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2014年01月13日
核燃料サイクル 公正な審査で前に進めたい
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 11, 2014
Nuclear fuel recycling must be used to help supply nation with electricity
核燃料サイクル 公正な審査で前に進めたい（1月11日付・読売社説）
A plant to reprocess spent nuclear fuel and three related facilities in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, are of the utmost importance to Japan’s energy security. It is essential to advance works to check the safety of the facilities both scientifically and fairly.
日本のエネルギー安全保障上、極めて重要な施設である。科学的かつ公正に、安全確認の作業を進めねばならない。
Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. has filed for regulatory safety screenings of the Rokkasho facilities with the Nuclear Regulation Authority.
日本原燃が、使用済み核燃料の再処理工場（青森県六ヶ所村）と、関連する３施設について、安全審査を原子力規制委員会に申請した。
The spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant is the core facility in nuclear fuel recycling. It is a massive chemical plant that discomposes spent nuclear fuel and extracts uranium and plutonium to use as fuel.
再処理工場は、核燃料サイクルの中核となる施設である。使用済み核燃料を分解し、燃料として使えるウランやプルトニウムを取り出す巨大な化学プラントだ。
There is little equipment at the facilities that is subject to high temperatures and pressures. Therefore, the risk of an accident, in which the situation suddenly deteriorates during operations and large volumes of radioactive substances are emitted, is believed to be lower than that of nuclear power plants.
高温高圧になる設備はほとんどなく、運転中に事態が急激に悪化して放射能が大量放出される事故のリスクは原子力発電所よりも低い、と考えられている。
The facilities, on the other hand, could trigger tremendous damage in the event of major fires and other accidents, impairing their ability to contain massive volumes of the radioactive substances they store.
一方で、大量の放射性物質を貯蔵しているため、大規模火災などで放射能の封じ込め機能が損なわれると、被害は甚大になる。
It is essential for the NRA to conduct safety screening based on the characteristics of the Rokkasho facilities.
規制委は、こうした再処理工場の特性に十分留意して、安全審査に臨むことが肝要である。
Based on what happened in the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japan Nuclear Fuel strengthened anti-quake measures and now has a far bigger earthquake in its disaster scenario. It also plans to improve ventilation equipment at the facilities. It is hoped that the NRA, as a regulatory body, will closely examine if these facilities are sufficiently prepared for natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
原燃は東日本大震災を踏まえて地震対策を強化し、想定地震の規模を引き上げた。換気設備なども補強する。自然災害やテロへの備えは十分か。規制委として、しっかりと見極めてもらいたい。
Nuclear power is necessary
Nuclear power plants have a major role to play in the resource-scarce Japan. The country must utilize a certain portion of nuclear power to secure a stable supply of electricity.
エネルギー資源に乏しい日本にとって原発の役割は大きい。今後も一定程度を活用し、電力の安定供給を図らねばならない。
For this, recycling nuclear fuel is a meaningful policy. Rather than discarding spent nuclear fuel, recycling will lead to the effective use of uranium resources and reduce the volume of radioactive waste.
そのためにも、核燃料サイクルは有意義な政策である。使用済み核燃料を直接廃棄するより、ウラン資源の有効利用につながる。放射性廃棄物の量も減らせる。
Having begun research on nuclear fuel recycling in the 1960s, Japan has a good pool of technology it has developed. It is the only nonnuclear power that has been internationally sanctioned to use plutonium.
日本は１９６０年代から核燃料サイクルの研究を始め、技術の蓄積がある。国際的にも、核兵器を持たない国として唯一、プルトニウム利用を認められている。
Making light of these achievements, the previous administrations of the Democratic Party of Japan considered abolishing the Rokkasho plant, only to decide to allow its continuation in the face of opposition from the Aomori prefectural government and other parties, which had cooperated with the government’s goal of introducing nuclear fuel recycling.
こうした実績を軽んじ、民主党政権は、再処理工場の廃止を検討した。核燃料サイクル実現に協力してきた青森県などがこれに強く反発し、継続となった。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made it clear the government will go ahead with nuclear fuel recycling.
“Our nation has a high level of technology by international standards,” Abe said at a meeting of the House of Councillors’ Budget Committee in May last year. “We will tackle [nuclear fuel recycling] in cooperation with other nations.”
安倍首相は昨年５月に参院予算委員会で、「わが国は世界でも高い技術を有しており、世界各国と連携して取り組んでいく」と核燃料サイクルの活用を明言した。
The government should clearly define the nation’s nuclear power policies, including nuclear fuel recycling, in a basic energy program it plans to compile shortly and advance such policies accordingly.
政府は近くまとめるエネルギー基本計画に、核燃料サイクルを含む原子力政策を明確に位置づけ、着実に進める必要がある。
Unless a certain number of nuclear power reactors go into operation again, there will be no use for recycled fuel. And if the nation stores a considerable amount of plutonium that can be used for nuclear weapons, it could come under criticism from the international community.
一定数の原発が再稼働しないと、再処理で作った燃料の使い道はない。核兵器の材料にもなり得るプルトニウムをため込めば、国際的にも批判を浴びかねない。
The NRA, for its part, should accelerate its safety screening of nuclear power reactors, which are considerably lagging behind.
規制委は、大幅に遅れている原発の安全審査を加速すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 11, 2014)
（2014年1月11日01時39分 読売新聞）
Nuclear fuel recycling must be used to help supply nation with electricity
核燃料サイクル 公正な審査で前に進めたい（1月11日付・読売社説）
A plant to reprocess spent nuclear fuel and three related facilities in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, are of the utmost importance to Japan’s energy security. It is essential to advance works to check the safety of the facilities both scientifically and fairly.
日本のエネルギー安全保障上、極めて重要な施設である。科学的かつ公正に、安全確認の作業を進めねばならない。
Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. has filed for regulatory safety screenings of the Rokkasho facilities with the Nuclear Regulation Authority.
日本原燃が、使用済み核燃料の再処理工場（青森県六ヶ所村）と、関連する３施設について、安全審査を原子力規制委員会に申請した。
The spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant is the core facility in nuclear fuel recycling. It is a massive chemical plant that discomposes spent nuclear fuel and extracts uranium and plutonium to use as fuel.
再処理工場は、核燃料サイクルの中核となる施設である。使用済み核燃料を分解し、燃料として使えるウランやプルトニウムを取り出す巨大な化学プラントだ。
There is little equipment at the facilities that is subject to high temperatures and pressures. Therefore, the risk of an accident, in which the situation suddenly deteriorates during operations and large volumes of radioactive substances are emitted, is believed to be lower than that of nuclear power plants.
高温高圧になる設備はほとんどなく、運転中に事態が急激に悪化して放射能が大量放出される事故のリスクは原子力発電所よりも低い、と考えられている。
The facilities, on the other hand, could trigger tremendous damage in the event of major fires and other accidents, impairing their ability to contain massive volumes of the radioactive substances they store.
一方で、大量の放射性物質を貯蔵しているため、大規模火災などで放射能の封じ込め機能が損なわれると、被害は甚大になる。
It is essential for the NRA to conduct safety screening based on the characteristics of the Rokkasho facilities.
規制委は、こうした再処理工場の特性に十分留意して、安全審査に臨むことが肝要である。
Based on what happened in the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japan Nuclear Fuel strengthened anti-quake measures and now has a far bigger earthquake in its disaster scenario. It also plans to improve ventilation equipment at the facilities. It is hoped that the NRA, as a regulatory body, will closely examine if these facilities are sufficiently prepared for natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
原燃は東日本大震災を踏まえて地震対策を強化し、想定地震の規模を引き上げた。換気設備なども補強する。自然災害やテロへの備えは十分か。規制委として、しっかりと見極めてもらいたい。
Nuclear power is necessary
Nuclear power plants have a major role to play in the resource-scarce Japan. The country must utilize a certain portion of nuclear power to secure a stable supply of electricity.
エネルギー資源に乏しい日本にとって原発の役割は大きい。今後も一定程度を活用し、電力の安定供給を図らねばならない。
For this, recycling nuclear fuel is a meaningful policy. Rather than discarding spent nuclear fuel, recycling will lead to the effective use of uranium resources and reduce the volume of radioactive waste.
そのためにも、核燃料サイクルは有意義な政策である。使用済み核燃料を直接廃棄するより、ウラン資源の有効利用につながる。放射性廃棄物の量も減らせる。
Having begun research on nuclear fuel recycling in the 1960s, Japan has a good pool of technology it has developed. It is the only nonnuclear power that has been internationally sanctioned to use plutonium.
日本は１９６０年代から核燃料サイクルの研究を始め、技術の蓄積がある。国際的にも、核兵器を持たない国として唯一、プルトニウム利用を認められている。
Making light of these achievements, the previous administrations of the Democratic Party of Japan considered abolishing the Rokkasho plant, only to decide to allow its continuation in the face of opposition from the Aomori prefectural government and other parties, which had cooperated with the government’s goal of introducing nuclear fuel recycling.
