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2013年03月08日
中国国防費膨張 「海洋強国化」は危険な軍拡だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 7, 2013)
China's dangerous maritime expansion
中国国防費膨張 「海洋強国化」は危険な軍拡だ（3月6日付・読売社説）
China, which has trumpeted its desire to become a maritime power, has been rapidly expanding its military might.
「海洋強国化」を掲げる中国が、軍事力を急激に膨張させている。
If Xi Jinping's administration wants to dispel the "China threat theory" being increasingly espoused by neighboring countries, it should commit itself to making its military power more transparent and actively engage in confidence-building steps.
周辺国で高まる「中国脅威論」を、習近平政権が否定するのなら、軍事力の透明性向上や信頼醸成に積極的に取り組むべきだ。
At the National People's Congress, or parliament, that convened Tuesday, China unveiled a 10.7 percent year-on-year increase in defense spending in the 2013 national budget to about 740.6 billion yuan (about 11.11 trillion yen). This is about 2.4 times the size of Japan's defense budget.
中国の全国人民代表大会（全人代＝国会）が開幕し、公表された２０１３年の国家予算案で、国防費は前年実績比１０・７％増の約７４０６億元（約１１兆１１００億円）に上った。日本の防衛予算の約２・４倍の規模である。
China's defense budget has logged double-digit increases for more than 20 consecutive years, excluding 2010, when the global recession buffeted that country. Its actual military expenditure remains unclear because the disclosed figure does not include money earmarked for weapon research and development, for example.
世界同時不況が影響した１０年を除き、国防費の２ケタ増は２０年以上続いている。公表分に兵器の研究開発費などは含まれないとされ、不透明さは変わらない。
China should fully disclose the breakdown of its defense budget and plans to introduce military equipment.
国防費の内訳や装備導入計画を公開することが求められる。
China's military expansion policy, which is behind the substantial rise in defense spending, also is a destabilizing factor that could trigger military expansion in neighboring nations, including India.
国防費大幅増の背景にある軍拡路線は、インドなど周辺国の軍拡を招く不安定要因でもある。
===
Senkakus need vigilance
The Xi administration probably will appropriate this budget predominantly to projects reinforcing China's navy and air force so it can encircle the East China Sea and the South China Sea as "China's Sea," to counter the U.S. strategy that places greater emphasis on Asia.
習政権は、「アジア重視」戦略を進める米国に対抗し、東シナ海と南シナ海を「中国の海」として囲い込むため海空軍力増強に予算を重点的に投入するのだろう。
China's military has been accelerating development of its own stealth fighter jet and construction of domestic aircraft carriers and new frigates. It reportedly has conducted about 40 exercises this year.
中国軍は、ステルス機の開発のほか、国産空母や新型フリゲート艦などの建造を急いでいる。今年の演習は約４０回に上るという。
This year's government work report delivered at the National People's Congress stressed that China will protect its maritime interests. The Chinese Navy and State Oceanic Administration have confirmed they will strengthen their cooperation.
全人代の今年の政府活動報告は、「国家の海洋権益を守っていく」と強調した。海軍と国家海洋局は連携強化を確認している。
There is the possibility that Chinese surveillance ships, with assistance from the navy, could take a more hard-line stance around the Senkaku Islands. Chinese vessels might seize Japanese fishing boats or apprehend their crew members. Japanese authorities must step up their vigilance.
尖閣諸島周辺で、中国の監視船が海軍の支援を受け、さらなる強硬姿勢をとる可能性も出てきた。日本漁船の拿捕(だほ)や船員の拘束も起きかねない。日本は警戒を強める必要がある。
===
More provocations possible
Automatic spending cuts that have started in the United States could restrict U.S. military operations in the western Pacific. Given the circumstances, there are concerns the Chinese Navy may instigate a provocation similar to the incident this year in which a Chinese frigate locked its fire-control radar on a Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel.
米国の歳出強制削減で西太平洋での米軍活動が抑制されかねない中、懸念されるのは、海上自衛隊艦艇へのレーダー照射事件のような中国海軍の挑発行動である。
China should try to build trust with Japan by resuming talks on establishing a bilateral system for emergency communications at sea. Tokyo must enhance the deterrence of the Japan-U.S. alliance and do everything in its power to defend the Senkaku Islands.
中国は、海上での緊急連絡体制の構築を目的とする日本との協議を再開させ、信頼醸成を図るべきだ。日本は、日米同盟の抑止力を高め、尖閣諸島の防衛態勢に万全を期さなければならない。
Dealing with environmental problems is an urgent task for the Xi administration. Serious air pollution in China has exposed the limits of Beijing's policy of focusing on economic growth above all else. We think China should also appropriate more of its budget to expanding the social security system in preparation for the costs that will come with its rapidly graying population.
習政権にとって喫緊の課題は環境問題への対応だ。深刻な大気汚染は成長至上主義の限界を露呈している。急速な高齢化に備えた社会保障の拡充にも、さらに予算を投入すべきではないか。
Meanwhile, China's domestic security budget exceeds the defense budget. This indicates that the Chinese government believes it has no choice but to flex strong state power to deal with disturbances that frequently erupt across that country.
その一方で、国内治安対策費は国防予算を上回っている。全土で多発する暴動に、強権で対処せざるを得ないのだろう。
Stimulating a sense of national greatness among Chinese people by military expansion, thereby diverting domestic frustrations to external elements, is a dangerous game.
軍拡によって国民の大国意識を刺激し、不満を外にそらすのは、危険な手法である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 6, 2013)
（2013年3月6日02時05分 読売新聞）
China's dangerous maritime expansion
中国国防費膨張 「海洋強国化」は危険な軍拡だ（3月6日付・読売社説）
China, which has trumpeted its desire to become a maritime power, has been rapidly expanding its military might.
「海洋強国化」を掲げる中国が、軍事力を急激に膨張させている。
If Xi Jinping's administration wants to dispel the "China threat theory" being increasingly espoused by neighboring countries, it should commit itself to making its military power more transparent and actively engage in confidence-building steps.
周辺国で高まる「中国脅威論」を、習近平政権が否定するのなら、軍事力の透明性向上や信頼醸成に積極的に取り組むべきだ。
At the National People's Congress, or parliament, that convened Tuesday, China unveiled a 10.7 percent year-on-year increase in defense spending in the 2013 national budget to about 740.6 billion yuan (about 11.11 trillion yen). This is about 2.4 times the size of Japan's defense budget.
中国の全国人民代表大会（全人代＝国会）が開幕し、公表された２０１３年の国家予算案で、国防費は前年実績比１０・７％増の約７４０６億元（約１１兆１１００億円）に上った。日本の防衛予算の約２・４倍の規模である。
China's defense budget has logged double-digit increases for more than 20 consecutive years, excluding 2010, when the global recession buffeted that country. Its actual military expenditure remains unclear because the disclosed figure does not include money earmarked for weapon research and development, for example.
世界同時不況が影響した１０年を除き、国防費の２ケタ増は２０年以上続いている。公表分に兵器の研究開発費などは含まれないとされ、不透明さは変わらない。
China should fully disclose the breakdown of its defense budget and plans to introduce military equipment.
国防費の内訳や装備導入計画を公開することが求められる。
China's military expansion policy, which is behind the substantial rise in defense spending, also is a destabilizing factor that could trigger military expansion in neighboring nations, including India.
国防費大幅増の背景にある軍拡路線は、インドなど周辺国の軍拡を招く不安定要因でもある。
===
Senkakus need vigilance
The Xi administration probably will appropriate this budget predominantly to projects reinforcing China's navy and air force so it can encircle the East China Sea and the South China Sea as "China's Sea," to counter the U.S. strategy that places greater emphasis on Asia.
習政権は、「アジア重視」戦略を進める米国に対抗し、東シナ海と南シナ海を「中国の海」として囲い込むため海空軍力増強に予算を重点的に投入するのだろう。
China's military has been accelerating development of its own stealth fighter jet and construction of domestic aircraft carriers and new frigates. It reportedly has conducted about 40 exercises this year.
中国軍は、ステルス機の開発のほか、国産空母や新型フリゲート艦などの建造を急いでいる。今年の演習は約４０回に上るという。
This year's government work report delivered at the National People's Congress stressed that China will protect its maritime interests. The Chinese Navy and State Oceanic Administration have confirmed they will strengthen their cooperation.
全人代の今年の政府活動報告は、「国家の海洋権益を守っていく」と強調した。海軍と国家海洋局は連携強化を確認している。
There is the possibility that Chinese surveillance ships, with assistance from the navy, could take a more hard-line stance around the Senkaku Islands. Chinese vessels might seize Japanese fishing boats or apprehend their crew members. Japanese authorities must step up their vigilance.
尖閣諸島周辺で、中国の監視船が海軍の支援を受け、さらなる強硬姿勢をとる可能性も出てきた。日本漁船の拿捕(だほ)や船員の拘束も起きかねない。日本は警戒を強める必要がある。
===
More provocations possible
Automatic spending cuts that have started in the United States could restrict U.S. military operations in the western Pacific. Given the circumstances, there are concerns the Chinese Navy may instigate a provocation similar to the incident this year in which a Chinese frigate locked its fire-control radar on a Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel.
米国の歳出強制削減で西太平洋での米軍活動が抑制されかねない中、懸念されるのは、海上自衛隊艦艇へのレーダー照射事件のような中国海軍の挑発行動である。
China should try to build trust with Japan by resuming talks on establishing a bilateral system for emergency communications at sea. Tokyo must enhance the deterrence of the Japan-U.S. alliance and do everything in its power to defend the Senkaku Islands.
