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2015年12月21日
産経記者判決 無分別な訴追終結を
--The Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 18
EDITORIAL: Seoul should end impudent case against Japanese journalist
（社説）産経記者判決 無分別な訴追終結を
A South Korean court on Dec. 17 acquitted Tatsuya Kato, a former Seoul bureau chief for the Sankei Shimbun, who was indicted on a charge of defaming South Korean President Park Geun-hye.
韓国大統領の名誉を傷つけたとして起訴された産経新聞の前ソウル支局長に対し、韓国の裁判所が無罪を言い渡した。
The ruling was all too appropriate considering that South Korean law guarantees freedom of speech.
言論の自由を保障した法に照らし、当然の判決である。
It was extraordinary in the first place for prosecutors, who exercise public authority, to indict a journalist just for writing an article that displeased the president.
そもそも、大統領の気に入らない記事を書いたとしても、検察という公権力が記者を起訴すること自体が異常だった。
The Seoul Central District Court handed down a totally reasonable ruling by saying, “It is clear that freedom of speech should be respected because our nation has adopted a democratic system.”
「わが国が民主主義制度をとっている以上、言論の自由を重視せねばならないのは明らかだ」とする判決は妥当である。
Prosecutors should swiftly accept the court decision without appealing it.
検察当局は控訴せず、速やかに判決を受け入れるべきだ。
The case concerned an article written by Kato that ran on the Sankei website in August 2014. It referred to a “rumor” that Park was with a former male aide and could not be reached for seven hours on April 16, 2014, the day of the Sewol ferry disaster.
問題になったのは前支局長が昨年８月、ネット上に出した記事だ。旅客船沈没事故の際、所在不明になった朴槿恵（パククネ）大統領が男性と会っていたのでは、という「うわさ」を紹介した。
The presidential office reacted angrily to the article, pledging to “pursue the responsibility.” Prosecutors then started an investigation into the defamation allegations in response to a criminal complaint filed by a citizen organization and indicted Kato. He was long banned from leaving the country.
これに大統領府が「責任を追及する」と公然と反発し、市民団体の告発を受ける形で検察が捜査し、起訴した。前支局長は長らく出国を禁じられた。
Under South Korean law, Kato would not have been indicted if President Park, the alleged victim of defamation, had said she didn’t wish for punishment against the Sankei journalist.
韓国の法律では、被害者の朴氏が処罰を望まないと言えば、訴追は免れた。
But the fact is that the trial following the indictment lasted for as long as 14 months, leading to the Dec. 17 ruling. That leaves little doubt that Park herself wanted to see the journalist prosecuted.
起訴から１年２カ月間公判が続き、判決にまで至ったのは、朴氏自身が訴追を求めたからとみるべきだ。
Didn’t she give any thought to how badly South Korea’s democracy would be damaged by the prosecution of a reporter for a news organization just because of the wishes of the person in power?
権力者の意向次第で報道機関の記者を訴追することが、韓国の民主主義にどんな禍根を残すか、考えなかったのか。
Unsurprisingly, journalist organizations of not only Japan but also other countries voiced strong concerns about the South Korean government’s legal action against Kato.
日本のみならず、海外のジャーナリスト団体などからも、韓国政府に対し、強い懸念の声が相次いだのも当然だった。
Before the verdict was read out, the presiding judge revealed that the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs had asked the court to give consideration to Japan’s request for “appropriate handling” of the case.
判決公判の冒頭で裁判長は、「善処」を求める日本の要望を考慮するよう、韓国外交省が裁判所に求めていたことを明らかにした。
It was an unusual move that can be interpreted as an attempt by the South Korean government to end the case, which has further strained bilateral relations and provoked international criticism.
異例の措置であり、韓国政府が日韓関係や国際批判などを考えて自ら決着を図ろうとしたとも受け取れる。
The Park administration should do serious soul-searching on its misguided move to prosecute a case that should never have been brought to court in the first place. By doing so, Seoul unnecessarily created a sticky political issue with serious diplomatic consequences.
もともと公訴を提起すべきでない問題を、自ら政治問題化してしまった責任を、韓国政府は反省しなくてはならない。
Even without the case, relations between the Japanese and South Korean governments have soured badly in the past few years, casting dark shadows even on grass-roots exchanges between people of the two neighboring countries.
それでなくとも近年の日韓関係は、政治の関係悪化により、市民交流にも暗い影が落ちている。
Both Tokyo and Seoul should restrain themselves from any action that could generate unnecessary diplomatic friction.
無用ないさかいを生んで外交問題にする振る舞いは、日韓両政府とも慎むべきである。
The court ruling, however, acknowledged that the former Sankei bureau chief was aware that the rumor he wrote about was false.
一方、判決は記事が取り上げた「うわさ」について、虚偽であることを前支局長は認識していたと認定した。
The defense team stopped denying this allegation during the trial. This means the Sankei cannot claim to have fulfilled its responsibility as a news medium.
産経側も裁判の途中からそれに異を唱えなかった。報道機関としての責任をまっとうしたとは言えまい。
South Korea’s legal action against the Sankei reporter has been a festering sore in the relationship between the country and Japan.
いずれにせよ、この問題は、日韓間の懸案の一つだったのは間違いない。
This case should be brought to an end quickly so that the two governments can concentrate on diplomatic efforts to resolve really important issues, like the “comfort women.”
一刻も早く終止符を打ち、両政府は慰安婦問題など大きな課題の解決に全神経を注ぐべきである。
EDITORIAL: Seoul should end impudent case against Japanese journalist
（社説）産経記者判決 無分別な訴追終結を
A South Korean court on Dec. 17 acquitted Tatsuya Kato, a former Seoul bureau chief for the Sankei Shimbun, who was indicted on a charge of defaming South Korean President Park Geun-hye.
韓国大統領の名誉を傷つけたとして起訴された産経新聞の前ソウル支局長に対し、韓国の裁判所が無罪を言い渡した。
The ruling was all too appropriate considering that South Korean law guarantees freedom of speech.
言論の自由を保障した法に照らし、当然の判決である。
It was extraordinary in the first place for prosecutors, who exercise public authority, to indict a journalist just for writing an article that displeased the president.
そもそも、大統領の気に入らない記事を書いたとしても、検察という公権力が記者を起訴すること自体が異常だった。
The Seoul Central District Court handed down a totally reasonable ruling by saying, “It is clear that freedom of speech should be respected because our nation has adopted a democratic system.”
「わが国が民主主義制度をとっている以上、言論の自由を重視せねばならないのは明らかだ」とする判決は妥当である。
Prosecutors should swiftly accept the court decision without appealing it.
検察当局は控訴せず、速やかに判決を受け入れるべきだ。
The case concerned an article written by Kato that ran on the Sankei website in August 2014. It referred to a “rumor” that Park was with a former male aide and could not be reached for seven hours on April 16, 2014, the day of the Sewol ferry disaster.
問題になったのは前支局長が昨年８月、ネット上に出した記事だ。旅客船沈没事故の際、所在不明になった朴槿恵（パククネ）大統領が男性と会っていたのでは、という「うわさ」を紹介した。
The presidential office reacted angrily to the article, pledging to “pursue the responsibility.” Prosecutors then started an investigation into the defamation allegations in response to a criminal complaint filed by a citizen organization and indicted Kato. He was long banned from leaving the country.
これに大統領府が「責任を追及する」と公然と反発し、市民団体の告発を受ける形で検察が捜査し、起訴した。前支局長は長らく出国を禁じられた。
Under South Korean law, Kato would not have been indicted if President Park, the alleged victim of defamation, had said she didn’t wish for punishment against the Sankei journalist.
韓国の法律では、被害者の朴氏が処罰を望まないと言えば、訴追は免れた。
But the fact is that the trial following the indictment lasted for as long as 14 months, leading to the Dec. 17 ruling. That leaves little doubt that Park herself wanted to see the journalist prosecuted.
起訴から１年２カ月間公判が続き、判決にまで至ったのは、朴氏自身が訴追を求めたからとみるべきだ。
Didn’t she give any thought to how badly South Korea’s democracy would be damaged by the prosecution of a reporter for a news organization just because of the wishes of the person in power?
権力者の意向次第で報道機関の記者を訴追することが、韓国の民主主義にどんな禍根を残すか、考えなかったのか。
Unsurprisingly, journalist organizations of not only Japan but also other countries voiced strong concerns about the South Korean government’s legal action against Kato.