こうした実績を軽んじ、民主党政権は、再処理工場の廃止を検討した。核燃料サイクル実現に協力してきた青森県などがこれに強く反発し、継続となった。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made it clear the government will go ahead with nuclear fuel recycling.
“Our nation has a high level of technology by international standards,” Abe said at a meeting of the House of Councillors’ Budget Committee in May last year. “We will tackle [nuclear fuel recycling] in cooperation with other nations.”
安倍首相は昨年５月に参院予算委員会で、「わが国は世界でも高い技術を有しており、世界各国と連携して取り組んでいく」と核燃料サイクルの活用を明言した。
The government should clearly define the nation’s nuclear power policies, including nuclear fuel recycling, in a basic energy program it plans to compile shortly and advance such policies accordingly.
政府は近くまとめるエネルギー基本計画に、核燃料サイクルを含む原子力政策を明確に位置づけ、着実に進める必要がある。
Unless a certain number of nuclear power reactors go into operation again, there will be no use for recycled fuel. And if the nation stores a considerable amount of plutonium that can be used for nuclear weapons, it could come under criticism from the international community.
一定数の原発が再稼働しないと、再処理で作った燃料の使い道はない。核兵器の材料にもなり得るプルトニウムをため込めば、国際的にも批判を浴びかねない。
The NRA, for its part, should accelerate its safety screening of nuclear power reactors, which are considerably lagging behind.
規制委は、大幅に遅れている原発の安全審査を加速すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 11, 2014)
（2014年1月11日01時39分 読売新聞）
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2014年01月12日
米オバマ外交 問われる超大国の積極的関与
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 9, 2014
U.S. engagement essential for bringing peace, stability to global hot spots
米オバマ外交 問われる超大国の積極的関与（1月9日付・読売社説）
◆「アジア重視」具体化が課題だ
Stability in the international order is facing challenges in various regions, such as the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. To maintain peace and stability, a policy of forward engagement in these regions by the United States, the only superpower, is still essential.
アジア太平洋地域や中東などで、国際秩序の流動化が進んでいる。平和と安定を維持するには、依然、唯一の超大国である米国による各地域への積極的な関与が欠かせない。
However, U.S. President Barack Obama’s plan to focus more on Asia—a strategic pivot of U.S. diplomacy and security policy more toward the Asia-Pacific region—has moved by fits and starts while the Obama administration is preoccupied with handling Middle East affairs.
しかし、外交・安全保障政策の軸足をアジア太平洋に移すというオバマ米大統領の「アジア重視」路線は、中東政策に足を取られ、順調に進んでいない。
With his weak domestic political foundation, can Obama reshape his foreign policy? Various difficult issues await him ahead of his trip to several Asian countries scheduled for April.
国内の政治基盤が弱いオバマ氏が、外交を立て直せるか。４月に予定されるアジア歴訪に向け、難題が待ち構えている。
Stumbling in Syria policy
◆シリア政策でつまずく
The Obama administration’s diplomatic limbo is epitomized by his Syria policy.
オバマ外交の迷走ぶりを露呈したのが、シリア政策だ。
The civil war in Syria has killed at least 100,000 people. Last summer, Obama announced a plan to launch a military strike against Syria, on the grounds that the administration of President Bashar Assad had used chemical weapons. At the same time, he took the extremely unusual step of asking Congress to approve the military strike. His decision to have Congress share the burden of launching an attack on Syria gave his presidential prestige a black eye.
１０万人もの死者を出しているシリア内戦を巡り、オバマ氏は昨夏、アサド政権が化学兵器を使用したとして武力攻撃を表明した。同時に、攻撃の承認を議会に求めたのは極めて異例な措置だ。議会に攻撃の責任分担を促したことは大統領の威信低下にもつながった。
However, the U.S. pressure did produce a result. Before Congress was to vote on a resolution to approve the military attack, the Assad administration announced it would abandon its chemical weapons arsenal. The military strike was averted, and Assad was allowed to stay in power.
米国の圧力が奏功した面もあり、議会が決議を行う前に、アサド政権は化学兵器の放棄に同意した。攻撃には至らず、政権の存続は容認された。
Neighboring countries of Syria that oppose the Assad administration, and antigovernment forces in Syria upbraided Obama over this “change of heart,” feeding distrust of the Obama administration. Obama himself probably thinks he made a miscalculation on this issue.
アサド政権に反発する周辺諸国や国内の反政府勢力は、オバマ氏の態度を「変心」と見なし、不信感を募らせた。オバマ氏にも誤算だったのではないか。
On the issue of Iran’s nuclear program, Obama took the bold step of holding direct dialogue with new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The United States has since started negotiations with Iran, together with several other countries concerned, on the Iran nuclear issue. However, the future direction of these negotiations remains unclear because strong opposition to them remains within the U.S. Congress.
イランの核問題では、オバマ氏はイラン大統領との直接対話に踏み切り、米国は関係国と共にイランとの核交渉を開始した。だが、米議会内に反対論が強く、交渉の行方は不透明になっている。
Most of the U.S. troops dispatched to Afghanistan are scheduled to withdraw from that country by the end of this year. As U.S. forces have already pulled out of Iraq, the United States is expected to put a tentative end to its war on terrorism, which has lasted for more than a decade since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.
アフガニスタンに派遣されている米軍は、今年末をめどに大部分が撤収する。イラクの米軍は撤収済みであり、２００１年の米同時テロ以来、十数年にわたる「テロとの戦い」には、一応の終止符が打たれる見通しだ。
War fatigue in U.S. society has generated a tendency among the public to dislike U.S. intervention and engagement in other countries’ affairs. This tendency to focus on domestic issues has also negatively affected Obama’s foreign policy.
米社会では「戦争疲れ」のため、他国への介入や関与を嫌う傾向が顕著になっている。この米国民の「内向き志向」もオバマ外交に影を落としている。
Democrats vs Republicans
◆党派対立が懸念される
Obama is being forced to pay careful consideration to Congress, since his administration cannot make policy decisions as it would like because the ruling Democratic Party maintains a majority in the Senate but the Republican Party controls the House of Representatives.
オバマ氏が議会への目配りを強いられるのは、与党の民主党が上院では過半数を維持するものの、下院は共和党に支配され、思うように政策決定できないからだ。
The Republican Party has continuously been on the offensive against the administration. Last year, the party thoroughly blocked the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, dubbed Obamacare, which Obama put into effect during his first term in office, resisting it even to the point of causing a partial shutdown of government functions in October.
共和党は、政府に攻勢をかけ続けている。昨年は、大統領が１期目に成立させた医療保険改革（オバマケア）の実施を徹底的に妨害し、１０月には政府機関の一部停止まで引き起こした。
Obama’s public approval rating briefly fell below 40 percent, his lowest ever.
オバマ氏の支持率は一時、４０％を切り、過去最低となった。
With a congressional midterm election set for November, it is certain that the Republicans will intensify their confrontational stance even further. Congressional management will be made more difficult for Obama. One cause for concern is that Obama’s diplomatic courses of action may be narrowed down.
今年１１月には、議会の中間選挙を控えており、共和党がより対決色を強めるのは確実だ。オバマ氏の議会運営は厳しいものとなろう。外交の選択肢が狭められることが懸念される。
Yet tension is only escalating in the Asia-Pacific region as China attempts to change the status quo by force. The situation in North Korea is also becoming ever more uncertain. We hope Obama will seriously tackle his diplomatic policy with emphasis placed on Asia.
だが、アジア太平洋では、中国が力による現状変更を試み、地域の緊張は高まる一方だ。北朝鮮情勢も不透明感を増している。オバマ氏にはアジア重視路線に本腰を入れて取り組んでもらいたい。
U.S. engagement essential for bringing peace, stability to global hot spots
米オバマ外交 問われる超大国の積極的関与（1月9日付・読売社説）
◆「アジア重視」具体化が課題だ
Stability in the international order is facing challenges in various regions, such as the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. To maintain peace and stability, a policy of forward engagement in these regions by the United States, the only superpower, is still essential.
アジア太平洋地域や中東などで、国際秩序の流動化が進んでいる。平和と安定を維持するには、依然、唯一の超大国である米国による各地域への積極的な関与が欠かせない。
However, U.S. President Barack Obama’s plan to focus more on Asia—a strategic pivot of U.S. diplomacy and security policy more toward the Asia-Pacific region—has moved by fits and starts while the Obama administration is preoccupied with handling Middle East affairs.
しかし、外交・安全保障政策の軸足をアジア太平洋に移すというオバマ米大統領の「アジア重視」路線は、中東政策に足を取られ、順調に進んでいない。
With his weak domestic political foundation, can Obama reshape his foreign policy? Various difficult issues await him ahead of his trip to several Asian countries scheduled for April.
国内の政治基盤が弱いオバマ氏が、外交を立て直せるか。４月に予定されるアジア歴訪に向け、難題が待ち構えている。
Stumbling in Syria policy
◆シリア政策でつまずく
The Obama administration’s diplomatic limbo is epitomized by his Syria policy.