中国は、海上での緊急連絡体制の構築を目的とする日本との協議を再開させ、信頼醸成を図るべきだ。日本は、日米同盟の抑止力を高め、尖閣諸島の防衛態勢に万全を期さなければならない。
Dealing with environmental problems is an urgent task for the Xi administration. Serious air pollution in China has exposed the limits of Beijing's policy of focusing on economic growth above all else. We think China should also appropriate more of its budget to expanding the social security system in preparation for the costs that will come with its rapidly graying population.
習政権にとって喫緊の課題は環境問題への対応だ。深刻な大気汚染は成長至上主義の限界を露呈している。急速な高齢化に備えた社会保障の拡充にも、さらに予算を投入すべきではないか。
Meanwhile, China's domestic security budget exceeds the defense budget. This indicates that the Chinese government believes it has no choice but to flex strong state power to deal with disturbances that frequently erupt across that country.
その一方で、国内治安対策費は国防予算を上回っている。全土で多発する暴動に、強権で対処せざるを得ないのだろう。
Stimulating a sense of national greatness among Chinese people by military expansion, thereby diverting domestic frustrations to external elements, is a dangerous game.
軍拡によって国民の大国意識を刺激し、不満を外にそらすのは、危険な手法である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 6, 2013)
（2013年3月6日02時05分 読売新聞）
2013年03月07日
米国歳出削減 大統領と議会は混乱収拾急げ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 6, 2013)
Obama, Congress must unsnarl chaos over budget
米国歳出削減 大統領と議会は混乱収拾急げ（3月5日付・読売社説）
The automatic spending cuts aimed at slashing U.S. federal spending have been implemented. President Barack Obama and Republican and Democratic lawmakers must find points of compromise and unsnarl the confusion soon.
米国政府の歳出を強制的に削減する制度が発動された。オバマ米大統領と民主、共和両党は妥協点を探り、混乱の早期収拾を図るべきである。
The spending cuts amount to 1.2 trillion dollars (about 110 trillion yen) over a 10-year period, with 85 billion dollars, or about 10 percent of government spending for fiscal 2013 (which started on Oct. 1 and ends on Sept. 30), to be cut.
歳出削減額は１０年間で１・２兆ドル（約１１０兆円）に上り、２０１３会計年度（１２年１０月〜１３年９月）では、歳出の約１割に相当する８５０億ドルがカットされる。
The automatic budget cuts were mandated in legislation passed in the summer of 2011 when Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on a fiscal reconstruction plan. Without an agreement on a middle- or long-term fiscal deficit-cutting deal, the budget cuts were to be invoked in January.
強制削減制度は、財政再建を巡る１１年夏の与野党攻防の際に設けられた。中長期的な財政赤字削減策をまとめられない場合、今年１月に発動する予定だった。
To avert the so-called fiscal cliff of automatic spending cuts and middle-class tax increases, at least as a temporary fix, the deadline for implementing the budget cuts was put off by two months.
But negotiations between Obama and both parties collapsed, leading to the automatic budget cuts. This is an extremely serious situation.
「財政の崖」をひとまず回避するため、発動期限は２か月先送りされたが、それでも大統領と与野党の協議が決裂し、発動を防げなかったのは深刻な事態だ。
While Obama and the Democrats have been calling for cutting the federal deficit by additional tax increases on the rich and spending cuts, Republicans adamantly oppose the tax increases.
大統領と与党・民主党は、富裕層への追加増税と歳出カットによる赤字削減を主張しているのに対し、共和党はあくまで、増税に反対する強硬姿勢を崩さない。
===
Deep-rooted confrontation
This resulted in a deep-rooted confrontation that started even before last year's presidential election.
昨年の大統領選挙前からの根深い対立を浮き彫りにしている。
The automatic spending cuts will not immediately damage the U.S. economy or affect the people's lives, but if they are kept in place for a protracted period of time, ill effects will be felt both at home and abroad. The situation must be watched.
歳出の強制削減によって、ただちに米国経済や国民生活に不都合が生じるものではないが、発動が長期化すれば、影響は内外に広がる。要警戒である。
For instance, with the cuts in spending on national defense, about 800,000 civilian personnel of the U.S. Defense Department face furloughs, which could hinder U.S. security operations in the western Pacific and Japan.
例えば、国防費削減で米軍の職員約８０万人が一時帰休を強いられて、西太平洋や日本などの安全保障に支障が生じかねない。
With the cuts in air traffic controllers, some airport control towers might be closed. A large number of teachers may also be fired. With the budget cuts, these scenarios will come closer to reality.
航空管制官の削減で管制塔が閉鎖したり、教員が大量解雇されたりする事態も現実味を帯びる。
In the long term, the cuts are likely to slow down the U.S. economy, which has at last shown signs of recovery, and also damage the world economy.
ようやく景気回復の傾向が出てきた米国経済の足を引っ張り、世界経済にも打撃を与えそうだ。
While the main budget for the current fiscal year has yet to be passed into law, the provisional six-month budget will expire on March 27.
今年度予算はまだ成立せず、暫定予算の失効が２７日に迫っている。
Unless the main budget or a new provisional budget is decided on, further disarray will follow and may even cause a government shutdown.
それまでに本予算も新たな暫定予算も決まらないと、政府窓口の一部閉鎖という、さらなる混乱に拡大するだろう。
The focal issue at least for the time being is whether the confrontation between Obama and congressional Republicans will end before such adverse effects spread.
当面の焦点は、そうした悪影響が広がる前に、対立に終止符を打てるかどうかである。
===
Radical solution required
The responsibilities of the president and the Congress are grave. It is important for them to compromise soon and produce a radical solution to realize both fiscal reconstruction and economic growth, instead of continuing an unproductive exchange of denunciations.
大統領と議会の責任は重大だ。不毛な非難合戦を続けるのではなく、財政再建と経済成長を両立させる抜本策について、速やかに歩み寄ることが肝要だ。
There are many pending problems over fiscal management. Unless the limit on federal borrowing is raised by the middle of May, the U.S. government may even default on its obligations.
財政を巡る懸案は多い。５月半ばまでに連邦債務上限を引き上げられない場合、債務不履行（デフォルト）に陥る恐れすらある。
The president and Democratic and Republican lawmakers have repeatedly put off solving problems every time their negotiations have deadlocked. But makeshift measures will not lead to a fundamental solution.
大統領と与野党はこれまで、協議が行き詰まるごとに、問題先送りを繰り返してきた。だが、その場しのぎの策では、根本的な解決にならない。
The big question is whether the United States can rid itself of "politics characterized by indecision."
「決められない政治」から脱することが厳しく問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 5, 2013)
（2013年3月5日01時29分 読売新聞）
Obama, Congress must unsnarl chaos over budget
米国歳出削減 大統領と議会は混乱収拾急げ（3月5日付・読売社説）
The automatic spending cuts aimed at slashing U.S. federal spending have been implemented. President Barack Obama and Republican and Democratic lawmakers must find points of compromise and unsnarl the confusion soon.
米国政府の歳出を強制的に削減する制度が発動された。オバマ米大統領と民主、共和両党は妥協点を探り、混乱の早期収拾を図るべきである。
The spending cuts amount to 1.2 trillion dollars (about 110 trillion yen) over a 10-year period, with 85 billion dollars, or about 10 percent of government spending for fiscal 2013 (which started on Oct. 1 and ends on Sept. 30), to be cut.
歳出削減額は１０年間で１・２兆ドル（約１１０兆円）に上り、２０１３会計年度（１２年１０月〜１３年９月）では、歳出の約１割に相当する８５０億ドルがカットされる。
The automatic budget cuts were mandated in legislation passed in the summer of 2011 when Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on a fiscal reconstruction plan. Without an agreement on a middle- or long-term fiscal deficit-cutting deal, the budget cuts were to be invoked in January.
強制削減制度は、財政再建を巡る１１年夏の与野党攻防の際に設けられた。中長期的な財政赤字削減策をまとめられない場合、今年１月に発動する予定だった。
To avert the so-called fiscal cliff of automatic spending cuts and middle-class tax increases, at least as a temporary fix, the deadline for implementing the budget cuts was put off by two months.
But negotiations between Obama and both parties collapsed, leading to the automatic budget cuts. This is an extremely serious situation.
「財政の崖」をひとまず回避するため、発動期限は２か月先送りされたが、それでも大統領と与野党の協議が決裂し、発動を防げなかったのは深刻な事態だ。
While Obama and the Democrats have been calling for cutting the federal deficit by additional tax increases on the rich and spending cuts, Republicans adamantly oppose the tax increases.
大統領と与党・民主党は、富裕層への追加増税と歳出カットによる赤字削減を主張しているのに対し、共和党はあくまで、増税に反対する強硬姿勢を崩さない。
===
Deep-rooted confrontation
This resulted in a deep-rooted confrontation that started even before last year's presidential election.
昨年の大統領選挙前からの根深い対立を浮き彫りにしている。
The automatic spending cuts will not immediately damage the U.S. economy or affect the people's lives, but if they are kept in place for a protracted period of time, ill effects will be felt both at home and abroad. The situation must be watched.
歳出の強制削減によって、ただちに米国経済や国民生活に不都合が生じるものではないが、発動が長期化すれば、影響は内外に広がる。要警戒である。
For instance, with the cuts in spending on national defense, about 800,000 civilian personnel of the U.S. Defense Department face furloughs, which could hinder U.S. security operations in the western Pacific and Japan.
