろう。
But this is unlikely to calm the anti-Aso group led by former LDP Secretary-General Hidenao Nakagawa, which demanded a plenary party meeting after collecting the signatures of more than 130 party members.
おさまらないのは、１３０人以上の署名を添えて両院議員総会を求めていた中川秀直元幹事長ら「反麻生」の人々だ。
Nakagawa's group was hoping to have its proposal to move forward the party presidential election approved at the plenary meeting, the LDP's second-highest decision-making institution after the party convention.
党大会に次ぐ議決機関である総会で、あわよくば総裁選の前倒しを決めようと策を練っていた。
Nakagawa and his allies are considering developing their own election manifesto independently of Aso's LDP. Some of them are even proposing to name their own candidate for prime minister.
中川氏らの間では、麻生自民党とは別に独自のマニフェストをつくって総選挙に臨もうという動きが出ている。新しい首相候補の名前を掲げようという声も聞かれる。
That would cause the LDP to split before the election.
そうなれば、自民党は事実上の分裂選挙に突入する。
If the LDP spends a great deal of energy on an internal power struggle, it remains the party's problem. If the struggle spills over into the Lower House election, however, that would be a different story.
コップの中の争いにいくら精力を費やそうと自民党の党内問題だが、それが総選挙の場にまであふれ出てくるとなると話は別である。
When Japan had multi-seat constituencies, members of the mainstream factions of the LDP and those of nonmainstream factions were sometimes pitted against each other in the same electoral districts.
選挙制度が中選挙区制だった時代には、自民党内の主流派と反主流派が分裂して選挙を戦うこともなかったわけではない。
In those days, the LDP could afford to settle internecine struggles through national elections under the solid one-party rule called the "1955 regime" after the year when the party was founded.
自民党政権という大枠は揺るがない５５年体制の下で、党内抗争を選挙で決着させたのだった。
It would be grossly anachronistic and a mistake for the party to readopt this approach in a Lower House election now held under a single-seat constituency system.
その気分を小選挙区制となった今の総選挙に持ち込むのは、大変な時代錯誤であり、思い違いもはなはだしい。
The core objective of the political reform in the 1990s was a shift from an electoral system focused on individual candidates to a party-oriented system to make a power transfer possible.
政権交代可能な政治システムを目指して、個人本位から政党本位の選挙制度に転換したのが９０年代の政治改革の核心だ。
The tax-financed program of state subsidies to political parties is based on the assumption of party-oriented politics.
税金からの政党交付金も、政党本位の政治が前提になっている。
Under the current system, voters are supposed to vote for the party they want to govern the nation in their respective electoral districts.
有権者はそれぞれの選挙区で政権を託す政党を選ぶ。
Party manifestoes are critical informational material for voters to use to make their electoral choices.
その最も大事なよりどころが政党のマニフェストだ。
A party's manifesto for a Lower House election is its covenant with the voting public, spelling out policies the party promises to realize if elected to govern during the four-year term.
政党にとっては、４年間の任期で実現を約束する「国民との契約」である。
If more than one manifesto emerges from a party, voters will find it impossible to make a decision regarding that party.
同じ党のなかからマニフェストが二つも三つも出てくれば、有権者は選択のしようがなくなってしまう。
That would betray the public trust because the electorate has supported the current direction of political reform.
それは政治改革の流れを後押ししてきた国民への背信だろう。
Aso is responsibile for ensuring the LDP has a unified election manifesto. He must not allow the party to be split before the election, which would greatly confuse voters.
自民党のマニフェストを一本化する責任は、何と言っても首相にある。分裂選挙となるのを放置し、有権者を惑わすことは許されない。
Aso should bear in mind that simply letting off steam will not settle the situation.
「ガス抜き」で事は決して終わらないことを首相は肝に銘じるべきだ。
We also urge opposition parties to present their manifestoes to voters as early as possible.
野党にも責任あるマニフェストを早く有権者に示すことを求めたい。
In particular, main opposition Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan) should set policy priorities and make clear how it intends to realize its proposals within a timeframe of four years and under tight fiscal constraints.
とりわけ政権をうかがう民主党は、４年間という時間の制約と、限られた財源のなかで、どの政策を優先するのか。
Minshuto needs to show a clear policy vision that also explains how the party will actually run the government.
政権運営の仕組みを含め、分かりやすい青写真を示さねばならない。