オバマ外交の迷走ぶりを露呈したのが、シリア政策だ。
The civil war in Syria has killed at least 100,000 people. Last summer, Obama announced a plan to launch a military strike against Syria, on the grounds that the administration of President Bashar Assad had used chemical weapons. At the same time, he took the extremely unusual step of asking Congress to approve the military strike. His decision to have Congress share the burden of launching an attack on Syria gave his presidential prestige a black eye.
１０万人もの死者を出しているシリア内戦を巡り、オバマ氏は昨夏、アサド政権が化学兵器を使用したとして武力攻撃を表明した。同時に、攻撃の承認を議会に求めたのは極めて異例な措置だ。議会に攻撃の責任分担を促したことは大統領の威信低下にもつながった。
However, the U.S. pressure did produce a result. Before Congress was to vote on a resolution to approve the military attack, the Assad administration announced it would abandon its chemical weapons arsenal. The military strike was averted, and Assad was allowed to stay in power.
米国の圧力が奏功した面もあり、議会が決議を行う前に、アサド政権は化学兵器の放棄に同意した。攻撃には至らず、政権の存続は容認された。
Neighboring countries of Syria that oppose the Assad administration, and antigovernment forces in Syria upbraided Obama over this “change of heart,” feeding distrust of the Obama administration. Obama himself probably thinks he made a miscalculation on this issue.
アサド政権に反発する周辺諸国や国内の反政府勢力は、オバマ氏の態度を「変心」と見なし、不信感を募らせた。オバマ氏にも誤算だったのではないか。
On the issue of Iran’s nuclear program, Obama took the bold step of holding direct dialogue with new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The United States has since started negotiations with Iran, together with several other countries concerned, on the Iran nuclear issue. However, the future direction of these negotiations remains unclear because strong opposition to them remains within the U.S. Congress.
イランの核問題では、オバマ氏はイラン大統領との直接対話に踏み切り、米国は関係国と共にイランとの核交渉を開始した。だが、米議会内に反対論が強く、交渉の行方は不透明になっている。
Most of the U.S. troops dispatched to Afghanistan are scheduled to withdraw from that country by the end of this year. As U.S. forces have already pulled out of Iraq, the United States is expected to put a tentative end to its war on terrorism, which has lasted for more than a decade since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.
アフガニスタンに派遣されている米軍は、今年末をめどに大部分が撤収する。イラクの米軍は撤収済みであり、２００１年の米同時テロ以来、十数年にわたる「テロとの戦い」には、一応の終止符が打たれる見通しだ。
War fatigue in U.S. society has generated a tendency among the public to dislike U.S. intervention and engagement in other countries’ affairs. This tendency to focus on domestic issues has also negatively affected Obama’s foreign policy.
米社会では「戦争疲れ」のため、他国への介入や関与を嫌う傾向が顕著になっている。この米国民の「内向き志向」もオバマ外交に影を落としている。
Democrats vs Republicans
◆党派対立が懸念される
Obama is being forced to pay careful consideration to Congress, since his administration cannot make policy decisions as it would like because the ruling Democratic Party maintains a majority in the Senate but the Republican Party controls the House of Representatives.
オバマ氏が議会への目配りを強いられるのは、与党の民主党が上院では過半数を維持するものの、下院は共和党に支配され、思うように政策決定できないからだ。
The Republican Party has continuously been on the offensive against the administration. Last year, the party thoroughly blocked the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, dubbed Obamacare, which Obama put into effect during his first term in office, resisting it even to the point of causing a partial shutdown of government functions in October.
共和党は、政府に攻勢をかけ続けている。昨年は、大統領が１期目に成立させた医療保険改革（オバマケア）の実施を徹底的に妨害し、１０月には政府機関の一部停止まで引き起こした。
Obama’s public approval rating briefly fell below 40 percent, his lowest ever.
オバマ氏の支持率は一時、４０％を切り、過去最低となった。
With a congressional midterm election set for November, it is certain that the Republicans will intensify their confrontational stance even further. Congressional management will be made more difficult for Obama. One cause for concern is that Obama’s diplomatic courses of action may be narrowed down.
今年１１月には、議会の中間選挙を控えており、共和党がより対決色を強めるのは確実だ。オバマ氏の議会運営は厳しいものとなろう。外交の選択肢が狭められることが懸念される。
Yet tension is only escalating in the Asia-Pacific region as China attempts to change the status quo by force. The situation in North Korea is also becoming ever more uncertain. We hope Obama will seriously tackle his diplomatic policy with emphasis placed on Asia.
だが、アジア太平洋では、中国が力による現状変更を試み、地域の緊張は高まる一方だ。北朝鮮情勢も不透明感を増している。オバマ氏にはアジア重視路線に本腰を入れて取り組んでもらいたい。
2014年01月10日
社会保障改革 消費増税を制度安定の契機に
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 8, 2014
Editorial / Consumption tax hike must support stable social security
社会保障改革 消費増税を制度安定の契機に（1月8日付・読売社説）
◆医療・介護費の抑制は不可避だ
In April, Japan’s consumption tax rate will be raised from 5 percent to 8 percent. The tax hike is placed as the main pillar of the nation’s integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, and the increase in tax revenues will be used exclusively for social security purposes.
社会保障と税の一体改革の柱として、４月に消費税率が５％から８％に引き上げられる。増税分は全額、社会保障に充てられる。
We believe this is an opportunity to make 2014 the starting point to achieve the goal of building stable social security systems.
今年を安定した社会保障制度の実現に向けた出発点としたい。
The rapid graying of society and the decrease in the working population have made our social security systems fragile.
急速な高齢化と働く世代の減少により、日本の社会保障制度は揺らいでいる。
About a half century ago, about 10 working-age people supported each elderly person through our social security model. Now, just 2.4 working-age people shoulder the cost of supporting one elderly person. The scale of the human pyramid is expected to narrow even further by around 2050—when each elderly person will have to ride on the shoulders of one working-age person.
約５０年前には、１０人の現役世代が１人の高齢者を支えていた。だが、今は２・４人で１人の「騎馬戦型」だ。２０５０年頃には、現役世代１人が１人の高齢者を支える「肩車型」社会が到来する。
Don’t let our children pay
◆次代につけを回すな
The nation is highly dependent on debt, chiefly government bonds, to cover the ballooning cost of pensions, medical care and nursing care. This has become the main source of the government’s deteriorating fiscal condition. We should no longer neglect the problem by simply passing down the current burden to future generations.
増え続ける年金、医療、介護費用の財源は、国債など借金に大きく依存し、国の財政悪化を加速させる主因になっている。将来の世代への負担のつけ回しをこれ以上、放置できない。
The consumption tax hike will enable the government—at least for a while—to finance social security costs such as basic public pensions. It will increase the sustainability of our social security systems, a step toward the goal of achieving the systems’ long-term stability.
消費増税によって、基礎年金などの財源をひとまず確保できる。社会保障制度の持続可能性が高まることは一歩前進である。
The increase in consumption tax revenues will also be used in building a system in which medical care and nursing care services join hands in supporting the lives of elderly people who choose to continue living at home. The money will also be used to reduce national health insurance premiums.
増税分は、在宅の高齢者を支える医療と介護の連携体制の構築や、国民健康保険の保険料軽減などにも充てられる。
The government’s social security reform measures will be implemented under the assumption that the consumption tax rate will be further be raised to 10 percent in October 2015. It will be an important task for the government to steadily realize the second hike to solidify our social security systems. To do so, the government needs to carefully scrutinize how the nation’s economy reacts after the April hike.
一連の改革は、２０１５年１０月に予定される消費税率１０％への引き上げが前提となっている。社会保障制度を強固にするには、景気の動向を見極め、税率８％からの再引き上げを着実に実施することが課題となる。
However, it is impossible to fully cover ballooning social security costs through consumption tax hikes, even after the second hike goes into effect.
ただ、消費税率を１０％に引き上げても、増大する社会保障費のすべてを賄うことはできない。
To realize the goal of achieving stable social security systems and putting the nation’s finances on a healthy footing, we cannot afford to put off trimming spending in the three fields of medical care, elderly care and pensions.
安定した社会保障制度を実現し、財政健全化を図るには、医療、介護、年金の給付費抑制は待ったなしである。
The surge in medical care costs in particular is causing a headache. The government has decided to, in effect, decrease medical treatment fees paid from the national health insurance system to medical institutions for fiscal 2014, and we believe this judgment was appropriate.
特に問題なのは、医療費の急増だ。政府が来年度の診療報酬の改定で実質的な引き下げを決めたのは適切な措置と言える。
It is also essential to improve efficiency and cut waste in medical services.
医療を効率化し、無駄を省くことも欠かせない。
Currently, many elderly patients who have several diseases receive treatment at multiple medical institutions. As a result, the patients undergo unnecessary medical examinations and are administered drugs they do not need.
複数の病気を持つ多くの高齢者が、いくつもの医療機関にかかり、検査や投薬を重複して受けている。
Not only is this is a waste of medical resources paid for by the government, but a considerable number of patients end up suffering from side effects of drugs excessively prescribed to them.