日本のみならず、海外のジャーナリスト団体などからも、韓国政府に対し、強い懸念の声が相次いだのも当然だった。
Before the verdict was read out, the presiding judge revealed that the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs had asked the court to give consideration to Japan’s request for “appropriate handling” of the case.
判決公判の冒頭で裁判長は、「善処」を求める日本の要望を考慮するよう、韓国外交省が裁判所に求めていたことを明らかにした。
It was an unusual move that can be interpreted as an attempt by the South Korean government to end the case, which has further strained bilateral relations and provoked international criticism.
異例の措置であり、韓国政府が日韓関係や国際批判などを考えて自ら決着を図ろうとしたとも受け取れる。
The Park administration should do serious soul-searching on its misguided move to prosecute a case that should never have been brought to court in the first place. By doing so, Seoul unnecessarily created a sticky political issue with serious diplomatic consequences.
もともと公訴を提起すべきでない問題を、自ら政治問題化してしまった責任を、韓国政府は反省しなくてはならない。
Even without the case, relations between the Japanese and South Korean governments have soured badly in the past few years, casting dark shadows even on grass-roots exchanges between people of the two neighboring countries.
それでなくとも近年の日韓関係は、政治の関係悪化により、市民交流にも暗い影が落ちている。
Both Tokyo and Seoul should restrain themselves from any action that could generate unnecessary diplomatic friction.
無用ないさかいを生んで外交問題にする振る舞いは、日韓両政府とも慎むべきである。
The court ruling, however, acknowledged that the former Sankei bureau chief was aware that the rumor he wrote about was false.
一方、判決は記事が取り上げた「うわさ」について、虚偽であることを前支局長は認識していたと認定した。
The defense team stopped denying this allegation during the trial. This means the Sankei cannot claim to have fulfilled its responsibility as a news medium.
産経側も裁判の途中からそれに異を唱えなかった。報道機関としての責任をまっとうしたとは言えまい。
South Korea’s legal action against the Sankei reporter has been a festering sore in the relationship between the country and Japan.
いずれにせよ、この問題は、日韓間の懸案の一つだったのは間違いない。
This case should be brought to an end quickly so that the two governments can concentrate on diplomatic efforts to resolve really important issues, like the “comfort women.”
一刻も早く終止符を打ち、両政府は慰安婦問題など大きな課題の解決に全神経を注ぐべきである。
2015年12月20日
衆院選制度改革 格差の是正へ党利党略を排せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Set aside party interests to narrow vote-value disparity in lower house
衆院選制度改革 格差の是正へ党利党略を排せ
Ruling and opposition parties should set aside party interests to narrow the vote-value disparity in the House of Representatives election and tackle the electoral system reform.
衆院選の「１票の格差」の縮小へ、与野党は党利党略を排して、制度改革に取り組むべきだ。
A research panel of experts tasked with reform of the lower house electoral system has compiled a draft proposal for redistributing seats allocated to each prefecture by using the so-called Adams’ method to rectify the vote-value disparity in single-seat constituencies.
衆院の選挙制度改革に関する有識者調査会が答申原案をまとめた。小選挙区の格差是正について、各都道府県の定数を「アダムズ方式」で配分し直すことを提案した。
According to the draft proposal, a total of seven constituency seats should be added in Tokyo and four other prefectures, while 13 other prefectures, including Aomori and Iwate, should lose one seat each. As a result, the maximum vote-value disparity at the prefectural level would be reduced to 1.621-to-1.
定数は、東京都と４県で計７増加し、青森、岩手など１３県で１ずつ減る。都道府県間の格差は最大１・６２１倍となる。
The vote-value disparity in single-seat constituencies would also likely be reduced to less than 2-to-1, as called for by the law concerning the establishment of the council on rezoning the electoral districts of the lower house.
小選挙区間の格差も、衆院選挙区画定審議会設置法の定める２倍未満に収まる見通しである。
The Adams’ method would be used in place of the current seat distribution system [which allots one seat to each prefecture and then decides, in proportion to the population, how many additional seats each prefecture should be allocated in the single-seat constituencies of the election]. The Adams’ method is said to be comparatively favorable to less populous prefectures and able to reduce the increase and decrease in the seats allocated to each prefecture to a narrow range. It also will be able to cope with a population decrease in the future to a certain extent. With the method, even Tottori Prefecture, whose population is the smallest on the prefectural level, would be able to maintain the two-seat allocation for the present.
アダムズ方式は、「１人別枠方式」に代わるものだ。人口の少ない県に比較的有利とされ、都道府県の定数の増減を小幅に抑えられる。将来の人口減にも一定程度対応が可能で、最少の鳥取県も当面、定数２を維持できる。
The Adams’ method is a realistic one in terms of rectifying the vote-value disparity in consideration of local areas.
地方に配慮しつつ、１票の格差を是正する観点で、現実的な方式と言えよう。
The Supreme Court handed down a ruling in late November that the lower house election in December last year, which had a maximum vote-value disparity of 2.13-to-1 in single-seat constituencies, was in a state of unconstitutionality. As the legislative body, the Diet must respond swiftly to the request from the judicial branch of government.
最高裁は先月下旬、１票の格差が最大２・１３倍だった昨年１２月の衆院選を「違憲状態」と判断した。立法府として、司法の要請に速やかに応えねばなるまい。
Not all will be pleased
What is questionable is that the draft proposed eliminating six seats in the single-seat constituencies and eliminating four in the proportional representation blocks. The proposed reduction would take the number of lower house seats to a postwar low of 465.
疑問なのは、答申原案が定数を小選挙区で６、比例選で４削減したことだ。衆院定数は戦後最少の４６５となる。
If the number of lower house seats is reduced, even just slightly, it would be difficult to reflect the diversity of public opinions in the election. Diet functions, such as lawmaker-initiated legislation and holding administrations to account through deliberations on bills, could be weaker. Originally, the number of legislators in proportion to the population was smaller in Japan than in the United States and European countries.
小幅とはいえ、定数を減らせば、選挙で多様な民意を反映しにくくなる。議員立法や、法案審議を通じた行政監視など、立法府の能力が低下しかねない。そもそも日本の国会議員は人口比でみれば、欧米諸国より多くない。
Furthermore, the fewer seats there are, the more difficult the correction of the vote-value disparity becomes.
さらに、定数を減らすほど、１票の格差是正が困難になる。
Even within the panel, there were voices pointing out the negative effects of reducing the number of seats. It is regrettable that the panel finally had no choice but to incorporate the assertions of main political parties that seek a drastic reduction in the seats.
調査会内でも、定数削減の弊害を指摘する意見が少なくなかった。最終的に、定数の大幅削減を唱える主要政党の主張を取り入れざるを得なかったのは残念だ。
The panel is scheduled to submit its proposal to lower house Speaker Tadamori Oshima in early January. In June last year, each main party confirmed that they would “respect” the conclusion of the panel. However, some members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party who were elected from less populated electoral districts have already expressed their opposition to the draft proposal.
調査会は年明けに、大島議長に答申する。主要各党は昨年６月、調査会の結論を「尊重する」ことを確認している。だが、自民党内では早くも、地方選出議員らから答申原案への反発が出ている。
Electoral systems directly lead to the rise and fall of political parties. No plan can avoid every objection. The LDP should not cling to its own interests, but should play a leading role in drawing together the various opinions of each political party to reach a consensus.
選挙制度は各党の消長に直結する。どんな案でも、異論は避けられない。自民党は、自らの利害に拘泥せず、各党の意見集約に主導的な役割を果たすべきだ。
Shifting to a new system requires revision of the Public Offices Election Law so that the content of the proposal can be reflected in the law. It also requires studying a new rezoning process. It will likely take more than a year to do so.
新制度への移行には、答申内容を反映した公職選挙法の改正や区割りの見直し作業などが必要で、最低１年以上かかる見通しだ。
Ruling and opposition parties are urged to realize the electoral system reform with such a time schedule in mind.
与野党は、こうした日程も踏まえて、選挙制度改革を実現することが求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 19, 2015)
Set aside party interests to narrow vote-value disparity in lower house
衆院選制度改革 格差の是正へ党利党略を排せ
Ruling and opposition parties should set aside party interests to narrow the vote-value disparity in the House of Representatives election and tackle the electoral system reform.