例えば、国防費削減で米軍の職員約８０万人が一時帰休を強いられて、西太平洋や日本などの安全保障に支障が生じかねない。
With the cuts in air traffic controllers, some airport control towers might be closed. A large number of teachers may also be fired. With the budget cuts, these scenarios will come closer to reality.
航空管制官の削減で管制塔が閉鎖したり、教員が大量解雇されたりする事態も現実味を帯びる。
In the long term, the cuts are likely to slow down the U.S. economy, which has at last shown signs of recovery, and also damage the world economy.
ようやく景気回復の傾向が出てきた米国経済の足を引っ張り、世界経済にも打撃を与えそうだ。
While the main budget for the current fiscal year has yet to be passed into law, the provisional six-month budget will expire on March 27.
今年度予算はまだ成立せず、暫定予算の失効が２７日に迫っている。
Unless the main budget or a new provisional budget is decided on, further disarray will follow and may even cause a government shutdown.
それまでに本予算も新たな暫定予算も決まらないと、政府窓口の一部閉鎖という、さらなる混乱に拡大するだろう。
The focal issue at least for the time being is whether the confrontation between Obama and congressional Republicans will end before such adverse effects spread.
当面の焦点は、そうした悪影響が広がる前に、対立に終止符を打てるかどうかである。
===
Radical solution required
The responsibilities of the president and the Congress are grave. It is important for them to compromise soon and produce a radical solution to realize both fiscal reconstruction and economic growth, instead of continuing an unproductive exchange of denunciations.
大統領と議会の責任は重大だ。不毛な非難合戦を続けるのではなく、財政再建と経済成長を両立させる抜本策について、速やかに歩み寄ることが肝要だ。
There are many pending problems over fiscal management. Unless the limit on federal borrowing is raised by the middle of May, the U.S. government may even default on its obligations.
財政を巡る懸案は多い。５月半ばまでに連邦債務上限を引き上げられない場合、債務不履行（デフォルト）に陥る恐れすらある。
The president and Democratic and Republican lawmakers have repeatedly put off solving problems every time their negotiations have deadlocked. But makeshift measures will not lead to a fundamental solution.
大統領と与野党はこれまで、協議が行き詰まるごとに、問題先送りを繰り返してきた。だが、その場しのぎの策では、根本的な解決にならない。
The big question is whether the United States can rid itself of "politics characterized by indecision."
「決められない政治」から脱することが厳しく問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 5, 2013)
（2013年3月5日01時29分 読売新聞）
2013年03月06日
6年ぶりにHPを改定 2013-03-06
使用制限の極めて厳格なyahoo HPより、fc2 HP と ninja HP に引越しです。
FTP転送ソフトでHPを構築していたので、転送時間は僅か１時間ほど。
楽ちんですね＾＾。
http://srachai2.web.fc2.com/
憲法９６条 改正要件緩和が政治を変える
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 5, 2013)
Relax requirements for constitutional revision
憲法９６条 改正要件緩和が政治を変える（3月4日付・読売社説）
Revision of Article 96 of the Constitution, which stipulates procedures to amend the national charter, has emerged as a major item on the political agenda.
憲法改正の手続きを定めた憲法９６条の改正問題が、大きな政治テーマに浮上している。
This is apparent after the Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party, which all called for revision of the article in their campaign platforms for the House of Representatives election in December, together have acquired more than two-thirds of the chamber's 480 seats.
背景には、昨年末の衆院選で自民党や日本維新の会、みんなの党が９６条改正を公約とし、３党で衆院の３分の２超の議席を獲得したことがある。
Depending on the outcome of the House of Councillors election in July, legislative arrangements for revising the Constitution will get under way for the first time.
７月の参院選の結果次第では、憲法改正の環境が初めて整う。
Therefore, constitutional revision is now on the political agenda and has a chance of being realized.
憲法改正は今や、現実味を帯び始めた政治課題だ。
Article 96 calls for revision to be initiated by the Diet through an affirmative vote of two-thirds or more of all members of each house, followed by a national referendum in which support from a majority of the public must be secured.
９６条は、憲法改正について、衆参各議院の総議員の３分の２以上の賛成で国会が発議し、国民投票で過半数の賛成を得なければならないと規定している。
===
Hard to clear dual hurdle
It will not be easy to clear the high dual hurdle of winning affirmative votes of two-thirds or more in each chamber and securing majority support from the public in a referendum.
衆参とも３分の２以上を確保したうえで、国民投票も行うという二重の高いハードルを乗り越えるのは容易なことではない。
If the threshold of two-thirds is revised to a majority as proposed by the LDP, it will be easier to initiate amendments.
自民党が提案するように「３分の２以上」を「過半数」とすれば改正を発議しやすくなる。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the government will seek revision of Article 96, which is supported by many parties, ahead of other articles over which parties are divided. This is a realistic and appropriate approach.
安倍首相は、政党の考え方が対立する条項ではなく、まずは多くの党が賛同できる９６条から改正に取り組む考えを示した。現実的で妥当なアプローチである。
His view is shared by some conservative members of the Democratic Party of Japan who reportedly plan to form a new parliamentary league with lawmakers of Ishin no Kai and Your Party to revise Article 96.
民主党の一部の保守系議員も同様に考え、維新、みんな両党の議員と９６条改正を目指して新たな議員連盟を設立するという。
The controversy over constitutional revision, which puts politicians' views of the nature of the state to the test, is significant in that it could lead to a political realignment.
政治家の国家観を問う憲法改正の問題は、政界再編につながる可能性を持つ意味でも重要である。
The DPJ has not yet decided on its position on the issue due to differences of opinion within the party.
民主党は、党内の意見対立から依然として憲法改正に対する方針が定まっていない。
Even its party platform makes little reference to the issue, saying only that the party "envisages a future-oriented constitution to establish constitutionalism in the true sense of the word." This statement does not give the people much idea about how the party will tackle constitutional revision.
党の綱領にも「真の立憲主義を確立するため、未来志向の憲法を構想していく」とあるだけだ。これでは憲法改正にどう取り組むのか、さっぱりわからない。
The DPJ must hold in-depth discussions on the matter ahead of the upper house election as the issue has the potential of becoming a bone of contention.
憲法改正が争点になり得る参院選に向けて、今から党内論議を尽くしておくべきだろう。
===
Unrealistic situation
A constitution does not have to remain unchanged forever. In the past 13 years alone, Switzerland amended its Constitution 23 times, while Germany revised its top law 11 times and France 10 times.
憲法は、「不磨の大典」ではない。この１３年間だけでも、スイスは２３回、ドイツは１１回、フランスは１０回も憲法を改正している。
However, since it was enforced in 1947, the Constitution of Japan has never been revised, an extremely rare case.
制定以来一度も改正されていない日本の憲法は、世界的に見ても希有(けう)な存在だと言える。
With the changing times, the gap between the Constitution and reality has become diverse and distinct. Many lawmakers believe the Constitution should be revised in relation to protection of environmental rights and privacy, let alone national security, but nothing has been done.
時代の変化に伴い、憲法と現実との様々な乖離(かいり)が目立っている。安全保障はもとより、環境権、プライバシーの保護など、多くの国会議員が憲法改正は必要と考えながらも、実現に至らなかった。
It is natural for Ishin no Kai coleader Toru Hashimoto to assert that "it's important to discuss the content [of the Constitution], but is it satisfactory to leave intact a situation in which we cannot even seek the people's judgment on revision proposals?"
日本維新の会の橋下共同代表が「中身の議論も大事だが、国民に改正案の是非を問うこともできない状態を放置していいのか」と主張するのはもっともだ。
Now is the time to relax Article 96's requirements that has made it so difficult to revise the Constitution.
憲法改正を困難にしてきた９６条の改正要件を緩和すべき時である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 4, 2013)
（2013年3月4日01時50分 読売新聞）
Relax requirements for constitutional revision
憲法９６条 改正要件緩和が政治を変える（3月4日付・読売社説）
Revision of Article 96 of the Constitution, which stipulates procedures to amend the national charter, has emerged as a major item on the political agenda.
憲法改正の手続きを定めた憲法９６条の改正問題が、大きな政治テーマに浮上している。
This is apparent after the Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party, which all called for revision of the article in their campaign platforms for the House of Representatives election in December, together have acquired more than two-thirds of the chamber's 480 seats.
背景には、昨年末の衆院選で自民党や日本維新の会、みんなの党が９６条改正を公約とし、３党で衆院の３分の２超の議席を獲得したことがある。
Depending on the outcome of the House of Councillors election in July, legislative arrangements for revising the Constitution will get under way for the first time.
７月の参院選の結果次第では、憲法改正の環境が初めて整う。
Therefore, constitutional revision is now on the political agenda and has a chance of being realized.
憲法改正は今や、現実味を帯び始めた政治課題だ。
Article 96 calls for revision to be initiated by the Diet through an affirmative vote of two-thirds or more of all members of each house, followed by a national referendum in which support from a majority of the public must be secured.
９６条は、憲法改正について、衆参各議院の総議員の３分の２以上の賛成で国会が発議し、国民投票で過半数の賛成を得なければならないと規定している。
===
Hard to clear dual hurdle
It will not be easy to clear the high dual hurdle of winning affirmative votes of two-thirds or more in each chamber and securing majority support from the public in a referendum.