医療費の無駄遣いであるばかりでなく、薬の副作用により、かえって体調を悪化させているケースも少なくない。
Health insurance societies and other organizations that provide health insurance services should encourage subscribers not to seek unnecessary medical consultations. The medical expense statements of patients should be thoroughly examined, a possibility since record-keeping has improved through the use of computers.
健康保険組合などの保険者は、電子化が進むレセプト（診療報酬明細書）の点検を徹底し、患者に重複受診の是正を促すべきだ。
In carrying out this plan, it will be advisable to take advantage of the “my number” system that will go into effect in 2016. The system will enable government offices in charge of three types of administrative duties and services—taxation, social security and disaster response—to manage the personal information of all individuals through 12-digit numbers.
１６年に創設される共通番号制度（マイナンバー）も活用したい。
After it goes into force, the system will for some time be used to carry out procedures for tax and social security benefit payments. If the scope of its use is expanded to include records of medical services received by individuals, it would do much to prevent them from seeking needless treatment and medication.
当面は納税や社会保障給付の手続きに使われるが、診療情報に利用範囲を拡大すれば、重複受診・投薬の防止に役立とう。
To relax the financial burdens shouldered by corporate and other workers, it also will be inevitable to require well-off elderly people to share burdens commensurate with their financial means in receiving medical services.
現役世代の負担を軽減するため、経済力のある高齢者に相応の負担を求めることも不可避だ。
Editorial / Consumption tax hike must support stable social security
社会保障改革 消費増税を制度安定の契機に（1月8日付・読売社説）
◆医療・介護費の抑制は不可避だ
In April, Japan’s consumption tax rate will be raised from 5 percent to 8 percent. The tax hike is placed as the main pillar of the nation’s integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, and the increase in tax revenues will be used exclusively for social security purposes.
社会保障と税の一体改革の柱として、４月に消費税率が５％から８％に引き上げられる。増税分は全額、社会保障に充てられる。
We believe this is an opportunity to make 2014 the starting point to achieve the goal of building stable social security systems.
今年を安定した社会保障制度の実現に向けた出発点としたい。
The rapid graying of society and the decrease in the working population have made our social security systems fragile.
急速な高齢化と働く世代の減少により、日本の社会保障制度は揺らいでいる。
About a half century ago, about 10 working-age people supported each elderly person through our social security model. Now, just 2.4 working-age people shoulder the cost of supporting one elderly person. The scale of the human pyramid is expected to narrow even further by around 2050—when each elderly person will have to ride on the shoulders of one working-age person.
約５０年前には、１０人の現役世代が１人の高齢者を支えていた。だが、今は２・４人で１人の「騎馬戦型」だ。２０５０年頃には、現役世代１人が１人の高齢者を支える「肩車型」社会が到来する。
Don’t let our children pay
◆次代につけを回すな
The nation is highly dependent on debt, chiefly government bonds, to cover the ballooning cost of pensions, medical care and nursing care. This has become the main source of the government’s deteriorating fiscal condition. We should no longer neglect the problem by simply passing down the current burden to future generations.
増え続ける年金、医療、介護費用の財源は、国債など借金に大きく依存し、国の財政悪化を加速させる主因になっている。将来の世代への負担のつけ回しをこれ以上、放置できない。
The consumption tax hike will enable the government—at least for a while—to finance social security costs such as basic public pensions. It will increase the sustainability of our social security systems, a step toward the goal of achieving the systems’ long-term stability.
消費増税によって、基礎年金などの財源をひとまず確保できる。社会保障制度の持続可能性が高まることは一歩前進である。
The increase in consumption tax revenues will also be used in building a system in which medical care and nursing care services join hands in supporting the lives of elderly people who choose to continue living at home. The money will also be used to reduce national health insurance premiums.
増税分は、在宅の高齢者を支える医療と介護の連携体制の構築や、国民健康保険の保険料軽減などにも充てられる。
The government’s social security reform measures will be implemented under the assumption that the consumption tax rate will be further be raised to 10 percent in October 2015. It will be an important task for the government to steadily realize the second hike to solidify our social security systems. To do so, the government needs to carefully scrutinize how the nation’s economy reacts after the April hike.
一連の改革は、２０１５年１０月に予定される消費税率１０％への引き上げが前提となっている。社会保障制度を強固にするには、景気の動向を見極め、税率８％からの再引き上げを着実に実施することが課題となる。
However, it is impossible to fully cover ballooning social security costs through consumption tax hikes, even after the second hike goes into effect.
ただ、消費税率を１０％に引き上げても、増大する社会保障費のすべてを賄うことはできない。
To realize the goal of achieving stable social security systems and putting the nation’s finances on a healthy footing, we cannot afford to put off trimming spending in the three fields of medical care, elderly care and pensions.
安定した社会保障制度を実現し、財政健全化を図るには、医療、介護、年金の給付費抑制は待ったなしである。
The surge in medical care costs in particular is causing a headache. The government has decided to, in effect, decrease medical treatment fees paid from the national health insurance system to medical institutions for fiscal 2014, and we believe this judgment was appropriate.
特に問題なのは、医療費の急増だ。政府が来年度の診療報酬の改定で実質的な引き下げを決めたのは適切な措置と言える。
It is also essential to improve efficiency and cut waste in medical services.
医療を効率化し、無駄を省くことも欠かせない。
Currently, many elderly patients who have several diseases receive treatment at multiple medical institutions. As a result, the patients undergo unnecessary medical examinations and are administered drugs they do not need.
複数の病気を持つ多くの高齢者が、いくつもの医療機関にかかり、検査や投薬を重複して受けている。
Not only is this is a waste of medical resources paid for by the government, but a considerable number of patients end up suffering from side effects of drugs excessively prescribed to them.
医療費の無駄遣いであるばかりでなく、薬の副作用により、かえって体調を悪化させているケースも少なくない。
Health insurance societies and other organizations that provide health insurance services should encourage subscribers not to seek unnecessary medical consultations. The medical expense statements of patients should be thoroughly examined, a possibility since record-keeping has improved through the use of computers.
健康保険組合などの保険者は、電子化が進むレセプト（診療報酬明細書）の点検を徹底し、患者に重複受診の是正を促すべきだ。
In carrying out this plan, it will be advisable to take advantage of the “my number” system that will go into effect in 2016. The system will enable government offices in charge of three types of administrative duties and services—taxation, social security and disaster response—to manage the personal information of all individuals through 12-digit numbers.
１６年に創設される共通番号制度（マイナンバー）も活用したい。
After it goes into force, the system will for some time be used to carry out procedures for tax and social security benefit payments. If the scope of its use is expanded to include records of medical services received by individuals, it would do much to prevent them from seeking needless treatment and medication.
当面は納税や社会保障給付の手続きに使われるが、診療情報に利用範囲を拡大すれば、重複受診・投薬の防止に役立とう。
To relax the financial burdens shouldered by corporate and other workers, it also will be inevitable to require well-off elderly people to share burdens commensurate with their financial means in receiving medical services.
現役世代の負担を軽減するため、経済力のある高齢者に相応の負担を求めることも不可避だ。
2014年01月09日
ロシア連続テロ ソチ五輪の安全確保が急務だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 7, 2014
Ensuring security for Sochi Games essential in light of recent bombings
ロシア連続テロ ソチ五輪の安全確保が急務だ（1月7日付・読売社説）
The Russian government is urged to absolutely ensure the security of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games, which are set to open in one month.
ロシア政府は、開幕が１か月後に迫ったソチ冬季五輪の安全確保に万全を期してもらいたい。
Late last month, suicide bombings that targeted a railway station and a trolleybus occurred two days in a row, killing more than 30 people, in Volgograd, a major city about 700 kilometers northeast of Sochi on the Black Sea coast.
黒海沿岸のソチから北東約７００キロに位置する大都市ボルゴグラードで先月末、鉄道駅やトロリーバスを狙った自爆テロが２日連続で発生し、計３０人以上が死亡した。
In the Dagestan Republic in the North Caucasus region, adjacent to Sochi, terrorist attacks have occurred one after another, killing several people.
ソチに隣接する北カフカス地方にあるダゲスタン共和国でもテロが相次ぎ、数人の死者が出た。
The recent series of indiscriminate terrorist attacks are believed to be the acts of Islamic extremists and may have been committed by an armed group, which has announced its intention to obstruct the Sochi Games through terror attacks, while calling for the independence of the North Caucasus, which has a large population of Muslims, and the establishment of an Islamic state there.
一連の無差別テロは、イスラム過激派の犯行とみられている。中でも、イスラム教徒が多い北カフカスの独立とイスラム国家樹立を主張して、テロによるソチ五輪妨害を表明した武装組織が関与した可能性が指摘されている。
This is a worrisome situation. Whatever purposes these attacks may have, terrorism must not be tolerated.