衆院選の「１票の格差」の縮小へ、与野党は党利党略を排して、制度改革に取り組むべきだ。
A research panel of experts tasked with reform of the lower house electoral system has compiled a draft proposal for redistributing seats allocated to each prefecture by using the so-called Adams’ method to rectify the vote-value disparity in single-seat constituencies.
衆院の選挙制度改革に関する有識者調査会が答申原案をまとめた。小選挙区の格差是正について、各都道府県の定数を「アダムズ方式」で配分し直すことを提案した。
According to the draft proposal, a total of seven constituency seats should be added in Tokyo and four other prefectures, while 13 other prefectures, including Aomori and Iwate, should lose one seat each. As a result, the maximum vote-value disparity at the prefectural level would be reduced to 1.621-to-1.
定数は、東京都と４県で計７増加し、青森、岩手など１３県で１ずつ減る。都道府県間の格差は最大１・６２１倍となる。
The vote-value disparity in single-seat constituencies would also likely be reduced to less than 2-to-1, as called for by the law concerning the establishment of the council on rezoning the electoral districts of the lower house.
小選挙区間の格差も、衆院選挙区画定審議会設置法の定める２倍未満に収まる見通しである。
The Adams’ method would be used in place of the current seat distribution system [which allots one seat to each prefecture and then decides, in proportion to the population, how many additional seats each prefecture should be allocated in the single-seat constituencies of the election]. The Adams’ method is said to be comparatively favorable to less populous prefectures and able to reduce the increase and decrease in the seats allocated to each prefecture to a narrow range. It also will be able to cope with a population decrease in the future to a certain extent. With the method, even Tottori Prefecture, whose population is the smallest on the prefectural level, would be able to maintain the two-seat allocation for the present.
アダムズ方式は、「１人別枠方式」に代わるものだ。人口の少ない県に比較的有利とされ、都道府県の定数の増減を小幅に抑えられる。将来の人口減にも一定程度対応が可能で、最少の鳥取県も当面、定数２を維持できる。
The Adams’ method is a realistic one in terms of rectifying the vote-value disparity in consideration of local areas.
地方に配慮しつつ、１票の格差を是正する観点で、現実的な方式と言えよう。
The Supreme Court handed down a ruling in late November that the lower house election in December last year, which had a maximum vote-value disparity of 2.13-to-1 in single-seat constituencies, was in a state of unconstitutionality. As the legislative body, the Diet must respond swiftly to the request from the judicial branch of government.
最高裁は先月下旬、１票の格差が最大２・１３倍だった昨年１２月の衆院選を「違憲状態」と判断した。立法府として、司法の要請に速やかに応えねばなるまい。
Not all will be pleased
What is questionable is that the draft proposed eliminating six seats in the single-seat constituencies and eliminating four in the proportional representation blocks. The proposed reduction would take the number of lower house seats to a postwar low of 465.
疑問なのは、答申原案が定数を小選挙区で６、比例選で４削減したことだ。衆院定数は戦後最少の４６５となる。
If the number of lower house seats is reduced, even just slightly, it would be difficult to reflect the diversity of public opinions in the election. Diet functions, such as lawmaker-initiated legislation and holding administrations to account through deliberations on bills, could be weaker. Originally, the number of legislators in proportion to the population was smaller in Japan than in the United States and European countries.
小幅とはいえ、定数を減らせば、選挙で多様な民意を反映しにくくなる。議員立法や、法案審議を通じた行政監視など、立法府の能力が低下しかねない。そもそも日本の国会議員は人口比でみれば、欧米諸国より多くない。
Furthermore, the fewer seats there are, the more difficult the correction of the vote-value disparity becomes.
さらに、定数を減らすほど、１票の格差是正が困難になる。
Even within the panel, there were voices pointing out the negative effects of reducing the number of seats. It is regrettable that the panel finally had no choice but to incorporate the assertions of main political parties that seek a drastic reduction in the seats.
調査会内でも、定数削減の弊害を指摘する意見が少なくなかった。最終的に、定数の大幅削減を唱える主要政党の主張を取り入れざるを得なかったのは残念だ。
The panel is scheduled to submit its proposal to lower house Speaker Tadamori Oshima in early January. In June last year, each main party confirmed that they would “respect” the conclusion of the panel. However, some members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party who were elected from less populated electoral districts have already expressed their opposition to the draft proposal.
調査会は年明けに、大島議長に答申する。主要各党は昨年６月、調査会の結論を「尊重する」ことを確認している。だが、自民党内では早くも、地方選出議員らから答申原案への反発が出ている。
Electoral systems directly lead to the rise and fall of political parties. No plan can avoid every objection. The LDP should not cling to its own interests, but should play a leading role in drawing together the various opinions of each political party to reach a consensus.
選挙制度は各党の消長に直結する。どんな案でも、異論は避けられない。自民党は、自らの利害に拘泥せず、各党の意見集約に主導的な役割を果たすべきだ。
Shifting to a new system requires revision of the Public Offices Election Law so that the content of the proposal can be reflected in the law. It also requires studying a new rezoning process. It will likely take more than a year to do so.
新制度への移行には、答申内容を反映した公職選挙法の改正や区割りの見直し作業などが必要で、最低１年以上かかる見通しだ。
Ruling and opposition parties are urged to realize the electoral system reform with such a time schedule in mind.
与野党は、こうした日程も踏まえて、選挙制度改革を実現することが求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 19, 2015)
2015年12月19日
米ゼロ金利解除 「出口」迎えた異例の危機対応
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Fed’s decision to increase rate ends unprecedented crisis response
米ゼロ金利解除 「出口」迎えた異例の危機対応
The United States has put an end to the situation in which monetary easing on an unprecedented scale was used to deal with the extraordinary financial crisis triggered by the 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers.
リーマン・ショックに端を発した未曽有の金融危機に、米国が空前の大規模緩和で対処する事態に終止符が打たれた。
We welcome the fact that the United States, the epicenter of the global financial crunch, has successfully met the challenge of reinvigorating its economy, to the point of being able to return to ordinary financial policy.
危機の震源地である米国が、金融政策を平時の状態に戻せるまで、経済再生を果たしたことを歓迎したい。
The U.S. Federal Reserve Board has decided on its first interest rate increase in 9½ years. Lifting the effectively zero-interest rate policy that was in place from the end of 2008, the Fed increased its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point to between 0.25 percent and 0.50 percent per year from between zero and 0.25 percent.
米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が、９年半ぶりの利上げを決めた。政策金利の誘導目標を年０〜０・２５％から年０・２５〜０・５０％に上げ、２００８年末から続く事実上のゼロ金利政策を解除した。
The expansionary phase of the U.S. economy has been continuing for a little more than six years so far, while the unemployment rate has shrunk to a pre-crisis level. Given the prospects for stability in the U.S. labor market and moderate price rises in the future, it is reasonable for the United States to break off the extraordinary monetary easing.
米国の景気拡大局面は６年強に及び、失業率は危機前の水準に戻った。雇用安定や緩やかな物価上昇も見込める以上、異例の金融緩和を打ち切るのは妥当である。
Emerging economies have served as locomotives for the global economy since the crash, as plenty of funds flowed into them as a result of the easy money policies in Japan, the United States and Europe. Due caution should be exercised about the possibility of the U.S. interest rate raise causing a major transformation of this paradigm.
危機後の世界経済は、日米欧の金融緩和で潤沢な資金が流入した新興国が牽引けんいんしてきた。米国の利上げによって、この構図が大きく転換することに注意が必要だ。
There can be no doubt that the world’s investment funds will lean toward fund management in dollars, expecting higher interest rates. Fears are being noted that the “monetary easing cash” that has flowed into emerging economies will flow backward in large quantities into the United States.
世界の投資資金が、金利上昇を期待できるドルでの運用に傾くのは確実である。新興国に流れていた「緩和マネー」が、大量に米国へ逆流する恐れが指摘される。
Vigilance may be required against the risk of currencies and stock prices plunging precipitously in emerging economies, gravely shaking markets worldwide.