衆参とも３分の２以上を確保したうえで、国民投票も行うという二重の高いハードルを乗り越えるのは容易なことではない。
If the threshold of two-thirds is revised to a majority as proposed by the LDP, it will be easier to initiate amendments.
自民党が提案するように「３分の２以上」を「過半数」とすれば改正を発議しやすくなる。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the government will seek revision of Article 96, which is supported by many parties, ahead of other articles over which parties are divided. This is a realistic and appropriate approach.
安倍首相は、政党の考え方が対立する条項ではなく、まずは多くの党が賛同できる９６条から改正に取り組む考えを示した。現実的で妥当なアプローチである。
His view is shared by some conservative members of the Democratic Party of Japan who reportedly plan to form a new parliamentary league with lawmakers of Ishin no Kai and Your Party to revise Article 96.
民主党の一部の保守系議員も同様に考え、維新、みんな両党の議員と９６条改正を目指して新たな議員連盟を設立するという。
The controversy over constitutional revision, which puts politicians' views of the nature of the state to the test, is significant in that it could lead to a political realignment.
政治家の国家観を問う憲法改正の問題は、政界再編につながる可能性を持つ意味でも重要である。
The DPJ has not yet decided on its position on the issue due to differences of opinion within the party.
民主党は、党内の意見対立から依然として憲法改正に対する方針が定まっていない。
Even its party platform makes little reference to the issue, saying only that the party "envisages a future-oriented constitution to establish constitutionalism in the true sense of the word." This statement does not give the people much idea about how the party will tackle constitutional revision.
党の綱領にも「真の立憲主義を確立するため、未来志向の憲法を構想していく」とあるだけだ。これでは憲法改正にどう取り組むのか、さっぱりわからない。
The DPJ must hold in-depth discussions on the matter ahead of the upper house election as the issue has the potential of becoming a bone of contention.
憲法改正が争点になり得る参院選に向けて、今から党内論議を尽くしておくべきだろう。
===
Unrealistic situation
A constitution does not have to remain unchanged forever. In the past 13 years alone, Switzerland amended its Constitution 23 times, while Germany revised its top law 11 times and France 10 times.
憲法は、「不磨の大典」ではない。この１３年間だけでも、スイスは２３回、ドイツは１１回、フランスは１０回も憲法を改正している。
However, since it was enforced in 1947, the Constitution of Japan has never been revised, an extremely rare case.
制定以来一度も改正されていない日本の憲法は、世界的に見ても希有(けう)な存在だと言える。
With the changing times, the gap between the Constitution and reality has become diverse and distinct. Many lawmakers believe the Constitution should be revised in relation to protection of environmental rights and privacy, let alone national security, but nothing has been done.
時代の変化に伴い、憲法と現実との様々な乖離(かいり)が目立っている。安全保障はもとより、環境権、プライバシーの保護など、多くの国会議員が憲法改正は必要と考えながらも、実現に至らなかった。
It is natural for Ishin no Kai coleader Toru Hashimoto to assert that "it's important to discuss the content [of the Constitution], but is it satisfactory to leave intact a situation in which we cannot even seek the people's judgment on revision proposals?"
日本維新の会の橋下共同代表が「中身の議論も大事だが、国民に改正案の是非を問うこともできない状態を放置していいのか」と主張するのはもっともだ。
Now is the time to relax Article 96's requirements that has made it so difficult to revise the Constitution.
憲法改正を困難にしてきた９６条の改正要件を緩和すべき時である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 4, 2013)
（2013年3月4日01時50分 読売新聞）
2013年03月05日
Ｆ３５部品輸出 一層の３原則緩和も検討せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 4, 2013)
Export of F-35 parts a chance to relax arms export ban
Ｆ３５部品輸出 一層の３原則緩和も検討せよ（3月3日付・読売社説）
We praise the government's decision regarding the U.S. F-35 stealth fighter jet, as it will not only reinforce the Japan-U.S. alliance but also maintain and grow Japan's foundation for the production and technology of defense equipment.
日米同盟の強化にも、日本の防衛生産・技術基盤の維持・育成にも役立つと評価できる。
The government decided Friday to exclude Japanese-made parts for the F-35, which will be the next mainstay fighter for the Air Self-Defense Force, from its ban on arms exports. Several countries, including Japan, are working with the United States on production of the F-35.
政府が、航空自衛隊の次期主力戦闘機Ｆ３５の日米共同生産に伴う日本企業による部品輸出を、武器輸出３原則の例外として認めることを決めた。
The F-35 is a state-of-the-art fighter jet with stealth capability that makes the plane less detectable by radar.
Ｆ３５は、レーダーに捕捉されにくいステルス性が特徴の最新鋭機だ。
The Defense Ministry will introduce a total of 42 F-35s, starting this fiscal year. Three domestic companies will manufacture their bodies, engines and other parts.
防衛省は今年度から計４２機を導入する予定で、国内３企業が機体、エンジンなどを製造する。
The introduction of F-35s is extremely important in terms of air defense because the international environment around Japan is deteriorating due to such factors as China's arms buildup and the nuclear threat from North Korea. We expect the government to proceed with their introduction as scheduled.
中国の軍備増強や北朝鮮の核の脅威など日本の国際環境が悪化する中、防空面でのＦ３５導入は極めて重要だ。着実に進めたい。
===
Boon for defense industry
The participation of Japanese firms in the production of the F-35 will allow them to acquire advanced technology and experience concerning a fighter jet. It will also enable the Japanese firms to maintain and repair the F-35s in Japan to improve their operating rate.
Ｆ３５共同生産への日本企業の参画は、最先端の戦闘機技術やノウハウを吸収できるうえ、Ｆ３５の国内での修理・整備を可能にし、稼働率を高められる。
Furthermore, it will raise the level of the Japanese aircraft industry and enhance defense technology cooperation between Japan and the United States.
日本の航空機産業の高度化や日米防衛技術協力の強化にもつながろう。
This has significant meaning for the Japanese defense industry.
この意義は大きい。
Next fiscal year's defense budget will see the first increase in 11 years. However, many defense-related companies have already gone bankrupt or withdrawn from the industry due to the decline in defense spending that continued for 10 consecutive years.
来年度の防衛予算は１１年ぶりに増えたが、１０年連続の減少で、多くの防衛関連企業が倒産・撤退している。
The weakening of the domestic foundation for production and technology of defense equipment may shake the nation's security.
国内の防衛生産・技術基盤が弱体化することは、日本の安全保障をも揺るがしかねない。
A new logistic system, in which countries concerned mutually supply parts to reduce costs, was adopted for the joint production of the new fighter jet. Under the system, however, Japan-made parts could be transferred to Israel. This has caused concerns regarding compliance with Japan's three principles on arms exports, aimed at "avoiding any possible aggravation of international conflicts.
Ｆ３５共同生産では、費用削減のため、関係国が部品を融通し合う新制度を採用している。日本製部品のイスラエルへの輸出も想定され、「国際紛争の助長を回避する」とした武器輸出３原則との整合性が問題視されていた。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said in a statement released by the government that the export of Japanese parts is approved on condition that exports are limited to countries that comply with the mission and principles of the U.N. Charter and that the United States administer strict export controls within the logistic system.
政府が発表した菅官房長官談話は、Ｆ３５の部品輸出を容認する要件として、輸出先を「国連憲章の目的と原則に従う」国に限定することや、米国による一元的で厳格な輸出管理を挙げた。
For instance, the export of Japanese parts will not be approved to countries under sanctions imposed by the U.N. Security Council. We think this is a reasonable judgment.
具体的には、国連安全保障理事会の制裁対象国などへの輸出は認めないという。妥当な判断だ。
===
Japan caught in own trap
The statement avoids using expressions related to an "international conflict," which has various meanings. In addition to an invasive military action, it could also mean a fight against terrorism or self-defense.
談話は「国際紛争」に関する表現は外した。そもそも「国際紛争」は様々な意味を持つ。侵略的な軍事行動だけでなく、「テロとの戦い」や自衛行動も含まれよう。
With just a few exceptions, Japan has banned arms exports, being caught in its own trap by the ambiguous concept that the nation aims to avoid "any possible aggravation of international conflicts."
日本は、「国際紛争の助長」を避けるという曖昧な概念で自縄自縛に陥り、一部の例外を除いて、武器輸出を禁止してきた。
This has caused a vicious cycle in which domestically made weapons have become expensive and weighed on the defense budget, thereby delaying the introduction of advanced equipment to the Self-Defense Forces and debilitating the domestic defense industry.
その結果、国産武器は割高になって防衛予算を圧迫し、自衛隊の最新装備の導入は遅れ、防衛産業も疲弊する悪循環を招いた。
Some members of the government have used the government's approval for the export of F-35 parts to call for a review of the three principles on arms exports.
政府内では、Ｆ３５部品輸出の容認を機に、武器輸出３原則全体の見直し論も出ている。
We hope the government will give priority to the question of what is really significant for the safety of Japan, and study further relaxation of the three principles on arms exports, with certain brakes still applied.
日本の安全にとって何が重要なのか。この点を最優先し、一定の歯止めをかけつつ、３原則の一層の緩和を検討してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 3, 2013)
（2013年3月3日01時48分 読売新聞）
Export of F-35 parts a chance to relax arms export ban
Ｆ３５部品輸出 一層の３原則緩和も検討せよ（3月3日付・読売社説）
We praise the government's decision regarding the U.S. F-35 stealth fighter jet, as it will not only reinforce the Japan-U.S. alliance but also maintain and grow Japan's foundation for the production and technology of defense equipment.