憂慮すべき事態である。犯行目的が何であれ、テロは決して許されない。
Yet there is no denying that the high-handed political stance of Russian President Vladimir Putin has exacerbated the opposition among Muslims, as he has repressed minorities, media and political forces that do not agree with his administration.
ただ、プーチン露大統領の強権的な政治姿勢が、イスラム教徒らの反発を増幅させている側面も否定できない。政権の意に沿わない少数派やメディア、政治勢力を力で抑圧してきたからだ。
It is deemed inevitable the leaders of such countries as the United States, Germany and France have decided not to attend the opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympics, on the grounds of human-rights issues in Russia.
米独仏などの首脳が、人権問題を理由に、ソチ五輪開会式への出席を見送ることにしたのは、やむを得ないのではないか。
At least for now, it is a matter of urgency to prevent terrorist attacks at the Winter Games, where athletes, senior officials of foreign governments and spectators will gather from around the world.
当面は、世界中のアスリートや政府要人、観客らが集う五輪をテロから守ることが急務である。
Areas in and around Sochi have already been put under tight security, with the police and military forces mobilized. But even tighter security is needed.
ソチ周辺では既に、警察や軍による厳戒態勢が敷かれているが、一層の警戒が必要だ。
Other targets possible
Other cities and areas, such as Moscow, may also become a target of terrorism. We hope the Russian government will be on alert against terrorism nationwide.
モスクワなど他の地域が狙われる可能性もある。ロシア全土でテロ対策を強化してほしい。
Following the deadly attacks in Volgograd, Putin said, “We'll fiercely and consistently continue the fight against terrorists until their complete annihilation.” He may also intend to show regional stability both at home and abroad by hosting a successful Winter Games, set to be held near the unstable region of the North Caucasus.
プーチン氏はテロ発生後、「テロリストを完全に壊滅させるまで徹底した戦いを続ける」と述べた。不安定な北カフカス近くで五輪を成功させ、地域の安定を内外に誇示する意図もあるようだ。
The Russian authorities have said that last year they killed 260 members of extremist groups in the North Caucasus region and elsewhere. It is certain that they will continue to vigorously carry out cleanup operations.
ロシア当局は昨年、北カフカスなどで過激派２６０人を殺害したと発表した。さらに激しいテロ掃討作戦が行われるのは確実だ。
Yet it is difficult for force alone to end terrorism and solve the fundamental problem.
だが、武力だけでテロを終息させることは難しく、根本的な問題解決にはつながるまい。
The Putin administration has used force to bring an armed Islamic force under control in Chechnya in the same region. However, rebels who escaped the offensives by Russian forces have continued to operate in Dagestan and elsewhere.
プーチン政権は、北カフカスにあるチェチェン共和国のイスラム武装勢力を軍事力で制圧した。その際、攻撃を逃れた残党がダゲスタンなどで活動を続けている。
To bring about lasting regional stability, it is essential to help enhance the poverty-stricken people’s livelihood in the region so as to keep the area from becoming a hotbed of terrorism.
地域の長期的安定には、貧しい北カフカスの住民生活を向上させ、テロの温床にならないようにすることが肝要である。
In Sochi, a Group of Eight summit meeting will also be held in June. It can be said the credibility of the Putin administration is at stake over its ability to maintain public peace.
ソチでは今年６月、主要８か国（Ｇ８）首脳会議も開かれる。治安の維持に、プーチン政権の威信がかかっていると言えよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 7, 2014)
（2014年1月7日01時32分 読売新聞）
Ensuring security for Sochi Games essential in light of recent bombings
ロシア連続テロ ソチ五輪の安全確保が急務だ（1月7日付・読売社説）
The Russian government is urged to absolutely ensure the security of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games, which are set to open in one month.
ロシア政府は、開幕が１か月後に迫ったソチ冬季五輪の安全確保に万全を期してもらいたい。
Late last month, suicide bombings that targeted a railway station and a trolleybus occurred two days in a row, killing more than 30 people, in Volgograd, a major city about 700 kilometers northeast of Sochi on the Black Sea coast.
黒海沿岸のソチから北東約７００キロに位置する大都市ボルゴグラードで先月末、鉄道駅やトロリーバスを狙った自爆テロが２日連続で発生し、計３０人以上が死亡した。
In the Dagestan Republic in the North Caucasus region, adjacent to Sochi, terrorist attacks have occurred one after another, killing several people.
ソチに隣接する北カフカス地方にあるダゲスタン共和国でもテロが相次ぎ、数人の死者が出た。
The recent series of indiscriminate terrorist attacks are believed to be the acts of Islamic extremists and may have been committed by an armed group, which has announced its intention to obstruct the Sochi Games through terror attacks, while calling for the independence of the North Caucasus, which has a large population of Muslims, and the establishment of an Islamic state there.
一連の無差別テロは、イスラム過激派の犯行とみられている。中でも、イスラム教徒が多い北カフカスの独立とイスラム国家樹立を主張して、テロによるソチ五輪妨害を表明した武装組織が関与した可能性が指摘されている。
This is a worrisome situation. Whatever purposes these attacks may have, terrorism must not be tolerated.
憂慮すべき事態である。犯行目的が何であれ、テロは決して許されない。
Yet there is no denying that the high-handed political stance of Russian President Vladimir Putin has exacerbated the opposition among Muslims, as he has repressed minorities, media and political forces that do not agree with his administration.
ただ、プーチン露大統領の強権的な政治姿勢が、イスラム教徒らの反発を増幅させている側面も否定できない。政権の意に沿わない少数派やメディア、政治勢力を力で抑圧してきたからだ。
It is deemed inevitable the leaders of such countries as the United States, Germany and France have decided not to attend the opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympics, on the grounds of human-rights issues in Russia.
米独仏などの首脳が、人権問題を理由に、ソチ五輪開会式への出席を見送ることにしたのは、やむを得ないのではないか。
At least for now, it is a matter of urgency to prevent terrorist attacks at the Winter Games, where athletes, senior officials of foreign governments and spectators will gather from around the world.
当面は、世界中のアスリートや政府要人、観客らが集う五輪をテロから守ることが急務である。
Areas in and around Sochi have already been put under tight security, with the police and military forces mobilized. But even tighter security is needed.
ソチ周辺では既に、警察や軍による厳戒態勢が敷かれているが、一層の警戒が必要だ。
Other targets possible
Other cities and areas, such as Moscow, may also become a target of terrorism. We hope the Russian government will be on alert against terrorism nationwide.
モスクワなど他の地域が狙われる可能性もある。ロシア全土でテロ対策を強化してほしい。
Following the deadly attacks in Volgograd, Putin said, “We'll fiercely and consistently continue the fight against terrorists until their complete annihilation.” He may also intend to show regional stability both at home and abroad by hosting a successful Winter Games, set to be held near the unstable region of the North Caucasus.
プーチン氏はテロ発生後、「テロリストを完全に壊滅させるまで徹底した戦いを続ける」と述べた。不安定な北カフカス近くで五輪を成功させ、地域の安定を内外に誇示する意図もあるようだ。
The Russian authorities have said that last year they killed 260 members of extremist groups in the North Caucasus region and elsewhere. It is certain that they will continue to vigorously carry out cleanup operations.
ロシア当局は昨年、北カフカスなどで過激派２６０人を殺害したと発表した。さらに激しいテロ掃討作戦が行われるのは確実だ。
Yet it is difficult for force alone to end terrorism and solve the fundamental problem.
だが、武力だけでテロを終息させることは難しく、根本的な問題解決にはつながるまい。
The Putin administration has used force to bring an armed Islamic force under control in Chechnya in the same region. However, rebels who escaped the offensives by Russian forces have continued to operate in Dagestan and elsewhere.
プーチン政権は、北カフカスにあるチェチェン共和国のイスラム武装勢力を軍事力で制圧した。その際、攻撃を逃れた残党がダゲスタンなどで活動を続けている。
To bring about lasting regional stability, it is essential to help enhance the poverty-stricken people’s livelihood in the region so as to keep the area from becoming a hotbed of terrorism.
地域の長期的安定には、貧しい北カフカスの住民生活を向上させ、テロの温床にならないようにすることが肝要である。
In Sochi, a Group of Eight summit meeting will also be held in June. It can be said the credibility of the Putin administration is at stake over its ability to maintain public peace.
ソチでは今年６月、主要８か国（Ｇ８）首脳会議も開かれる。治安の維持に、プーチン政権の威信がかかっていると言えよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 7, 2014)
（2014年1月7日01時32分 読売新聞）
2014年01月08日
安倍外交と安保 日米で対中国戦略を強化せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 6, 2014
Japan, U.S. must bolster strategy for coping effectively with China
安倍外交と安保 日米で対中国戦略を強化せよ（1月6日付・読売社説）
◆集団的自衛権の「行使」を可能に
The international situation surrounding Japan remains opaque.
日本を取り巻く国際情勢は「視界不良」の状態が続いている。
To maintain our nation’s peace and prosperity, it is imperative to map out and implement diplomatic and security policies more actively and strategically than ever before.