新興国の通貨や株価が急落し、市場に深刻な動揺を招くリスクを十分警戒せねばなるまい。
Dialogue with markets
The continuing drops in crude oil prices are also a matter of concern. Because the finances of oil-producing countries have been increasingly severe, they have been withdrawing oil money from the markets. Should this outflow be coupled with the back-streaming of funds into the United States from emerging economies, the danger of turmoil in the world’s economy could arise.
原油価格の下落も懸念材料だ。産油国の財政逼迫ひっぱくでオイルマネーが市場から引き揚げられている。緩和マネーの逆流が重なれば、混乱に拍車がかかりかねない。
Markets have mostly reacted favorably to the higher U.S. interest rate policy, as shown by sharp rises in stock prices both in Japan and the United States right after the Fed decision.
ＦＲＢの決定の直後、日米の株価が大幅に上昇するなど、市場は利上げをおおむね好感した。
While many investors had factored in the U.S. lifting of the zero-interest rate policy in advance, the statement made by Fed Chair Janet Yellen suggesting future hikes will be coming slowly has also had a favorable impact.
投資家の多くが事前にゼロ金利解除を織り込んでいたうえ、ＦＲＢのイエレン議長が、今後の利上げを緩やかなペースで進める考えを表明したのも奏功した。
There is no justification for being unprepared for future developments in “exit strategies” out of the monetary easing.
だが、金融緩和の「出口戦略」の今後に、油断は禁物である。
The Fed should be as prudent as possible in steering its monetary policy. By engaging again and again in circumspect dialogues with the markets, it is imperative for the Fed to have the direction of its financial policy gradually spread through market players.
ＦＲＢには、繊細な舵かじ取りが求められる。「市場との対話」を慎重に重ねて、金融政策の方向性を市場関係者に徐々に浸透させることが欠かせない。
It is important for emerging economies to redouble their efforts to enhance their attractiveness as investment destinations, to ensure that no excessive outflow of funds takes place. We hope to see them accelerate steps for structural reform, such as easing regulations to encourage the entry of capital from overseas.
新興国側も、過度な資金流出が起きないよう、投資先としての魅力を高める努力が大切になる。外資の参入を促す規制緩和など構造改革を加速してもらいたい。
Regarding the effect the U.S. interest rate hike will have on Japan, Akira Amari, state minister in charge of economic revitalization, has stressed that higher U.S. rates “will be a plus for the Japanese economy in the medium to long term.” Further weakening of the yen and strengthening of the dollar are expected, boosting increases in Japan’s exports.
甘利経済再生相は、利上げの日本への影響について「中長期的にプラスだ」と強調した。円安・ドル高が進み、輸出にさらに勢いがつく効果が期待できよう。
However, we cannot take our eyes off the danger of excessive depreciation of the yen causing import prices to increase so much they adversely affect businesses. The government must be sure to steadily put the economic growth policy into force, wasting no time in bringing about a self-sustained business recovery led by domestic demand.
ただ、過度な円安が輸入物価を高騰させ、景気が悪化する危険性からも目が離せない。成長戦略を着実に実行し、内需主導の自律的な景気回復を急ぐべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 18, 2015)Speech
Fed’s decision to increase rate ends unprecedented crisis response
米ゼロ金利解除 「出口」迎えた異例の危機対応
The United States has put an end to the situation in which monetary easing on an unprecedented scale was used to deal with the extraordinary financial crisis triggered by the 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers.
リーマン・ショックに端を発した未曽有の金融危機に、米国が空前の大規模緩和で対処する事態に終止符が打たれた。
We welcome the fact that the United States, the epicenter of the global financial crunch, has successfully met the challenge of reinvigorating its economy, to the point of being able to return to ordinary financial policy.
危機の震源地である米国が、金融政策を平時の状態に戻せるまで、経済再生を果たしたことを歓迎したい。
The U.S. Federal Reserve Board has decided on its first interest rate increase in 9½ years. Lifting the effectively zero-interest rate policy that was in place from the end of 2008, the Fed increased its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point to between 0.25 percent and 0.50 percent per year from between zero and 0.25 percent.
米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が、９年半ぶりの利上げを決めた。政策金利の誘導目標を年０〜０・２５％から年０・２５〜０・５０％に上げ、２００８年末から続く事実上のゼロ金利政策を解除した。
The expansionary phase of the U.S. economy has been continuing for a little more than six years so far, while the unemployment rate has shrunk to a pre-crisis level. Given the prospects for stability in the U.S. labor market and moderate price rises in the future, it is reasonable for the United States to break off the extraordinary monetary easing.
米国の景気拡大局面は６年強に及び、失業率は危機前の水準に戻った。雇用安定や緩やかな物価上昇も見込める以上、異例の金融緩和を打ち切るのは妥当である。
Emerging economies have served as locomotives for the global economy since the crash, as plenty of funds flowed into them as a result of the easy money policies in Japan, the United States and Europe. Due caution should be exercised about the possibility of the U.S. interest rate raise causing a major transformation of this paradigm.
危機後の世界経済は、日米欧の金融緩和で潤沢な資金が流入した新興国が牽引けんいんしてきた。米国の利上げによって、この構図が大きく転換することに注意が必要だ。
There can be no doubt that the world’s investment funds will lean toward fund management in dollars, expecting higher interest rates. Fears are being noted that the “monetary easing cash” that has flowed into emerging economies will flow backward in large quantities into the United States.
世界の投資資金が、金利上昇を期待できるドルでの運用に傾くのは確実である。新興国に流れていた「緩和マネー」が、大量に米国へ逆流する恐れが指摘される。
Vigilance may be required against the risk of currencies and stock prices plunging precipitously in emerging economies, gravely shaking markets worldwide.
新興国の通貨や株価が急落し、市場に深刻な動揺を招くリスクを十分警戒せねばなるまい。
Dialogue with markets
The continuing drops in crude oil prices are also a matter of concern. Because the finances of oil-producing countries have been increasingly severe, they have been withdrawing oil money from the markets. Should this outflow be coupled with the back-streaming of funds into the United States from emerging economies, the danger of turmoil in the world’s economy could arise.
原油価格の下落も懸念材料だ。産油国の財政逼迫ひっぱくでオイルマネーが市場から引き揚げられている。緩和マネーの逆流が重なれば、混乱に拍車がかかりかねない。
Markets have mostly reacted favorably to the higher U.S. interest rate policy, as shown by sharp rises in stock prices both in Japan and the United States right after the Fed decision.
ＦＲＢの決定の直後、日米の株価が大幅に上昇するなど、市場は利上げをおおむね好感した。
While many investors had factored in the U.S. lifting of the zero-interest rate policy in advance, the statement made by Fed Chair Janet Yellen suggesting future hikes will be coming slowly has also had a favorable impact.
投資家の多くが事前にゼロ金利解除を織り込んでいたうえ、ＦＲＢのイエレン議長が、今後の利上げを緩やかなペースで進める考えを表明したのも奏功した。
There is no justification for being unprepared for future developments in “exit strategies” out of the monetary easing.
だが、金融緩和の「出口戦略」の今後に、油断は禁物である。
The Fed should be as prudent as possible in steering its monetary policy. By engaging again and again in circumspect dialogues with the markets, it is imperative for the Fed to have the direction of its financial policy gradually spread through market players.
ＦＲＢには、繊細な舵かじ取りが求められる。「市場との対話」を慎重に重ねて、金融政策の方向性を市場関係者に徐々に浸透させることが欠かせない。
It is important for emerging economies to redouble their efforts to enhance their attractiveness as investment destinations, to ensure that no excessive outflow of funds takes place. We hope to see them accelerate steps for structural reform, such as easing regulations to encourage the entry of capital from overseas.
新興国側も、過度な資金流出が起きないよう、投資先としての魅力を高める努力が大切になる。外資の参入を促す規制緩和など構造改革を加速してもらいたい。
Regarding the effect the U.S. interest rate hike will have on Japan, Akira Amari, state minister in charge of economic revitalization, has stressed that higher U.S. rates “will be a plus for the Japanese economy in the medium to long term.” Further weakening of the yen and strengthening of the dollar are expected, boosting increases in Japan’s exports.
甘利経済再生相は、利上げの日本への影響について「中長期的にプラスだ」と強調した。円安・ドル高が進み、輸出にさらに勢いがつく効果が期待できよう。
However, we cannot take our eyes off the danger of excessive depreciation of the yen causing import prices to increase so much they adversely affect businesses. The government must be sure to steadily put the economic growth policy into force, wasting no time in bringing about a self-sustained business recovery led by domestic demand.