日米同盟の強化にも、日本の防衛生産・技術基盤の維持・育成にも役立つと評価できる。
The government decided Friday to exclude Japanese-made parts for the F-35, which will be the next mainstay fighter for the Air Self-Defense Force, from its ban on arms exports. Several countries, including Japan, are working with the United States on production of the F-35.
政府が、航空自衛隊の次期主力戦闘機Ｆ３５の日米共同生産に伴う日本企業による部品輸出を、武器輸出３原則の例外として認めることを決めた。
The F-35 is a state-of-the-art fighter jet with stealth capability that makes the plane less detectable by radar.
Ｆ３５は、レーダーに捕捉されにくいステルス性が特徴の最新鋭機だ。
The Defense Ministry will introduce a total of 42 F-35s, starting this fiscal year. Three domestic companies will manufacture their bodies, engines and other parts.
防衛省は今年度から計４２機を導入する予定で、国内３企業が機体、エンジンなどを製造する。
The introduction of F-35s is extremely important in terms of air defense because the international environment around Japan is deteriorating due to such factors as China's arms buildup and the nuclear threat from North Korea. We expect the government to proceed with their introduction as scheduled.
中国の軍備増強や北朝鮮の核の脅威など日本の国際環境が悪化する中、防空面でのＦ３５導入は極めて重要だ。着実に進めたい。
===
Boon for defense industry
The participation of Japanese firms in the production of the F-35 will allow them to acquire advanced technology and experience concerning a fighter jet. It will also enable the Japanese firms to maintain and repair the F-35s in Japan to improve their operating rate.
Ｆ３５共同生産への日本企業の参画は、最先端の戦闘機技術やノウハウを吸収できるうえ、Ｆ３５の国内での修理・整備を可能にし、稼働率を高められる。
Furthermore, it will raise the level of the Japanese aircraft industry and enhance defense technology cooperation between Japan and the United States.
日本の航空機産業の高度化や日米防衛技術協力の強化にもつながろう。
This has significant meaning for the Japanese defense industry.
この意義は大きい。
Next fiscal year's defense budget will see the first increase in 11 years. However, many defense-related companies have already gone bankrupt or withdrawn from the industry due to the decline in defense spending that continued for 10 consecutive years.
来年度の防衛予算は１１年ぶりに増えたが、１０年連続の減少で、多くの防衛関連企業が倒産・撤退している。
The weakening of the domestic foundation for production and technology of defense equipment may shake the nation's security.
国内の防衛生産・技術基盤が弱体化することは、日本の安全保障をも揺るがしかねない。
A new logistic system, in which countries concerned mutually supply parts to reduce costs, was adopted for the joint production of the new fighter jet. Under the system, however, Japan-made parts could be transferred to Israel. This has caused concerns regarding compliance with Japan's three principles on arms exports, aimed at "avoiding any possible aggravation of international conflicts.
Ｆ３５共同生産では、費用削減のため、関係国が部品を融通し合う新制度を採用している。日本製部品のイスラエルへの輸出も想定され、「国際紛争の助長を回避する」とした武器輸出３原則との整合性が問題視されていた。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said in a statement released by the government that the export of Japanese parts is approved on condition that exports are limited to countries that comply with the mission and principles of the U.N. Charter and that the United States administer strict export controls within the logistic system.
政府が発表した菅官房長官談話は、Ｆ３５の部品輸出を容認する要件として、輸出先を「国連憲章の目的と原則に従う」国に限定することや、米国による一元的で厳格な輸出管理を挙げた。
For instance, the export of Japanese parts will not be approved to countries under sanctions imposed by the U.N. Security Council. We think this is a reasonable judgment.
具体的には、国連安全保障理事会の制裁対象国などへの輸出は認めないという。妥当な判断だ。
===
Japan caught in own trap
The statement avoids using expressions related to an "international conflict," which has various meanings. In addition to an invasive military action, it could also mean a fight against terrorism or self-defense.
談話は「国際紛争」に関する表現は外した。そもそも「国際紛争」は様々な意味を持つ。侵略的な軍事行動だけでなく、「テロとの戦い」や自衛行動も含まれよう。
With just a few exceptions, Japan has banned arms exports, being caught in its own trap by the ambiguous concept that the nation aims to avoid "any possible aggravation of international conflicts."
日本は、「国際紛争の助長」を避けるという曖昧な概念で自縄自縛に陥り、一部の例外を除いて、武器輸出を禁止してきた。
This has caused a vicious cycle in which domestically made weapons have become expensive and weighed on the defense budget, thereby delaying the introduction of advanced equipment to the Self-Defense Forces and debilitating the domestic defense industry.
その結果、国産武器は割高になって防衛予算を圧迫し、自衛隊の最新装備の導入は遅れ、防衛産業も疲弊する悪循環を招いた。
Some members of the government have used the government's approval for the export of F-35 parts to call for a review of the three principles on arms exports.
政府内では、Ｆ３５部品輸出の容認を機に、武器輸出３原則全体の見直し論も出ている。
We hope the government will give priority to the question of what is really significant for the safety of Japan, and study further relaxation of the three principles on arms exports, with certain brakes still applied.
日本の安全にとって何が重要なのか。この点を最優先し、一定の歯止めをかけつつ、３原則の一層の緩和を検討してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 3, 2013)
（2013年3月3日01時48分 読売新聞）
2013年03月04日
赤ちゃん用品 のe.アカチャンホンポ 私のお気に入りはガーゼのハンカチセットです
赤ちゃん用品 のe.アカチャンホンポの商品ページを上から下までブラウズして、どれもこれも欲しいのですが、一つだけ選ぶとすれば子育てには絶対必要な必須アイテム、ガーゼのハンカチセットです。
10枚セットなので、汚れたらすぐに取り替えてあげることが出来ますね。
赤ちゃんをいつも清潔で快適に保ってあげたいというのは世界共通の親心ではないでしょうか。
それにe.アカチャンホンポのガーゼハンカチセットはお値段がお手頃なのです。
10枚セットでこのお値段はお値打ちだと思いました。
ベビー 風呂 をつかって赤ちゃんを入浴させて、ガーゼのハンカチでやさしく洗ってあげるのは、毎日の日課にしたいですよね。赤ちゃんは清潔が一番なのですから。
お友達に赤ちゃんが誕生したら、お祝いにギフト 内祝い なんて素敵だと思います。
赤ちゃんのことは、専門店「e.アカチャンホンポ」にお任せするのが安心なのです。
レビューブログからの情報です
中国とインド洋 影響力増大は地域の軍拡招く
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 3, 2013)
China's maritime strategy causing regional arms race
中国とインド洋 影響力増大は地域の軍拡招く（3月2日付・読売社説）
A recent move by China clearly signals that the incoming administration of Xi Jinping seeks to increase its influence in the Indian Ocean as part of its aim to become a maritime giant with massive naval strength.
強大な海軍力を背景に「海洋強国」実現を目指す中国の習近平政権が、インド洋でも影響力の増大を図る姿勢を鮮明にしたと言えよう。
A state-run Chinese company has taken over the management of Gwadar Port in western Pakistan from a Singaporean firm. The port was built with Chinese government aid.
中国の支援で建設されたパキスタン西部のグワダル港の運営権が、シンガポール系企業から中国の国有企業に移った。
Situated on the Arabian Sea in the northwestern Indian Ocean, the port is a strategic point near the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping lane from the Middle East to Asia.
インド洋北西部のアラビア海に面したグワダル港は、中東からアジアへの石油輸送の要所ホルムズ海峡に近い戦略的要衝である。
In addition to seeking more control of the East and South China seas to develop marine resources, China is stepping up efforts to secure maritime interests such as Northern Sea Routes and sea lanes to the Middle East and Africa.
中国は資源開発を念頭に東シナ海や南シナ海で「管轄」海域を拡大しようとする一方、北極海航路や中東、アフリカとの海上交通路（シーレーン）といった海洋権益の確保に躍起になっている。
The Chinese government has claimed that acquiring the management rights to Gwadar Port is part of its policy of economic cooperation. However, the company involved in the acquisition is a state-backed corporation--one that plays a role in implementing the country's national strategies.
中国政府は、港の運営権取得は経済協力の一環だと言う。だが、運営に携わるのは国家戦略の一翼を担う中国の国有企業だ。
Concerns that China may eventually use the port for military purposes cannot be dispelled.
将来的な軍港化への懸念は拭えない。
===
Worries over 'String of Pearls'
In addition to Gwadar, China has helped develop ports in other countries on the Indian Ocean, such as in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. A map of ports with Chinese involvement now looks like a necklace encircling India.
中国はグワダル港をはじめ、バングラデシュやスリランカなどインド洋沿岸国で港湾整備を支援してきた。各港湾を結ぶとインドを囲む首飾りのように見える。
Calling the ports a "String of Pearls," the United States is keeping its eye on this and other attempts by China to increase its geopolitical influence.
米国はこれを、海軍の外洋展開へ布石を打つ中国の「真珠の首飾り」戦略とみて注視している。
We believe India has reason to be concerned over Beijing's control of Gwadar Port.
インドが中国のグワダル港運営に警戒を示したのは当然だ。
One alarming thing about China's desire to become a maritime power is that it has intensified the arms race in the region.