自国の平和と繁栄の維持には、より能動的で戦略的な外交・安全保障政策を展開することが欠かせない。
The most important task in addressing this challenge is to beef up Japan’s alliance with the United States.
その中核的な役割を担うのは、やはり日米同盟の強化である。
In particular, North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile development programs and China’s arms buildup and maritime advances have been destabilizing the whole Asia-Pacific region.
北朝鮮の核・ミサイル開発や中国の軍備増強と海洋進出は、アジア太平洋地域全体を不安定化させている。
Under the circumstances, it is crucial to enhance the deterrent power of the Japan-U.S. alliance, which has been rated highly by many countries in the region as an “international public good.”
多くの域内国から「国際公共財」と評価される日米同盟の抑止力を高めることが急務だ。
Beef up defense guidelines
◆防衛指針の改定が重要
Toward the end of last year, the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe created the Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council and mapped out the National Security Strategy.
安倍内閣は昨年末、国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）を設置し、国家安保戦略を策定した。
The Abe administration has also won approval from the Okinawa prefectural government for land reclamation required to relocate the functions of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station in the prefecture to the Henoko district on the prefecture’s northeastern coast.
米軍普天間飛行場の辺野古移設に伴う埋め立て承認も沖縄県から取り付けた。
Both the establishment of the NSC and the progress on the Futenma relocation are highly conducive to solidifying the alliance.
いずれも強固な同盟関係の構築に向けて重要な意義を持つ。
As its top priority this year, the government should conduct a long-overdue review of the conventional interpretation of the Constitution regarding this country’s right to collective self-defense.
今年、優先して取り組むべきは、長年の懸案である集団的自衛権の憲法解釈の見直しである。
Under the current interpretation, the Self-Defense Forces are not allowed to retaliate even if a nearby U.S. military vessel is attacked, having no choice but to turn a blind eye to the situation. This could cause the Japan-U.S. alliance to crumble at its foundation.
近くで米軍艦船が攻撃されても自衛隊は反撃できず、看過するしかない。そんな事態に陥ったら同盟関係は成り立たない。
Changing the existing constitutional interpretation that this country “has the right to collective self-defense but cannot exercise it,” thereby making exercise of the right possible, would represent a major step toward rectifying the asymmetry in the bilateral alliance, in which the United States has “an obligation to defend Japan, but Japan has no obligation to defend the United States.”
「集団的自衛権を有するが、行使できない」との憲法解釈を変更し、行使を可能にすれば、「米国は日本を守るが、日本は米国を守らない」という非対称の同盟を是正する大きな一歩となる。
It is crucial for the government to iron out differences between its views and those of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau and New Komeito, which either oppose altering the current constitutional interpretation or are wary of such a change. Abe should lead the way in calibrating these views.
その実現には、反対・慎重論が強い内閣法制局や公明党との調整がカギだ。安倍首相は、指導力を発揮してもらいたい。
Also high on the agenda is yet another revision to the guidelines for defense cooperation between Japan and the United States scheduled for late this year.
年末に予定される日米防衛協力の指針（ガイドライン）の再改定も、重要課題となる。
The current guidelines resulted from the revision in 1997 of earlier ones. The current guidelines primarily take into account a possible crisis on the Korean Peninsula, providing specifics about the SDF’s logistic support for U.S. forces. A law was passed in 1999 concerning SDF operations to assist U.S. military forces during an emergency in areas surrounding Japan, but as yet the government has had no occasion to recognize such an emergency as stipulated by the law.
１９９７年に改定された現指針は、朝鮮半島有事を念頭に、自衛隊の米軍支援の具体的な内容を定めた。９９年には周辺事態法も制定されたが、その後、周辺事態の認定は一度もない。
To make it possible for the SDF to deal promptly with such crises as the seizure of a remote island in Japan’s territory by Chinese agents pretending to be fishermen, the forthcoming Japan-U.S. security guidelines should specify a new framework for close cooperation between the SDF and U.S. forces even in “gray areas” between peacetime and emergencies.
中国の偽装漁民による離島占拠といった事態に迅速に対処するため、平時と有事の中間にある「グレーゾーンの事態」の段階から自衛隊と米軍が緊密に連携する枠組みを新指針で示すべきだ。
Another essential task is to ramp up the SDF’s patrol and surveillance capabilities as well as rapid response preparedness based on the new National Defense Program Outline drawn up toward the end of 2013.
昨年末に策定した新防衛大綱に基づき、自衛隊の警戒監視・即応体制を増強することも大切だ。
Some argue that strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities would stir up adverse reactions from neighboring countries, thus worsening the nation’s security environment.
防衛力の強化は周辺国の反発を招き、むしろ安全保障環境が悪化する、との主張が一部にある。
It should be noted, however, that China continued its large-scale arms buildup even as Japan’s defense expenditures shrank for 10 consecutive years.
だが、中国などは、日本の防衛予算が１０年連続で減少している間も大幅な軍備増強を続けてきた。
Diplomacy and military affairs are closely connected. Unless both are reinforced, Japan cannot defend its territory and our national interests.
外交と軍事は車の両輪だ。双方を強化しないと、領土を守り、国益を確保することはできない。
The issue of how to face China, which has gained power militarily and economically and does not mind changing the international order by force, is a concern not only for Japan but also for the international community.
軍事、経済面で台頭し、力による国際秩序の変更も辞さない中国とどう向き合うかは、日本だけでなく、国際社会共通の懸案だ。
Recover lost ground
◆靖国の失点を回復せよ
There is no denying that Abe’s recent visit to Yasukuni Shrine has given China an excuse to criticize Japan and has weakened Japan's partnership with other friendly countries.
安倍首相の靖国神社参拝が、中国に日本批判の口実を与え、国際連携を弱めたのは否めない。
Before Abe’s visit to the shrine, it was China’s self-righteous behavior, including its unilateral establishment of an air defense identification zone, that drew criticism from the international community. But Japan, too, may be held responsible for worsening the regional situation. The government should not make light of the fact that the United States, Japan’s ally, expressed “disappointment” with Abe’s visit to the shrine.
従来は、防空識別圏の一方的な設定など、中国の独善的な振る舞いが国際社会で問題視されていたが、今後、日本にも情勢悪化の責任があるとの見方が広がりかねない。同盟国の米国による「失望」表明を軽視すべきではない。
It is important that Abe, first of all, hold close talks with the U.S. side and explain the true intention of his visit, while at the same time working out Japan’s mid- and long-term strategies toward China.
安倍首相はまず、米国と緊密に協議し、靖国参拝の真意を説明するとともに、中長期的な対中国戦略を練ることが肝要だ。
In cooperation with South Korea, Australia and Southeast Asian countries, Japan must persistently urge China to comply with international standards and “act responsibly.”
韓国、豪州、東南アジアとも連携し、中国に、国際規範を順守し、「責任ある行動」を取るよう粘り強く促さねばならない。
Since the government nationalized some of the Senkaku Islands in September 2012, Japan-China relations have plunged to what is said to be their worst level in postwar history, and no summit talks have been held since the nationalization. Japan must assume this situation may last for a protracted period.
日中関係は一昨年９月の尖閣諸島の国有化以来、首脳会談が開けず、戦後最悪と言われる。この長期化も覚悟する必要がある。
Needless to say, Japan must not make any concessions whatsoever over territorial issues.
無論、日本は領土問題で一切の譲歩をすべきではない。
But closing the door on bilateral dialogue and cooperation in such fields as economic and environmental issues would be detrimental to both countries.
ただ、経済、環境などの分野の対話や協力まで閉ざすことは、日中双方にマイナスだ。
To explore ways to cooperate on these practical issues may help both countries take a step forward toward returning to the “mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests.”
こうした実務的な連携を模索することが「戦略的互恵関係」に回帰する一歩となろう。
Japan, U.S. must bolster strategy for coping effectively with China
安倍外交と安保 日米で対中国戦略を強化せよ（1月6日付・読売社説）
◆集団的自衛権の「行使」を可能に
The international situation surrounding Japan remains opaque.
日本を取り巻く国際情勢は「視界不良」の状態が続いている。
To maintain our nation’s peace and prosperity, it is imperative to map out and implement diplomatic and security policies more actively and strategically than ever before.
自国の平和と繁栄の維持には、より能動的で戦略的な外交・安全保障政策を展開することが欠かせない。
The most important task in addressing this challenge is to beef up Japan’s alliance with the United States.
その中核的な役割を担うのは、やはり日米同盟の強化である。
In particular, North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile development programs and China’s arms buildup and maritime advances have been destabilizing the whole Asia-Pacific region.
北朝鮮の核・ミサイル開発や中国の軍備増強と海洋進出は、アジア太平洋地域全体を不安定化させている。
Under the circumstances, it is crucial to enhance the deterrent power of the Japan-U.S. alliance, which has been rated highly by many countries in the region as an “international public good.”
多くの域内国から「国際公共財」と評価される日米同盟の抑止力を高めることが急務だ。
Beef up defense guidelines
◆防衛指針の改定が重要
Toward the end of last year, the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe created the Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council and mapped out the National Security Strategy.