ただ、過度な円安が輸入物価を高騰させ、景気が悪化する危険性からも目が離せない。成長戦略を着実に実行し、内需主導の自律的な景気回復を急ぐべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 18, 2015)Speech
2015年12月18日
与党税制大綱 出版物の「軽減」対象も検討を
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Ruling parties should consider lower consumption tax rate for publications
与党税制大綱 出版物の「軽減」対象も検討を
To boost economic growth, the government should steadily press ahead with tax system revisions that encourage investment and consumption.
成長の拡大へ、投資や消費を促す税制改革を着実に進めるべきだ。
The Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito have formally decided on an outline for tax system revisions for fiscal 2016. A pillar of this outline is the lowering of the effective corporate tax rate from the current 32.11 percent to 29.97 percent in fiscal 2016. This tax rate will be brought below 30 percent one year ahead of the original schedule.
自民、公明両党が２０１６年度の与党税制改正大綱を決めた。法人税実効税率を今の３２・１１％から２９・９７％に引き下げ、従来方針より１年早く２０％台とすることが柱だ。
This will be reflected in the government’s budget for fiscal 2016 and bills related to the revisions of the tax system.
政府の１６年度予算案と税制改正関連法案に反映される。
Japan’s corporate tax rate is high compared with the rate in some European and Asian nations. We understand the aim of strengthening companies’ international competitiveness by trimming the tax rate and improving the business operating environment.
日本の税率は、欧州・アジア諸国に比べて高い。税率を下げて経営環境を改善し、企業の国際競争力を強める目的は理解できる。
It is important for this to put the brakes on the hollowing-out of domestic industries, and lead to more investment from abroad.
国内の産業空洞化に歯止めをかけ、海外からの投資の呼び込みにつなげることが重要である。
The decision to bring forward the cutting of the corporate tax rate to below 30 percent was based on requests by business organizations and other groups. There will be no point in lessening this tax burden if all it does is inflate the more than \350 trillion in internal reserves held by companies. We expect each company to make positive efforts to boost wages and expand investment in plants and equipment.
２０％台への引き下げ前倒しは、経済団体などの要望を踏まえたものだ。税負担を軽くしても、３５０兆円超の企業の内部留保が増えるだけでは意味がない。各社が賃上げや設備投資拡大に前向きに取り組むことを期待したい。
One revision, made in preparation for the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement coming into effect, will halve the fixed asset tax on farmland leased out by farmland intermediary administration institutes created in each prefecture. Conversely, the tax burden imposed on fields and paddies that are no longer cultivated, despite being potentially usable, will be increased about 80 percent.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の発効を見据えた改正では、都道府県の農地中間管理機構に貸し出された農地の固定資産税を半減する。逆に、利用が可能なのに放置されている耕作放棄地の税負担は約１・８倍に増やす。
We welcome this creative use of the tax system to increase productivity by increasing the size of farms in the country. One issue to be addressed is how to accurately select abandoned farmland that would be subject to the higher tax rate.
農地の大規模化による生産性向上に税制を活用する工夫は、評価できる。課税強化対象となる放棄地を的確に選ぶことが課題だ。
Curbing ‘knowledge tax’
When the consumption tax rate is hiked to 10 percent in April 2017, the existing automobile acquisition tax will be abolished and replaced with a new automobile tax based on fuel efficiency. The more fuel-efficient a vehicle is, the lower the tax rate will be. More than half of all new vehicles are forecast to be exempt from this new tax, which will result in an effective reduction of \20 billion in the tax burden shouldered by vehicle owners.
１７年４月の消費増税時に自動車取得税を廃止する代わりに、燃費性能の高い車ほど購入時の税率を低くする制度も始める。新車の半分以上が非課税となる見込みで、２００億円の実質減税になる。
We think it is appropriate that the ruling parties aim to alleviate the impact of the higher consumption tax rate and beef up measures to help the environment.
増税の影響を和らげつつ、環境対策を拡充する狙いは妥当だ。
According to the outline, a lower consumption tax rate will be applied to food in general, excluding alcohol and eating out. In addition, the ruling parties decided the lower rate would apply to subscribed newspapers that are issued at least twice a week and home-delivered.
消費税の軽減税率は、酒類と外食を除く飲食料品全般に加えて、宅配される週２回以上発行の新聞も新たに対象となった。
Newspapers provide a wide range of information and opinions to the public, so they can be considered social infrastructure that supports democracy and the culture of the printed word.
国民に幅広い情報や意見を提供する新聞は、民主主義や活字文化を支える社会基盤と言える。
The LDP and Komeito attached importance to the benefit newspapers provide to the public, and decided to curb, as much as possible, the imposition of an additional “tax on knowledge.”
自公両党は、新聞の公益性を重視し、「知識課税」をできるだけ抑制することにした。
Newspaper publishers must remain fully aware of the significance of this step, and fulfill their duties as organs of news reporting and public opinion.
新聞社は、その意義を十分自覚し、報道・言論機関としての責務を果たすことが求められよう。
It was unfortunate that the parties decided more discussions are needed on whether the lower rate should be applied to publications such as books and magazines. While we understand it is difficult to draw the cut-off line, it is essential that consideration be given to the social role these publications play in supporting education and culture.
残念なのは、書籍や雑誌など出版物への軽減税率の適用が継続協議となったことだ。対象の線引きが難しいのは分かるが、教育や文化を支える出版物の社会的役割への配慮は欠かせない。
Most European countries impose a lower tax rate on publications as well as newspapers. The same step should be taken in Japan, and we urge the ruling parties to hold discussions on designing such a system.
欧州の大半の国では、新聞とともに、出版物も軽減対象にしている。日本も同様の措置を取るべきであり、与党は制度設計の協議を重ねてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 17, 2015)
Ruling parties should consider lower consumption tax rate for publications
与党税制大綱 出版物の「軽減」対象も検討を
To boost economic growth, the government should steadily press ahead with tax system revisions that encourage investment and consumption.
成長の拡大へ、投資や消費を促す税制改革を着実に進めるべきだ。
The Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito have formally decided on an outline for tax system revisions for fiscal 2016. A pillar of this outline is the lowering of the effective corporate tax rate from the current 32.11 percent to 29.97 percent in fiscal 2016. This tax rate will be brought below 30 percent one year ahead of the original schedule.
自民、公明両党が２０１６年度の与党税制改正大綱を決めた。法人税実効税率を今の３２・１１％から２９・９７％に引き下げ、従来方針より１年早く２０％台とすることが柱だ。
This will be reflected in the government’s budget for fiscal 2016 and bills related to the revisions of the tax system.
政府の１６年度予算案と税制改正関連法案に反映される。
Japan’s corporate tax rate is high compared with the rate in some European and Asian nations. We understand the aim of strengthening companies’ international competitiveness by trimming the tax rate and improving the business operating environment.
日本の税率は、欧州・アジア諸国に比べて高い。税率を下げて経営環境を改善し、企業の国際競争力を強める目的は理解できる。
It is important for this to put the brakes on the hollowing-out of domestic industries, and lead to more investment from abroad.
国内の産業空洞化に歯止めをかけ、海外からの投資の呼び込みにつなげることが重要である。
The decision to bring forward the cutting of the corporate tax rate to below 30 percent was based on requests by business organizations and other groups. There will be no point in lessening this tax burden if all it does is inflate the more than \350 trillion in internal reserves held by companies. We expect each company to make positive efforts to boost wages and expand investment in plants and equipment.
２０％台への引き下げ前倒しは、経済団体などの要望を踏まえたものだ。税負担を軽くしても、３５０兆円超の企業の内部留保が増えるだけでは意味がない。各社が賃上げや設備投資拡大に前向きに取り組むことを期待したい。
One revision, made in preparation for the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement coming into effect, will halve the fixed asset tax on farmland leased out by farmland intermediary administration institutes created in each prefecture. Conversely, the tax burden imposed on fields and paddies that are no longer cultivated, despite being potentially usable, will be increased about 80 percent.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の発効を見据えた改正では、都道府県の農地中間管理機構に貸し出された農地の固定資産税を半減する。逆に、利用が可能なのに放置されている耕作放棄地の税負担は約１・８倍に増やす。
We welcome this creative use of the tax system to increase productivity by increasing the size of farms in the country. One issue to be addressed is how to accurately select abandoned farmland that would be subject to the higher tax rate.