問題は、中国の海洋強国化が地域の軍拡競争を煽(あお)る新たな要因となっていることにある。
Recently, India increased efforts to counter China's military buildup, such as by developing submarine-launched ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads and purchasing foreign-made fighter jets. However, these moves could also prompt action from Pakistan, which has an ongoing border dispute with India.
インドは最近、核弾頭搭載可能な潜水艦発射弾道ミサイルの開発や外国製戦闘機の購入を進めるなど、中国の軍備増強に対抗する動きを本格化させている。それが、対印国境で緊張が続くパキスタンの対抗措置を招く恐れもある。
In the East China Sea, a Chinese naval vessel locked its fire-control radar on a Maritime Self-Defense Force ship earlier this year. The Chinese Navy's attitude has become increasingly provocative.
東シナ海では中国海軍による海上自衛隊艦艇へのレーダー照射事件も起きた。中国海軍の高圧姿勢が際立っている。
===
Cooperation with India is key
To deal with the regional instability caused by China's actions, Japan and the United States need to work together with India.
地域を不安定化させる中国の動きに対処するため、日本は米国やインドと連携する必要がある。
In late January, Japan and India held their first-ever talks on maritime affairs. During the talks, the two countries agreed on the importance of ensuring freedom of the seas based on international law, as the seas are significantly important for the good of international society. We urge the two nations to deepen cooperation in many areas, including shipbuilding and port development.
日印両国は１月末に海洋に関する初の対話を行い、「海洋が国際社会にとって極めて重要な公共財で、国際法に基づく自由を確保していくことが重要だ」との認識で一致した。造船や港湾整備など多方面で協力を深めるべきだ。
A safe Indian Ocean is also essential to Japan's economic growth.
インド洋の安全確保は、日本の経済発展にも欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 2, 2013)
（2013年3月2日01時04分 読売新聞）
China's maritime strategy causing regional arms race
中国とインド洋 影響力増大は地域の軍拡招く（3月2日付・読売社説）
A recent move by China clearly signals that the incoming administration of Xi Jinping seeks to increase its influence in the Indian Ocean as part of its aim to become a maritime giant with massive naval strength.
強大な海軍力を背景に「海洋強国」実現を目指す中国の習近平政権が、インド洋でも影響力の増大を図る姿勢を鮮明にしたと言えよう。
A state-run Chinese company has taken over the management of Gwadar Port in western Pakistan from a Singaporean firm. The port was built with Chinese government aid.
中国の支援で建設されたパキスタン西部のグワダル港の運営権が、シンガポール系企業から中国の国有企業に移った。
Situated on the Arabian Sea in the northwestern Indian Ocean, the port is a strategic point near the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping lane from the Middle East to Asia.
インド洋北西部のアラビア海に面したグワダル港は、中東からアジアへの石油輸送の要所ホルムズ海峡に近い戦略的要衝である。
In addition to seeking more control of the East and South China seas to develop marine resources, China is stepping up efforts to secure maritime interests such as Northern Sea Routes and sea lanes to the Middle East and Africa.
中国は資源開発を念頭に東シナ海や南シナ海で「管轄」海域を拡大しようとする一方、北極海航路や中東、アフリカとの海上交通路（シーレーン）といった海洋権益の確保に躍起になっている。
The Chinese government has claimed that acquiring the management rights to Gwadar Port is part of its policy of economic cooperation. However, the company involved in the acquisition is a state-backed corporation--one that plays a role in implementing the country's national strategies.
中国政府は、港の運営権取得は経済協力の一環だと言う。だが、運営に携わるのは国家戦略の一翼を担う中国の国有企業だ。
Concerns that China may eventually use the port for military purposes cannot be dispelled.
将来的な軍港化への懸念は拭えない。
===
Worries over 'String of Pearls'
In addition to Gwadar, China has helped develop ports in other countries on the Indian Ocean, such as in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. A map of ports with Chinese involvement now looks like a necklace encircling India.
中国はグワダル港をはじめ、バングラデシュやスリランカなどインド洋沿岸国で港湾整備を支援してきた。各港湾を結ぶとインドを囲む首飾りのように見える。
Calling the ports a "String of Pearls," the United States is keeping its eye on this and other attempts by China to increase its geopolitical influence.
米国はこれを、海軍の外洋展開へ布石を打つ中国の「真珠の首飾り」戦略とみて注視している。
We believe India has reason to be concerned over Beijing's control of Gwadar Port.
インドが中国のグワダル港運営に警戒を示したのは当然だ。
One alarming thing about China's desire to become a maritime power is that it has intensified the arms race in the region.
問題は、中国の海洋強国化が地域の軍拡競争を煽(あお)る新たな要因となっていることにある。
Recently, India increased efforts to counter China's military buildup, such as by developing submarine-launched ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads and purchasing foreign-made fighter jets. However, these moves could also prompt action from Pakistan, which has an ongoing border dispute with India.
インドは最近、核弾頭搭載可能な潜水艦発射弾道ミサイルの開発や外国製戦闘機の購入を進めるなど、中国の軍備増強に対抗する動きを本格化させている。それが、対印国境で緊張が続くパキスタンの対抗措置を招く恐れもある。
In the East China Sea, a Chinese naval vessel locked its fire-control radar on a Maritime Self-Defense Force ship earlier this year. The Chinese Navy's attitude has become increasingly provocative.
東シナ海では中国海軍による海上自衛隊艦艇へのレーダー照射事件も起きた。中国海軍の高圧姿勢が際立っている。
===
Cooperation with India is key
To deal with the regional instability caused by China's actions, Japan and the United States need to work together with India.
地域を不安定化させる中国の動きに対処するため、日本は米国やインドと連携する必要がある。
In late January, Japan and India held their first-ever talks on maritime affairs. During the talks, the two countries agreed on the importance of ensuring freedom of the seas based on international law, as the seas are significantly important for the good of international society. We urge the two nations to deepen cooperation in many areas, including shipbuilding and port development.
日印両国は１月末に海洋に関する初の対話を行い、「海洋が国際社会にとって極めて重要な公共財で、国際法に基づく自由を確保していくことが重要だ」との認識で一致した。造船や港湾整備など多方面で協力を深めるべきだ。
A safe Indian Ocean is also essential to Japan's economic growth.
インド洋の安全確保は、日本の経済発展にも欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 2, 2013)
（2013年3月2日01時04分 読売新聞）
2013年03月03日
施政方針演説 政権交代の果実を具体化せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 2, 2013)
Use transfer of power to achieve specific results
施政方針演説 政権交代の果実を具体化せよ（3月1日付・読売社説）
"The close alliance between Japan and the United States has now been perfectly revived," and "Let's begin in-depth discussions toward revising the Constitution."
「緊密な日米同盟は完全に復活」「憲法改正へ向けた議論を深めよう」
These remarks from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policy speech to the Diet on Thursday were especially conspicuous, as they marked changes in Japan's key policies following the transfer of power late last year.
安倍首相の施政方針演説には政権交代を印象づける言葉が目立った。
We appreciate the prime minister's fundamental stance to seek a "strong Japan" centering around the keyword of the nation's "self-reliance."
「自立」をキーワードに「強い日本」を目指す、という基本姿勢は、前向きに評価したい。
With such countries as China apparently in mind, Abe spoke about the integrity of Japan's land, territorial waters and airspace, as well as the challenges being made to its sovereignty, during the key policy speech.
Abe mentioned his plan to increase Japan's defense spending for the first time in 11 years, while launching full-fledged discussions on creating an organ similar to the U.S. National Security Council. It is of truly high importance for the government to steadily put these ideas into practice.
首相は、中国などを念頭に、日本の領土・領海・領空と主権に対する挑発が続いていると指摘し、１１年ぶりの防衛費増額や国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）の設置検討に言及した。着実に具体化していくことが重要だ。
China has defined 2013 as the first year of its becoming a naval power, and is augmenting its maritime capabilities.
中国は今年を海洋強国化元年と位置づけ、海軍を増強している。
The Japanese government must appeal strongly to the international community for the need to solve international problems not through the use of force but on the basis of law.
政府は、力の行使ではなく、法に基づく問題解決の重要性を国際社会に強く訴えねばならない。
===
Many urgent tasks await
The prime minister referred in the speech to his recent summit meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama, vowing that Japan will play additional roles to help beef up bilateral security arrangements.
首相は日米首脳会談に触れ、安全保障体制の強化のために日本が更なる役割を果たすと語った。
The nation must urgently solve such pending issues as asserting its entitlement to exercise the right to collective self-defense and relocating the functions of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture.
集団的自衛権の行使や米軍普天間飛行場の移設など、懸案事項に道筋をつけることが欠かせない。
Regarding the politically sensitive issue of whether Japan should participate in the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership talks, Abe explained in the speech that the multilateral negotiations will not be held "on the premise of abolishing tariffs without exception."
He indicated the government's willingness to take part in the TPP talks, saying a final judgment on whether to participate "will be made on the government's responsibility."
米国主導の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉の参加問題では「聖域なき関税撤廃」が前提ではないことをオバマ米大統領と確認したと説明した。「政府の責任で交渉参加について判断する」と述べ、参加に意欲を示した。
Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers backed by farming organizations and other groups that oppose Japan's participation in the TPP negotiations have begun to shed their wariness at joining the talks on the condition that Japan secure a guarantee through international negotiations that certain trade items will be excluded from the planned abolition of tariffs.
農業団体などの支援を受けた自民党内のＴＰＰ慎重派も、参加を容認し、国際交渉を通じてコメなど例外品目を勝ち取る戦術に転換してきている。
Therefore it can safely be said that the environment is right for the prime minister to officially announce Japan's intention to participate in the TPP talks.