安倍内閣は昨年末、国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）を設置し、国家安保戦略を策定した。
The Abe administration has also won approval from the Okinawa prefectural government for land reclamation required to relocate the functions of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station in the prefecture to the Henoko district on the prefecture’s northeastern coast.
米軍普天間飛行場の辺野古移設に伴う埋め立て承認も沖縄県から取り付けた。
Both the establishment of the NSC and the progress on the Futenma relocation are highly conducive to solidifying the alliance.
いずれも強固な同盟関係の構築に向けて重要な意義を持つ。
As its top priority this year, the government should conduct a long-overdue review of the conventional interpretation of the Constitution regarding this country’s right to collective self-defense.
今年、優先して取り組むべきは、長年の懸案である集団的自衛権の憲法解釈の見直しである。
Under the current interpretation, the Self-Defense Forces are not allowed to retaliate even if a nearby U.S. military vessel is attacked, having no choice but to turn a blind eye to the situation. This could cause the Japan-U.S. alliance to crumble at its foundation.
近くで米軍艦船が攻撃されても自衛隊は反撃できず、看過するしかない。そんな事態に陥ったら同盟関係は成り立たない。
Changing the existing constitutional interpretation that this country “has the right to collective self-defense but cannot exercise it,” thereby making exercise of the right possible, would represent a major step toward rectifying the asymmetry in the bilateral alliance, in which the United States has “an obligation to defend Japan, but Japan has no obligation to defend the United States.”
「集団的自衛権を有するが、行使できない」との憲法解釈を変更し、行使を可能にすれば、「米国は日本を守るが、日本は米国を守らない」という非対称の同盟を是正する大きな一歩となる。
It is crucial for the government to iron out differences between its views and those of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau and New Komeito, which either oppose altering the current constitutional interpretation or are wary of such a change. Abe should lead the way in calibrating these views.
その実現には、反対・慎重論が強い内閣法制局や公明党との調整がカギだ。安倍首相は、指導力を発揮してもらいたい。
Also high on the agenda is yet another revision to the guidelines for defense cooperation between Japan and the United States scheduled for late this year.
年末に予定される日米防衛協力の指針（ガイドライン）の再改定も、重要課題となる。
The current guidelines resulted from the revision in 1997 of earlier ones. The current guidelines primarily take into account a possible crisis on the Korean Peninsula, providing specifics about the SDF’s logistic support for U.S. forces. A law was passed in 1999 concerning SDF operations to assist U.S. military forces during an emergency in areas surrounding Japan, but as yet the government has had no occasion to recognize such an emergency as stipulated by the law.
１９９７年に改定された現指針は、朝鮮半島有事を念頭に、自衛隊の米軍支援の具体的な内容を定めた。９９年には周辺事態法も制定されたが、その後、周辺事態の認定は一度もない。
To make it possible for the SDF to deal promptly with such crises as the seizure of a remote island in Japan’s territory by Chinese agents pretending to be fishermen, the forthcoming Japan-U.S. security guidelines should specify a new framework for close cooperation between the SDF and U.S. forces even in “gray areas” between peacetime and emergencies.
中国の偽装漁民による離島占拠といった事態に迅速に対処するため、平時と有事の中間にある「グレーゾーンの事態」の段階から自衛隊と米軍が緊密に連携する枠組みを新指針で示すべきだ。
Another essential task is to ramp up the SDF’s patrol and surveillance capabilities as well as rapid response preparedness based on the new National Defense Program Outline drawn up toward the end of 2013.
昨年末に策定した新防衛大綱に基づき、自衛隊の警戒監視・即応体制を増強することも大切だ。
Some argue that strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities would stir up adverse reactions from neighboring countries, thus worsening the nation’s security environment.
防衛力の強化は周辺国の反発を招き、むしろ安全保障環境が悪化する、との主張が一部にある。
It should be noted, however, that China continued its large-scale arms buildup even as Japan’s defense expenditures shrank for 10 consecutive years.
だが、中国などは、日本の防衛予算が１０年連続で減少している間も大幅な軍備増強を続けてきた。
Diplomacy and military affairs are closely connected. Unless both are reinforced, Japan cannot defend its territory and our national interests.
外交と軍事は車の両輪だ。双方を強化しないと、領土を守り、国益を確保することはできない。
The issue of how to face China, which has gained power militarily and economically and does not mind changing the international order by force, is a concern not only for Japan but also for the international community.
軍事、経済面で台頭し、力による国際秩序の変更も辞さない中国とどう向き合うかは、日本だけでなく、国際社会共通の懸案だ。
Recover lost ground
◆靖国の失点を回復せよ
There is no denying that Abe’s recent visit to Yasukuni Shrine has given China an excuse to criticize Japan and has weakened Japan's partnership with other friendly countries.
安倍首相の靖国神社参拝が、中国に日本批判の口実を与え、国際連携を弱めたのは否めない。
Before Abe’s visit to the shrine, it was China’s self-righteous behavior, including its unilateral establishment of an air defense identification zone, that drew criticism from the international community. But Japan, too, may be held responsible for worsening the regional situation. The government should not make light of the fact that the United States, Japan’s ally, expressed “disappointment” with Abe’s visit to the shrine.
従来は、防空識別圏の一方的な設定など、中国の独善的な振る舞いが国際社会で問題視されていたが、今後、日本にも情勢悪化の責任があるとの見方が広がりかねない。同盟国の米国による「失望」表明を軽視すべきではない。
It is important that Abe, first of all, hold close talks with the U.S. side and explain the true intention of his visit, while at the same time working out Japan’s mid- and long-term strategies toward China.
安倍首相はまず、米国と緊密に協議し、靖国参拝の真意を説明するとともに、中長期的な対中国戦略を練ることが肝要だ。
In cooperation with South Korea, Australia and Southeast Asian countries, Japan must persistently urge China to comply with international standards and “act responsibly.”
韓国、豪州、東南アジアとも連携し、中国に、国際規範を順守し、「責任ある行動」を取るよう粘り強く促さねばならない。
Since the government nationalized some of the Senkaku Islands in September 2012, Japan-China relations have plunged to what is said to be their worst level in postwar history, and no summit talks have been held since the nationalization. Japan must assume this situation may last for a protracted period.
日中関係は一昨年９月の尖閣諸島の国有化以来、首脳会談が開けず、戦後最悪と言われる。この長期化も覚悟する必要がある。
Needless to say, Japan must not make any concessions whatsoever over territorial issues.
無論、日本は領土問題で一切の譲歩をすべきではない。
But closing the door on bilateral dialogue and cooperation in such fields as economic and environmental issues would be detrimental to both countries.
ただ、経済、環境などの分野の対話や協力まで閉ざすことは、日中双方にマイナスだ。
To explore ways to cooperate on these practical issues may help both countries take a step forward toward returning to the “mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests.”
こうした実務的な連携を模索することが「戦略的互恵関係」に回帰する一歩となろう。
2014年01月07日
あのヒアルロン酸の１３０％の保水力 ５０才を超したお肌を守るのはプロテオグリカンです
お肌のアンチエイジング対策の切り札といえば、いままではヒアルロン酸でした。
その抜群の保水力が買われて、爆発的なヒット商品となったわけなんですが、いまは、さらに進化した奇蹟の化粧品が通販で簡単に入手できます。
それはPG2 ピュアエッセンス なんですが、この化粧品の成分が凄いんです。
ノーベル賞受賞成分であるＥＧＦに加えて、保水力がヒアルロン酸の１３０％といわれるプロテオグリカン が、この奇蹟の化粧品の成分なんですね。
人は誰でも５０才を越える頃から、お肌にしわが寄ってきます。
ですが、日々のお肌のお手入れで、お肌の老化のスピードを軽減することも出来るんです。
完全無添加の美容液であるPG2 ピュアエッセンス の一滴（ひとしずく）が、貴女のお肌の老化を防いでくれます。
使い方はとても簡単なんです。
専用スポイトで僅かの量を手に受けて、お顔の気になる部分にちょい足し感覚で軽く塗りつければ、それでＯＫなんです。
若者から高齢者まで安心して使用することが出来るのがこのスーパー美容液なんです。
レビューブログからの情報です
朝鮮半島の変動 警戒すべき中韓の「反日」接近
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 5, 2014
Vigilance must be maintained over China-ROK ‘anti-Japan’ ties
朝鮮半島の変動 警戒すべき中韓の「反日」接近（1月5日付・読売社説）
◆米との連携で「北」の急変に備えよ
There has been a seismic change on the Korean Peninsula, where the Cold War structure remains, as South Korea, with Japan and the United States in the background, is in a military face-off with North Korea, which is supported by China.
日米両国を背にした韓国と、中国が支える北朝鮮とが軍事的に対峙(たいじ)する冷戦構造が今なお続く朝鮮半島で、大きな地殻変動が起きている。
China, the world’s second-largest economic power, and South Korea are becoming rapidly closer to each other, indicating they are set to strengthen ties through their mutually shared anti-Japan sentiment. How will this affect the course of Northeast Asia, coupled with uncertain prospects over North Korea?