農地の大規模化による生産性向上に税制を活用する工夫は、評価できる。課税強化対象となる放棄地を的確に選ぶことが課題だ。
Curbing ‘knowledge tax’
When the consumption tax rate is hiked to 10 percent in April 2017, the existing automobile acquisition tax will be abolished and replaced with a new automobile tax based on fuel efficiency. The more fuel-efficient a vehicle is, the lower the tax rate will be. More than half of all new vehicles are forecast to be exempt from this new tax, which will result in an effective reduction of \20 billion in the tax burden shouldered by vehicle owners.
１７年４月の消費増税時に自動車取得税を廃止する代わりに、燃費性能の高い車ほど購入時の税率を低くする制度も始める。新車の半分以上が非課税となる見込みで、２００億円の実質減税になる。
We think it is appropriate that the ruling parties aim to alleviate the impact of the higher consumption tax rate and beef up measures to help the environment.
増税の影響を和らげつつ、環境対策を拡充する狙いは妥当だ。
According to the outline, a lower consumption tax rate will be applied to food in general, excluding alcohol and eating out. In addition, the ruling parties decided the lower rate would apply to subscribed newspapers that are issued at least twice a week and home-delivered.
消費税の軽減税率は、酒類と外食を除く飲食料品全般に加えて、宅配される週２回以上発行の新聞も新たに対象となった。
Newspapers provide a wide range of information and opinions to the public, so they can be considered social infrastructure that supports democracy and the culture of the printed word.
国民に幅広い情報や意見を提供する新聞は、民主主義や活字文化を支える社会基盤と言える。
The LDP and Komeito attached importance to the benefit newspapers provide to the public, and decided to curb, as much as possible, the imposition of an additional “tax on knowledge.”
自公両党は、新聞の公益性を重視し、「知識課税」をできるだけ抑制することにした。
Newspaper publishers must remain fully aware of the significance of this step, and fulfill their duties as organs of news reporting and public opinion.
新聞社は、その意義を十分自覚し、報道・言論機関としての責務を果たすことが求められよう。
It was unfortunate that the parties decided more discussions are needed on whether the lower rate should be applied to publications such as books and magazines. While we understand it is difficult to draw the cut-off line, it is essential that consideration be given to the social role these publications play in supporting education and culture.
残念なのは、書籍や雑誌など出版物への軽減税率の適用が継続協議となったことだ。対象の線引きが難しいのは分かるが、教育や文化を支える出版物の社会的役割への配慮は欠かせない。
Most European countries impose a lower tax rate on publications as well as newspapers. The same step should be taken in Japan, and we urge the ruling parties to hold discussions on designing such a system.
欧州の大半の国では、新聞とともに、出版物も軽減対象にしている。日本も同様の措置を取るべきであり、与党は制度設計の協議を重ねてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 17, 2015)
2015年12月17日
中国軍機構改革 対米挑戦姿勢は緊張を高める
The Yomiuri Shimbun
China’s military reform could lead to heightened tensions with U.S.
中国軍機構改革 対米挑戦姿勢は緊張を高める
China has started a structural reform of its military to enhance its readiness for modern warfare entailing the full use of high-tech weapons.
ハイテク兵器を駆使する現代戦への即応態勢を整えるため、中国が軍の機構改革に着手した。
The latest move can be described as a new phase in China’s drive to build a strong army, the goal pursued by President Xi Jinping through rapid progress in his country’s military build-up. Japan and the United States must closely cooperate to strengthen their guard against China’s continuously evolving military.
軍備増強を急速に進めてきた習近平国家主席の「強軍路線」が新たな段階に入ったと言えよう。日米は緊密に協調し、進化する中国軍への警戒を強めねばならない。
At a recent military conference, Xi emphasized that deepening national defense and military reform are “requirements of the times” to be fulfilled in pursuing “the dream of a strong army.” He also said China would seek to build, by the end of 2020, a structure for the integrated operation of units from its army, navy, air force and 2nd Artillery (strategic missile forces).
習氏は最近、軍の会議で、「国防と軍隊の改革を深めることは、『強軍の夢』を実現する時代の要請だ」と強調した。２０２０年までに、陸海空３軍と第２砲兵（戦略ミサイル部隊）を統合運用する体制を構築する方針も示した。
The reform drive entails a plan to reorganize the current structure, which divides the whole country into seven major military districts, each mainly controlled by the army. The plan will rearrange these districts into four to five combat zones, followed by a measure to establish a joint operational command organization in each zone. The reform is aimed at ensuring that orders from the nerve center of the military are thoroughly enforced among frontline troops, thereby making it possible to flexibly respond to any situation.
全土を７地域に分けた陸軍主導の７大軍区を、４〜５程度の「戦区」に改編した上で、各戦区に「統合作戦指揮機構」を新設するという。軍中央の命令を前線部隊に徹底し、機動的な対応ができるようにする狙いである。
The current military districts are so strongly influenced by the army that there is a serious degree of vertical segmentation in military management there. There is inadequacy of the army’s cooperation with the navy, air force and missile unit. Xi’s reform drive seems to reflect his belief that, if the current situation goes unrectified, his country will not be able to effectively implement its strategy − known as “anti-access area denial (A2/AD)” − for preventing U.S. intervention in a military contingency.
現行の軍区は陸軍の影響力が強く、縦割りが深刻だ。海空軍やミサイル部隊との連携も十分でない。このままでは、米軍の有事介入を阻む「接近阻止・領域拒否（Ａ２ＡＤ）」戦略を有効に実施できないと判断しているのだろう。
Xi in command
China’s military reform reflects Xi’s wishes. Since the launch of his administration in the autumn of 2012, he has striven to build “an army that can win a war,” a task necessary for transforming his nation into “a great maritime power.”
軍改革は、１２年秋の政権発足以来、「海洋強国」建設に向けて、「戦いに勝てる軍」を目指してきた習氏の意向を反映したものだ。
The prevailing view has been that it will be difficult to reorganize the military districts due to strong resistance from the army. However, Xi’s success in initiating his reform drive means that he has cemented his power base by removing all foes within the military through his policy of clamping down on corrupt practices. He may also have intended to further tighten up the military.
軍区の改編はこれまで、陸軍の抵抗が激しく、難しいとの見方が多かった。今回、習氏が改革を始動できたのは、腐敗摘発で軍内の政敵を完全に排除し、権力基盤を固めたことを意味する。軍をさらに引き締める意図もあろう。
Earlier, the Xi administration said it would slash his country’s 2.3 million soldiers by 300,000. This seems to entail cuts mainly in the number of noncombatants in the army, a task that can be made possible through a reorganization of the military districts. Budgetary resources to be accrued from this will likely be used for selected purposes of high priority, such as those tied to state-of-the-art weapons to be used by the three arms of the military.
習政権は先に、２３０万人の兵力を３０万人削減する計画を表明している。軍区改編に伴い陸軍の非戦闘員らを中心に減らし、その分の予算を海空軍の最新兵器などに重点投入するとみられる。
China is reportedly accelerating efforts to develop a next-generation stealth bomber and a new intercontinental ballistic missile while also building several domestically designed aircraft carriers.
中国は、次世代ステルス戦闘機や新型の大陸間弾道ミサイル（ＩＣＢＭ）の開発、複数の国産空母の建造を急いでいるとされる。
We believe Xi’s decision to unveil his military reform plan at this point in time signifies he was keenly aware of how relevant nations have acted in connection with China’s recent movements. For instance, the United States sent a warship to the South China Sea, and conducted patrol activities in waters near artificial islands reclaimed by China in the region. Japan too has been trying to restrain China.
この時期に軍改革を発表したのは、南シナ海の人工島付近で艦艇による巡視活動を行った米国や、中国を牽制けんせいする日本など関係国の動向を意識したのではないか。
China is also increasing the frequency of naval exercises in the Western Pacific, with a view to advancing into the so-called Second Island Chain, which extends from the Izu Islands to Guam. China’s maritime activities have also been noticeable in waters around the Senkaku Islands. The country’s undisguised provocative acts against the Japan-U.S. alliance will only add to tensions in the region.