首相の参加表明の環境は、整いつつある。
Japan does not have sufficient time to be involved in crafting the guidelines governing free trade rules in the TPP talks. The government should proceed swiftly with procedures for taking part in the talks to protect Japan's national interests.
自由貿易のルール作りに日本が関与できる時間はあまり残されていない。速やかに参加の手続きを進めて、国益を確保すべきだ。
In the policy speech, Abe also stressed that the government will do its utmost to make Japan the world's best country for business.
首相は、「世界で一番企業が活躍しやすい国」を目指すと強調した。
===
Moves for partial coalition
He stated his government will formulate a responsible energy policy, and expressed his resolve to restart nuclear reactors if their safety is ensured. But simply making such a statement is hardly enough.
責任あるエネルギー政策を構築し、「安全が確認された原発は再稼働する」と述べたが、これだけでは物足りない。
Screenings for the reactivation of reactors will not come before July, when the Nuclear Regulation Authority is scheduled to decide on a set of new safety standards. Given this, there will not be satisfactory progress in restarting reactors unless the NRA conducts the screenings in a highly efficient manner. The stable supply of energy and reductions in its cost could be jeopardized.
原発再稼働の審査は、原子力規制委員会が新安全基準を決定する７月以降になる。よほど効率的に審査しないと再稼働は進むまい。エネルギーの安定供給とコスト低減がおぼつかなくなる。
The prime minister must fully exercise his leadership to achieve the earliest possible restart of reactors.
首相は率先して再稼働へ指導力を発揮しなければならない。
At the end of his speech, Abe called for the opposition to engage in constructive discussion to produce good results, instead of engaging in partisan bickering with the ruling coalition.
最後に首相は、与党と足の引っ張り合いをするのではなく、建設的な議論を行い、結果を出そうと野党に呼び掛けた。
His call for expediting interparty talks to review the electoral system and discussions by the panels of both Diet houses on the study of constitutional revisions can also be considered appropriate.
選挙制度の見直しや憲法審査会の論議促進を求めたのも妥当な認識と言える。
Despite the divided Diet, in which the opposition controls the House of Councillors while the ruling camp has a majority in the House of Representatives, a partial coalition is gaining momentum as exemplified by the passage of a supplementary budget through the upper house.
衆参ねじれ国会でも補正予算が参院で可決、成立するなど部分連合の機運が高まっている。
We strongly hope to see the ruling and opposition blocs work together to form a consensus on key issues.
与野党の合意形成に期待する。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 1, 2013)
（2013年3月1日01時32分 読売新聞）
Use transfer of power to achieve specific results
施政方針演説 政権交代の果実を具体化せよ（3月1日付・読売社説）
"The close alliance between Japan and the United States has now been perfectly revived," and "Let's begin in-depth discussions toward revising the Constitution."
「緊密な日米同盟は完全に復活」「憲法改正へ向けた議論を深めよう」
These remarks from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policy speech to the Diet on Thursday were especially conspicuous, as they marked changes in Japan's key policies following the transfer of power late last year.
安倍首相の施政方針演説には政権交代を印象づける言葉が目立った。
We appreciate the prime minister's fundamental stance to seek a "strong Japan" centering around the keyword of the nation's "self-reliance."
「自立」をキーワードに「強い日本」を目指す、という基本姿勢は、前向きに評価したい。
With such countries as China apparently in mind, Abe spoke about the integrity of Japan's land, territorial waters and airspace, as well as the challenges being made to its sovereignty, during the key policy speech.
Abe mentioned his plan to increase Japan's defense spending for the first time in 11 years, while launching full-fledged discussions on creating an organ similar to the U.S. National Security Council. It is of truly high importance for the government to steadily put these ideas into practice.
首相は、中国などを念頭に、日本の領土・領海・領空と主権に対する挑発が続いていると指摘し、１１年ぶりの防衛費増額や国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）の設置検討に言及した。着実に具体化していくことが重要だ。
China has defined 2013 as the first year of its becoming a naval power, and is augmenting its maritime capabilities.
中国は今年を海洋強国化元年と位置づけ、海軍を増強している。
The Japanese government must appeal strongly to the international community for the need to solve international problems not through the use of force but on the basis of law.
政府は、力の行使ではなく、法に基づく問題解決の重要性を国際社会に強く訴えねばならない。
===
Many urgent tasks await
The prime minister referred in the speech to his recent summit meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama, vowing that Japan will play additional roles to help beef up bilateral security arrangements.
首相は日米首脳会談に触れ、安全保障体制の強化のために日本が更なる役割を果たすと語った。
The nation must urgently solve such pending issues as asserting its entitlement to exercise the right to collective self-defense and relocating the functions of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture.
集団的自衛権の行使や米軍普天間飛行場の移設など、懸案事項に道筋をつけることが欠かせない。
Regarding the politically sensitive issue of whether Japan should participate in the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership talks, Abe explained in the speech that the multilateral negotiations will not be held "on the premise of abolishing tariffs without exception."
He indicated the government's willingness to take part in the TPP talks, saying a final judgment on whether to participate "will be made on the government's responsibility."
米国主導の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉の参加問題では「聖域なき関税撤廃」が前提ではないことをオバマ米大統領と確認したと説明した。「政府の責任で交渉参加について判断する」と述べ、参加に意欲を示した。
Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers backed by farming organizations and other groups that oppose Japan's participation in the TPP negotiations have begun to shed their wariness at joining the talks on the condition that Japan secure a guarantee through international negotiations that certain trade items will be excluded from the planned abolition of tariffs.
農業団体などの支援を受けた自民党内のＴＰＰ慎重派も、参加を容認し、国際交渉を通じてコメなど例外品目を勝ち取る戦術に転換してきている。
Therefore it can safely be said that the environment is right for the prime minister to officially announce Japan's intention to participate in the TPP talks.
首相の参加表明の環境は、整いつつある。
Japan does not have sufficient time to be involved in crafting the guidelines governing free trade rules in the TPP talks. The government should proceed swiftly with procedures for taking part in the talks to protect Japan's national interests.
自由貿易のルール作りに日本が関与できる時間はあまり残されていない。速やかに参加の手続きを進めて、国益を確保すべきだ。
In the policy speech, Abe also stressed that the government will do its utmost to make Japan the world's best country for business.
首相は、「世界で一番企業が活躍しやすい国」を目指すと強調した。
===
Moves for partial coalition
He stated his government will formulate a responsible energy policy, and expressed his resolve to restart nuclear reactors if their safety is ensured. But simply making such a statement is hardly enough.
責任あるエネルギー政策を構築し、「安全が確認された原発は再稼働する」と述べたが、これだけでは物足りない。
Screenings for the reactivation of reactors will not come before July, when the Nuclear Regulation Authority is scheduled to decide on a set of new safety standards. Given this, there will not be satisfactory progress in restarting reactors unless the NRA conducts the screenings in a highly efficient manner. The stable supply of energy and reductions in its cost could be jeopardized.
原発再稼働の審査は、原子力規制委員会が新安全基準を決定する７月以降になる。よほど効率的に審査しないと再稼働は進むまい。エネルギーの安定供給とコスト低減がおぼつかなくなる。
The prime minister must fully exercise his leadership to achieve the earliest possible restart of reactors.
首相は率先して再稼働へ指導力を発揮しなければならない。
At the end of his speech, Abe called for the opposition to engage in constructive discussion to produce good results, instead of engaging in partisan bickering with the ruling coalition.
最後に首相は、与党と足の引っ張り合いをするのではなく、建設的な議論を行い、結果を出そうと野党に呼び掛けた。
His call for expediting interparty talks to review the electoral system and discussions by the panels of both Diet houses on the study of constitutional revisions can also be considered appropriate.
選挙制度の見直しや憲法審査会の論議促進を求めたのも妥当な認識と言える。
Despite the divided Diet, in which the opposition controls the House of Councillors while the ruling camp has a majority in the House of Representatives, a partial coalition is gaining momentum as exemplified by the passage of a supplementary budget through the upper house.
衆参ねじれ国会でも補正予算が参院で可決、成立するなど部分連合の機運が高まっている。
We strongly hope to see the ruling and opposition blocs work together to form a consensus on key issues.
与野党の合意形成に期待する。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 1, 2013)
（2013年3月1日01時32分 読売新聞）
2013年03月02日
ハーグ条約 子供の利益守る制度を築け
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 1, 2013)
Establish systems to protect children under Hague treaty
ハーグ条約 子供の利益守る制度を築け（2月28日付・読売社説）
The government must establish proper legal and support systems to protect the interests of children involved in custody battles as a result of failed international marriages.
子供の利益が損なわれないよう、政府は適切な法制度と支援体制の整備に努める必要がある。
When Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with U.S. President Barack Obama during his recent visit to the United States, Abe promised that Japan would soon join the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which establishes rules regarding international child custody disputes.
安倍首相は、国際結婚の破綻に伴う子供の連れ去りに対応する「ハーグ条約」への早期加盟を、日米首脳会談でオバマ大統領に約束した。
The convention is now regarded as international law with 89 signatories, including the United States and many European countries. Japan, the only Group of Eight nation that has not joined the convention, should step up its efforts to sign onto it.