伊豆諸島からグアムに至る「第２列島線」まで進出するため、西太平洋で海軍の訓練も増やしている。尖閣諸島周辺での活動も目立つ。日米同盟に露骨に対抗する動きは地域の緊張を招くだけだ。
However, it should be noted that even the U.S. forces required many years to achieve integrated military operation. Our nation’s Self-Defense Forces are still halfway there in pursuit of a similar goal. China’s neighboring countries need to closely watch whether Xi’s military reform drive will proceed as he calculated.
ただ、統合運用は米軍でさえ、実現に長年を費やした。自衛隊もまだ途上にある。周辺国は、中国軍の改革が習氏の計算通りに進むのか、注視する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 16, 2015)
China’s military reform could lead to heightened tensions with U.S.
中国軍機構改革 対米挑戦姿勢は緊張を高める
China has started a structural reform of its military to enhance its readiness for modern warfare entailing the full use of high-tech weapons.
ハイテク兵器を駆使する現代戦への即応態勢を整えるため、中国が軍の機構改革に着手した。
The latest move can be described as a new phase in China’s drive to build a strong army, the goal pursued by President Xi Jinping through rapid progress in his country’s military build-up. Japan and the United States must closely cooperate to strengthen their guard against China’s continuously evolving military.
軍備増強を急速に進めてきた習近平国家主席の「強軍路線」が新たな段階に入ったと言えよう。日米は緊密に協調し、進化する中国軍への警戒を強めねばならない。
At a recent military conference, Xi emphasized that deepening national defense and military reform are “requirements of the times” to be fulfilled in pursuing “the dream of a strong army.” He also said China would seek to build, by the end of 2020, a structure for the integrated operation of units from its army, navy, air force and 2nd Artillery (strategic missile forces).
習氏は最近、軍の会議で、「国防と軍隊の改革を深めることは、『強軍の夢』を実現する時代の要請だ」と強調した。２０２０年までに、陸海空３軍と第２砲兵（戦略ミサイル部隊）を統合運用する体制を構築する方針も示した。
The reform drive entails a plan to reorganize the current structure, which divides the whole country into seven major military districts, each mainly controlled by the army. The plan will rearrange these districts into four to five combat zones, followed by a measure to establish a joint operational command organization in each zone. The reform is aimed at ensuring that orders from the nerve center of the military are thoroughly enforced among frontline troops, thereby making it possible to flexibly respond to any situation.
全土を７地域に分けた陸軍主導の７大軍区を、４〜５程度の「戦区」に改編した上で、各戦区に「統合作戦指揮機構」を新設するという。軍中央の命令を前線部隊に徹底し、機動的な対応ができるようにする狙いである。
The current military districts are so strongly influenced by the army that there is a serious degree of vertical segmentation in military management there. There is inadequacy of the army’s cooperation with the navy, air force and missile unit. Xi’s reform drive seems to reflect his belief that, if the current situation goes unrectified, his country will not be able to effectively implement its strategy − known as “anti-access area denial (A2/AD)” − for preventing U.S. intervention in a military contingency.
現行の軍区は陸軍の影響力が強く、縦割りが深刻だ。海空軍やミサイル部隊との連携も十分でない。このままでは、米軍の有事介入を阻む「接近阻止・領域拒否（Ａ２ＡＤ）」戦略を有効に実施できないと判断しているのだろう。
Xi in command
China’s military reform reflects Xi’s wishes. Since the launch of his administration in the autumn of 2012, he has striven to build “an army that can win a war,” a task necessary for transforming his nation into “a great maritime power.”
軍改革は、１２年秋の政権発足以来、「海洋強国」建設に向けて、「戦いに勝てる軍」を目指してきた習氏の意向を反映したものだ。
The prevailing view has been that it will be difficult to reorganize the military districts due to strong resistance from the army. However, Xi’s success in initiating his reform drive means that he has cemented his power base by removing all foes within the military through his policy of clamping down on corrupt practices. He may also have intended to further tighten up the military.
軍区の改編はこれまで、陸軍の抵抗が激しく、難しいとの見方が多かった。今回、習氏が改革を始動できたのは、腐敗摘発で軍内の政敵を完全に排除し、権力基盤を固めたことを意味する。軍をさらに引き締める意図もあろう。
Earlier, the Xi administration said it would slash his country’s 2.3 million soldiers by 300,000. This seems to entail cuts mainly in the number of noncombatants in the army, a task that can be made possible through a reorganization of the military districts. Budgetary resources to be accrued from this will likely be used for selected purposes of high priority, such as those tied to state-of-the-art weapons to be used by the three arms of the military.
習政権は先に、２３０万人の兵力を３０万人削減する計画を表明している。軍区改編に伴い陸軍の非戦闘員らを中心に減らし、その分の予算を海空軍の最新兵器などに重点投入するとみられる。
China is reportedly accelerating efforts to develop a next-generation stealth bomber and a new intercontinental ballistic missile while also building several domestically designed aircraft carriers.
中国は、次世代ステルス戦闘機や新型の大陸間弾道ミサイル（ＩＣＢＭ）の開発、複数の国産空母の建造を急いでいるとされる。
We believe Xi’s decision to unveil his military reform plan at this point in time signifies he was keenly aware of how relevant nations have acted in connection with China’s recent movements. For instance, the United States sent a warship to the South China Sea, and conducted patrol activities in waters near artificial islands reclaimed by China in the region. Japan too has been trying to restrain China.
この時期に軍改革を発表したのは、南シナ海の人工島付近で艦艇による巡視活動を行った米国や、中国を牽制けんせいする日本など関係国の動向を意識したのではないか。
China is also increasing the frequency of naval exercises in the Western Pacific, with a view to advancing into the so-called Second Island Chain, which extends from the Izu Islands to Guam. China’s maritime activities have also been noticeable in waters around the Senkaku Islands. The country’s undisguised provocative acts against the Japan-U.S. alliance will only add to tensions in the region.
伊豆諸島からグアムに至る「第２列島線」まで進出するため、西太平洋で海軍の訓練も増やしている。尖閣諸島周辺での活動も目立つ。日米同盟に露骨に対抗する動きは地域の緊張を招くだけだ。
However, it should be noted that even the U.S. forces required many years to achieve integrated military operation. Our nation’s Self-Defense Forces are still halfway there in pursuit of a similar goal. China’s neighboring countries need to closely watch whether Xi’s military reform drive will proceed as he calculated.
ただ、統合運用は米軍でさえ、実現に長年を費やした。自衛隊もまだ途上にある。周辺国は、中国軍の改革が習氏の計算通りに進むのか、注視する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 16, 2015)
2015年12月16日
パリ協定採択 世界全体で目標を達成しよう
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Close global cooperation needed to achieve Paris accord emissions targets
パリ協定採択 世界全体で目標を達成しよう
The agreement by all participating countries to work toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a significant step forward in dealing with global warming.
全ての国が温室効果ガスの排出削減に努める体制に合意できたのは、地球温暖化対策の重要な前進である。
The 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) ended in Paris on Saturday after adopting the Paris agreement, a framework designed to take effect in 2020.
パリで開かれていた国連気候変動枠組み条約の第２１回締約国会議（ＣＯＰ２１）が、２０２０年からの新たな枠組みとなる「パリ協定」を採択した。
The Kyoto Protocol adopted in 1997 called only on developed countries to carry out emissions cuts, but this time all parties are obliged to make efforts to curtail emissions in line with nationally determined goals. The new framework does not make it mandatory to achieve targets and is a loose structure, but calls for reexamining them every five years to make further efforts to cut emissions.
１９９７年採択の京都議定書では、先進国のみが削減義務を負ったが、今回は全締約国が自主目標を基に削減を図る。目標達成を義務づけない緩やかな枠組みとする一方で、各国は５年ごとに目標を見直し、一層の削減を進める。
The Paris agreement aims to hold the rise of the world’s average temperature to “well below 2 C above preindustrial levels.” It also mentioned a commitment to “below 1.5 C above preindustrial levels,” which was demanded by island countries, as a target for which efforts must be made. Both these goals will be hard to achieve.
平均気温の上昇は、産業革命前に比べて「２度を十分下回る」ことを目指す。温暖化の影響が大きい島嶼とうしょ国が求めた「１・５度未満」も努力目標として言及した。いずれも高いハードルだ。
The effectiveness of the agreement will be put to the test with regard to how each country can achieve its target and whether it can raise its target further.
各国が目標をどれだけ達成し、さらに引き上げられるか。パリ協定の実効性が問われる。
Endeavors by emerging countries are key to cutting global emissions as a whole. China and India, among other nations, argued that “our per capita energy consumption is small and we are developing countries.”
世界全体の排出量を減らすカギとなるのは、新興国の取り組みだ。中国やインドなどは「１人当たりのエネルギー消費は少なく、我々は途上国だ」と主張した。
The fact remains, however, that China and India are the world’s top and the third-largest emitters of greenhouse gases, respectively. To fulfill their responsibilities, the two countries must make greater efforts to curb emissions without limiting their efforts to nationally determined contributions.
だが、中印両国は既に世界１、３位の排出大国だ。相応の責任を果たすため、自主目標の達成にとどまらず、一層の削減に努力することが求められる。
Realistic choice
During the Paris conference, developing nations called on developed countries to increase their financial assistance and technological transfers, arguing that they “became rich as a result of consuming huge quantities of fossil fuels.”
会議で、途上国は「先進国が化石燃料を大量に消費して豊かになった」として、資金援助や技術移転の強化を求めた。
The agreement made it mandatory for developed nations to assist developing countries but did not put a monetary value on such assistance. Annual assistance of \100 billion in 2020 and onward was incorporated in a separate document of a nonbinding agreement. A realistic judgment by developing nations that placed priority on the conclusion of an agreement is laudable.
協定は、途上国支援を先進国の義務としたが、額の明示は見送った。年１０００億ドルの支援を２０年以降、上積みすることは、拘束力のない別の文書に盛り込まれた。合意を優先した途上国の現実的な判断は評価できる。
Using such assistance to carry out measures to fight global warming is important. It also is necessary to ensure transparency of this assistance and work out a system to verify its effectiveness.
大切なのは、支援を温暖化対策に確実につなげることだ。透明性を確保し、効果を検証できるシステムを構築する必要がある。
Japan proposed a “bilateral credit system” under which Japan would assist in the energy-saving measures of developing countries, with portions of emissions curbed calculated as its own. The scheme, adopted as part of the agreement, was the outcome of diplomatic efforts by Japanese officials.
日本は、途上国の省エネ策を支援し、削減された排出量の一部を自国分に算入できる「２国間クレジット制度」を提唱した。この制度が協定に採用されたのは、日本の外交努力の成果だ。
Japan has already agreed to apply the bilateral credit system to 16 countries, including Mongolia and Bangladesh. Assistance in the energy-saving efforts of developing countries has greater cost-effectiveness than measures taken domestically. The application of the system must be expanded positively.
日本は既に、モンゴル、バングラデシュなど１６か国と提携している。途上国の省エネ支援は、国内対策よりも費用対効果が大きい。積極的に拡大するべきだ。
Japan’s target is to reduce emissions by 26 percent in fiscal 2030 from the levels in fiscal 2013. Reliance on coal and other fossil fuels must be corrected. It is essential to promote the reactivation and new construction of nuclear power plants to lower the cost of renewable energy generation.
日本の削減目標は、３０年度に１３年度比で２６％減だ。石炭など化石燃料への依存を改めねばならない。原発の再稼働と新増設を進め、再生可能エネルギーの発電コストを下げることが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 15, 2015)
Close global cooperation needed to achieve Paris accord emissions targets
パリ協定採択 世界全体で目標を達成しよう
The agreement by all participating countries to work toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a significant step forward in dealing with global warming.
全ての国が温室効果ガスの排出削減に努める体制に合意できたのは、地球温暖化対策の重要な前進である。
The 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) ended in Paris on Saturday after adopting the Paris agreement, a framework designed to take effect in 2020.
パリで開かれていた国連気候変動枠組み条約の第２１回締約国会議（ＣＯＰ２１）が、２０２０年からの新たな枠組みとなる「パリ協定」を採択した。
The Kyoto Protocol adopted in 1997 called only on developed countries to carry out emissions cuts, but this time all parties are obliged to make efforts to curtail emissions in line with nationally determined goals. The new framework does not make it mandatory to achieve targets and is a loose structure, but calls for reexamining them every five years to make further efforts to cut emissions.
１９９７年採択の京都議定書では、先進国のみが削減義務を負ったが、今回は全締約国が自主目標を基に削減を図る。目標達成を義務づけない緩やかな枠組みとする一方で、各国は５年ごとに目標を見直し、一層の削減を進める。
The Paris agreement aims to hold the rise of the world’s average temperature to “well below 2 C above preindustrial levels.” It also mentioned a commitment to “below 1.5 C above preindustrial levels,” which was demanded by island countries, as a target for which efforts must be made. Both these goals will be hard to achieve.
平均気温の上昇は、産業革命前に比べて「２度を十分下回る」ことを目指す。温暖化の影響が大きい島嶼とうしょ国が求めた「１・５度未満」も努力目標として言及した。いずれも高いハードルだ。
The effectiveness of the agreement will be put to the test with regard to how each country can achieve its target and whether it can raise its target further.
各国が目標をどれだけ達成し、さらに引き上げられるか。パリ協定の実効性が問われる。
Endeavors by emerging countries are key to cutting global emissions as a whole. China and India, among other nations, argued that “our per capita energy consumption is small and we are developing countries.”
世界全体の排出量を減らすカギとなるのは、新興国の取り組みだ。中国やインドなどは「１人当たりのエネルギー消費は少なく、我々は途上国だ」と主張した。
The fact remains, however, that China and India are the world’s top and the third-largest emitters of greenhouse gases, respectively. To fulfill their responsibilities, the two countries must make greater efforts to curb emissions without limiting their efforts to nationally determined contributions.
だが、中印両国は既に世界１、３位の排出大国だ。相応の責任を果たすため、自主目標の達成にとどまらず、一層の削減に努力することが求められる。
Realistic choice
During the Paris conference, developing nations called on developed countries to increase their financial assistance and technological transfers, arguing that they “became rich as a result of consuming huge quantities of fossil fuels.”
会議で、途上国は「先進国が化石燃料を大量に消費して豊かになった」として、資金援助や技術移転の強化を求めた。
The agreement made it mandatory for developed nations to assist developing countries but did not put a monetary value on such assistance. Annual assistance of \100 billion in 2020 and onward was incorporated in a separate document of a nonbinding agreement. A realistic judgment by developing nations that placed priority on the conclusion of an agreement is laudable.
協定は、途上国支援を先進国の義務としたが、額の明示は見送った。年１０００億ドルの支援を２０年以降、上積みすることは、拘束力のない別の文書に盛り込まれた。合意を優先した途上国の現実的な判断は評価できる。
Using such assistance to carry out measures to fight global warming is important. It also is necessary to ensure transparency of this assistance and work out a system to verify its effectiveness.
大切なのは、支援を温暖化対策に確実につなげることだ。透明性を確保し、効果を検証できるシステムを構築する必要がある。
Japan proposed a “bilateral credit system” under which Japan would assist in the energy-saving measures of developing countries, with portions of emissions curbed calculated as its own. The scheme, adopted as part of the agreement, was the outcome of diplomatic efforts by Japanese officials.
日本は、途上国の省エネ策を支援し、削減された排出量の一部を自国分に算入できる「２国間クレジット制度」を提唱した。この制度が協定に採用されたのは、日本の外交努力の成果だ。
Japan has already agreed to apply the bilateral credit system to 16 countries, including Mongolia and Bangladesh. Assistance in the energy-saving efforts of developing countries has greater cost-effectiveness than measures taken domestically. The application of the system must be expanded positively.
日本は既に、モンゴル、バングラデシュなど１６か国と提携している。途上国の省エネ支援は、国内対策よりも費用対効果が大きい。積極的に拡大するべきだ。
Japan’s target is to reduce emissions by 26 percent in fiscal 2030 from the levels in fiscal 2013. Reliance on coal and other fossil fuels must be corrected. It is essential to promote the reactivation and new construction of nuclear power plants to lower the cost of renewable energy generation.
日本の削減目標は、３０年度に１３年度比で２６％減だ。石炭など化石燃料への依存を改めねばならない。原発の再稼働と新増設を進め、再生可能エネルギーの発電コストを下げることが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 15, 2015)