この条約には、欧米を中心に８９か国が参加しており、国際ルールとして定着しつつある。主要８か国（Ｇ８）で唯一未加盟の日本も締結を急がねばならない。
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, New Komeito, have agreed to submit a bill seeking Diet approval for Japan to join the treaty and a related bill. The main opposition Democratic Party of Japan advocated joining the convention while it was in power. We hope the ruling and opposition camps will work hard to achieve Diet approval and pass the related bill by the end of the current ordinary Diet session.
自民、公明両党は、条約の承認案と関連する国内法案の国会提出を了承した。民主党も与党時代、加盟を推進する立場だった。与野党は今国会中の承認・成立に努力してもらいたい。
The convention stipulates, in principle, that if one parent takes a child under 16 years old out of the child's country of habitual residence without the other parent's permission, the child should be returned to the country upon the latter parent's request.
条約は、１６歳未満の子供が片方の親に連れ去られた場合、もう一方の親が返還を求めれば元の国に戻すことを原則としている。
===
Bill addresses threat of violence
The related bill covers matters from domestic judiciary proceedings for issuing orders to return children in custody disputes to the country of their habitual residence, to the role of the Foreign Ministry, which will be in charge of the convention.
関連法案は、子供の返還を命令するための国内の裁判手続きや、条約を所管する外務省の役割などについて定めるものだ。
A main point in Diet deliberations will be the conditions under which a parent can refuse to return a child.
国会審議の焦点は、子供の返還を拒否できる条件である。
The bill proposes that a child should not be returned if the petitioner might commit violence against his or her former spouse, the child or people close to them. This condition has been included in consideration for those who are cautious regarding participation in the Hague Convention out of concern that a Japanese parent and their child could be exposed to domestic violence by the other parent when they return to the country of the child's habitual residence.
法案は、返還の申立人が子供や元配偶者らに暴力を振るう恐れがある場合などと明記する。元の国に戻った親や子供が家庭内暴力（ＤＶ）にさらされるとして加盟慎重論があることに配慮した。
However, it is not easy for Japanese parents to prove they have been abused by their spouses or former spouses while living in the country of original residence. We hope Diet members will hold extensive discussions on whether this is an adequate precaution.
だが、元の国でのＤＶ被害を立証するのは容易ではない。この条件で十分なのかどうか、審議を尽くしてもらいたい。
In the United States and European countries, a parent can be prosecuted as a kidnapper for taking a child out of the country of the child's habitual residence without the other parent's permission. The parent could be arrested when he or she returns to the country with the child. How lawmakers will take these facts into consideration also will be a key matter for Diet deliberations.
欧米では、子供を連れ去った親を「誘拐犯」として訴追する場合がある。子供を連れて戻れば逮捕されかねない。こうした事情をどう判断するかも重要である。
===
Authorities have limited experience
The bill puts the Tokyo and Osaka family courts in charge of petitions for the return of children in international custody disputes--a measure apparently aimed to make it easier for judicial authorities to accumulate expertise by limiting the number of courts handling such cases because only dozens are expected to be filed a year.
法案は、担当裁判所を東京と大阪の両家庭裁判所に限定する。返還の申し立ては年数十件程度と見られており、裁判所を絞ることで審理のノウハウが集積しやすくなると判断したのだろう。
Even if parents live outside Tokyo or Osaka, the bill allows them to attend hearings via telephone calls or videoconference from courts near where they live. It is noteworthy that the bill tries to reduce the burden on those living far from the urban areas.
東京、大阪でなくても近くの裁判所から電話やテレビ会議での審理参加も認めるという。遠隔地に住む人の負担を抑えようという方針は評価したい。
When Japan joins the Hague Convention, some Japanese parents and their children will be involved in trials over custody in the children's country of habitual residence. Diplomatic missions abroad should help these Japanese nationals, for example, by introducing them to local lawyers or support groups.
日本が条約に加盟すれば、返還命令を受けた日本人の親子が、元の国に戻って親権を巡る裁判に臨むケースも出てくる。在外公館は邦人支援の一環として、現地の弁護士や支援団体を紹介するなどの措置を取ることが望ましい。
The treaty will also be applied to children taken away by non-Japanese spouses. The Foreign Ministry should establish a system to support Japanese who seek the return of their children from other countries.
一方、日本から海外に連れ去られる子供についても、条約は適用される。外務省は、子供の返還を求める日本人に対する支援体制を整えるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 28, 2013)
（2013年2月28日01時45分 読売新聞）
Establish systems to protect children under Hague treaty
ハーグ条約 子供の利益守る制度を築け（2月28日付・読売社説）
The government must establish proper legal and support systems to protect the interests of children involved in custody battles as a result of failed international marriages.
子供の利益が損なわれないよう、政府は適切な法制度と支援体制の整備に努める必要がある。
When Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with U.S. President Barack Obama during his recent visit to the United States, Abe promised that Japan would soon join the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which establishes rules regarding international child custody disputes.
安倍首相は、国際結婚の破綻に伴う子供の連れ去りに対応する「ハーグ条約」への早期加盟を、日米首脳会談でオバマ大統領に約束した。
The convention is now regarded as international law with 89 signatories, including the United States and many European countries. Japan, the only Group of Eight nation that has not joined the convention, should step up its efforts to sign onto it.
この条約には、欧米を中心に８９か国が参加しており、国際ルールとして定着しつつある。主要８か国（Ｇ８）で唯一未加盟の日本も締結を急がねばならない。
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, New Komeito, have agreed to submit a bill seeking Diet approval for Japan to join the treaty and a related bill. The main opposition Democratic Party of Japan advocated joining the convention while it was in power. We hope the ruling and opposition camps will work hard to achieve Diet approval and pass the related bill by the end of the current ordinary Diet session.
自民、公明両党は、条約の承認案と関連する国内法案の国会提出を了承した。民主党も与党時代、加盟を推進する立場だった。与野党は今国会中の承認・成立に努力してもらいたい。
The convention stipulates, in principle, that if one parent takes a child under 16 years old out of the child's country of habitual residence without the other parent's permission, the child should be returned to the country upon the latter parent's request.
条約は、１６歳未満の子供が片方の親に連れ去られた場合、もう一方の親が返還を求めれば元の国に戻すことを原則としている。
===
Bill addresses threat of violence
The related bill covers matters from domestic judiciary proceedings for issuing orders to return children in custody disputes to the country of their habitual residence, to the role of the Foreign Ministry, which will be in charge of the convention.
関連法案は、子供の返還を命令するための国内の裁判手続きや、条約を所管する外務省の役割などについて定めるものだ。
A main point in Diet deliberations will be the conditions under which a parent can refuse to return a child.
国会審議の焦点は、子供の返還を拒否できる条件である。
The bill proposes that a child should not be returned if the petitioner might commit violence against his or her former spouse, the child or people close to them. This condition has been included in consideration for those who are cautious regarding participation in the Hague Convention out of concern that a Japanese parent and their child could be exposed to domestic violence by the other parent when they return to the country of the child's habitual residence.
法案は、返還の申立人が子供や元配偶者らに暴力を振るう恐れがある場合などと明記する。元の国に戻った親や子供が家庭内暴力（ＤＶ）にさらされるとして加盟慎重論があることに配慮した。
However, it is not easy for Japanese parents to prove they have been abused by their spouses or former spouses while living in the country of original residence. We hope Diet members will hold extensive discussions on whether this is an adequate precaution.
だが、元の国でのＤＶ被害を立証するのは容易ではない。この条件で十分なのかどうか、審議を尽くしてもらいたい。
In the United States and European countries, a parent can be prosecuted as a kidnapper for taking a child out of the country of the child's habitual residence without the other parent's permission. The parent could be arrested when he or she returns to the country with the child. How lawmakers will take these facts into consideration also will be a key matter for Diet deliberations.
欧米では、子供を連れ去った親を「誘拐犯」として訴追する場合がある。子供を連れて戻れば逮捕されかねない。こうした事情をどう判断するかも重要である。
===
Authorities have limited experience
The bill puts the Tokyo and Osaka family courts in charge of petitions for the return of children in international custody disputes--a measure apparently aimed to make it easier for judicial authorities to accumulate expertise by limiting the number of courts handling such cases because only dozens are expected to be filed a year.
法案は、担当裁判所を東京と大阪の両家庭裁判所に限定する。返還の申し立ては年数十件程度と見られており、裁判所を絞ることで審理のノウハウが集積しやすくなると判断したのだろう。
Even if parents live outside Tokyo or Osaka, the bill allows them to attend hearings via telephone calls or videoconference from courts near where they live. It is noteworthy that the bill tries to reduce the burden on those living far from the urban areas.
東京、大阪でなくても近くの裁判所から電話やテレビ会議での審理参加も認めるという。遠隔地に住む人の負担を抑えようという方針は評価したい。
When Japan joins the Hague Convention, some Japanese parents and their children will be involved in trials over custody in the children's country of habitual residence. Diplomatic missions abroad should help these Japanese nationals, for example, by introducing them to local lawyers or support groups.
日本が条約に加盟すれば、返還命令を受けた日本人の親子が、元の国に戻って親権を巡る裁判に臨むケースも出てくる。在外公館は邦人支援の一環として、現地の弁護士や支援団体を紹介するなどの措置を取ることが望ましい。
The treaty will also be applied to children taken away by non-Japanese spouses. The Foreign Ministry should establish a system to support Japanese who seek the return of their children from other countries.
一方、日本から海外に連れ去られる子供についても、条約は適用される。外務省は、子供の返還を求める日本人に対する支援体制を整えるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 28, 2013)
（2013年2月28日01時45分 読売新聞）