経済強国に成長した中国と韓国の急速な接近である。反日を触媒に、その紐帯(ちゅうたい)を強める気配だ。不透明な北朝鮮情勢と合わせ、新たな動きは北東アジアの行方にどう影響するのか。
Japan should remain coolheaded in assessing this development so it can decide on appropriate countermeasures.
日本は冷静に見極め、適切な対策を練らねばならない。
Working on history issues
◆「歴史認識」で共闘も
South Korean President Park Geun Hye, whose administration will enter its second year next month, apparently regards China as an important partner, while at the same time stepping up criticism against Japan.
２月に就任２年目に入る韓国の朴槿恵大統領は、中国を重視する一方、対日批判を強めている。
Last year, China became the second country for Park to visit as South Korean president following the United States. This was not just because China is her country’s biggest trading partner. Apparently, she aimed to showcase close ties with her Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to check North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has not visited China since the inauguration of his regime.
朴氏が昨年、米国に次ぐ訪問先に、日本でなく中国を選んだのは、最大の貿易相手国という理由だけではない。習近平国家主席との密接な関係を見せつけ、訪中していない北朝鮮の金正恩第１書記を牽制(けんせい)する狙いもあったのだろう。
Park’s visit also caused speculation that she plans to form a united front with China against Japan over the perception of history and territorial issues.
同時に、中国と歴史認識や領土問題で対日共闘を図ろうとしているのかと警戒せざるを得ない。
China and South Korea took advantage of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to the war-related Yasukuni Shrine at the end of last year to justify their anti-Japan stance, calling the visit proof of the revival of Japan’s militarism and its drift to the right.
中韓は、昨年末の安倍首相の靖国神社参拝を「右傾化、軍国主義復活の証しだ」と、反日主張の正当化に利用している。
If China and South Korea form a united front against Japan, it could lead to weakening cooperation among Tokyo, Washington and Seoul, which is centered on the Japan-U.S. and U.S.-South Korea alliances.
中韓の共闘が進むのは、憂慮すべき事態だ。日米と米韓の同盟関係を軸にした日米韓連携を弱める動きにつながるからだ。
Park even criticized Japan during her talks with U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel when he visited South Korea in September. The president countered Hagel when he referred to the importance of security cooperation among the three countries, saying, “Trust has not been established due to the [Japanese] leadership, which has repeatedly made regressive remarks on historical and territorial issues.”
朴氏は昨年９月、日米韓の安保協力の重要性を説くヘーゲル米国防長官に、「歴史や領土問題で時代逆行発言を繰り返す（日本）指導部のせいで信頼が築けない」と、対日批判を披瀝(ひれき)した。
It is highly questionable for a country’s leader to criticize Japan during a meeting with a senior official from a third country. In particular, it is hard to accept her self-centered opinions that blame Japan for the failure to maintain security cooperation between the two countries.
第三国の要人を相手に日本を批判してやまぬ朴氏の言動は、一国の指導者としていかがなものか。特に、日本と安保協力ができない責任は日本にある、という身勝手な主張は、到底容認できない。
South Korea postponed the signing of the General Security of Military Information Agreement in 2012 just before it was to be concluded between Tokyo and Seoul. The agreement is crucial for sharing confidential information on North Korea.
北朝鮮にかかわる機密の共有に不可欠な日韓軍事情報包括保護協定（ＧＳＯＭＩＡ）の締結を、直前になってキャンセルしたのは韓国ではなかったか。
Last month, the Ground Self-Defense Force, now participating in a U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, provided South Korean forces with 10,000 rounds of ammunition for assault rifles without asking for payment. This development highlighted how important it is for the two countries to regularly build cooperation so that they can provide military materials and share duties with each other.
昨年１２月、南スーダン派遣の国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）で陸上自衛隊が韓国軍に小銃弾１万発を無償提供した事例は、日韓が普段から、軍需物資や役務を相互提供できる協力体制を作っておくことの重要性を示したと言えよう。
For China, which has been trying to change the status quo by force in the East and South China seas, closer ties with South Korea mean it can exercise more influence over the Yellow Sea and the Korean Peninsula.
東シナ海や南シナ海で力による現状変更を迫る中国にとって、韓国との緊密化は、黄海や朝鮮半島への影響力強化を意味する。
There are indications Xi could visit South Korea, possibly even this year. Could his trip add momentum to South Korea’s tilt toward China regarding security affairs, too? Given that closer Beijing-Seoul relations could weaken the alliance between the United States and South Korea, the outcome of the possible China-South Korea summit talks must be watched closely.
年内にも、習氏が韓国を訪れる可能性がある。韓国が、安全保障面でも対中傾斜を深める契機となるのかどうか。米韓同盟の弱体化につながり得るだけに中韓首脳会談の行方を注視したい。
Keep framework intact
◆正常化の枠組み崩すな
Chilled relations between Japan and South Korea have prevented Abe and Park from meeting for talks. The relationship could be irrevocably damaged depending on a ruling South Korea’s Supreme Court is expected to hand down, possibly in January, over damage compensation litigation filed against Japanese companies that forced Koreans to labor for them during World War II.
安倍首相と朴氏の会談が開けずにいる日韓関係を、決定的に悪化させかねないのが、月内にも見込まれる韓国人元徴用工の損害賠償請求訴訟の韓国最高裁判決だ。
Should a decision by the top court against the Japanese firms be finalized, and should the South Korean government acknowledge this ruling, the foundation of the framework formed by the 1965 basic bilateral treaty to normalize bilateral diplomatic ties could crumble.
日本企業の敗訴が確定し、それを韓国政府が追認するなら、１９６５年の日韓国交正常化の枠組みは根底から崩れる。
The South Korean government, which signed an agreement attached to the 1965 pact that states problems regarding property and claims between the two countries “have been settled completely and finally,” should declare that the Japanese companies have no obligation to pay any compensation. This would be the obvious duty in the international community of a nation governed by the rule of law.
「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と明記した請求権協定に署名した韓国政府は、日本側に支払い義務はないと明言すべきだ。それが、国際社会における法治国家としての当然の務めである。
The situation in North Korea remains worrisome. The power base of supreme leader Kim Jong Un, two years after taking over power from his father, can hardly be said to have solidified. Attesting to this is the dismissal and execution in December of Jang Sung Taek, vice chairman of Pyongyang’s National Defense Commission.
一方、北朝鮮では権力の父子継承から２年を経て、金正恩氏の権力基盤はなお盤石でない。張成沢・国防委員会副委員長の解任・処刑は、その証左だ。
Because of the instability of the power structure upholding this regime of terror, Kim will likely become more reliant on the military and push ahead with strengthening his country’s nuclear weapons capability. The political setup that places top priority on military affairs, however, is bound only to hamper alleviation of international economic sanctions against Pyongyang. Under the circumstances, the North’s policy of rebuilding its dwindling economy is doomed to fail.
恐怖政治が支配する不安定な権力構造の下、金氏は軍への依存を強め、核戦力増強に一層邁進(まいしん)するだろう。軍事最優先の政治は、国際社会による経済制裁の緩和を妨げるだけだ。じり貧状態の経済の再建路線は破綻するほかない。
Concerns are rising that the Kim regime, in a bid to divert swelling popular discontent in the country, may resort to yet another military provocation. Vigilance must be paid to the possibility of Pyongyang charging ahead with a new nuclear test or firing a long-range ballistic missile under the guise of “a satellite launch.”
金政権が国内の不満をかわすため、武力挑発する懸念は深まっている。核実験や「人工衛星打ち上げ」と称する長距離ミサイル発射の強行に、警戒が必要である。
Vigilance must be maintained over China-ROK ‘anti-Japan’ ties
朝鮮半島の変動 警戒すべき中韓の「反日」接近（1月5日付・読売社説）
◆米との連携で「北」の急変に備えよ
There has been a seismic change on the Korean Peninsula, where the Cold War structure remains, as South Korea, with Japan and the United States in the background, is in a military face-off with North Korea, which is supported by China.
日米両国を背にした韓国と、中国が支える北朝鮮とが軍事的に対峙(たいじ)する冷戦構造が今なお続く朝鮮半島で、大きな地殻変動が起きている。
China, the world’s second-largest economic power, and South Korea are becoming rapidly closer to each other, indicating they are set to strengthen ties through their mutually shared anti-Japan sentiment. How will this affect the course of Northeast Asia, coupled with uncertain prospects over North Korea?
経済強国に成長した中国と韓国の急速な接近である。反日を触媒に、その紐帯(ちゅうたい)を強める気配だ。不透明な北朝鮮情勢と合わせ、新たな動きは北東アジアの行方にどう影響するのか。
Japan should remain coolheaded in assessing this development so it can decide on appropriate countermeasures.
日本は冷静に見極め、適切な対策を練らねばならない。
Working on history issues
◆「歴史認識」で共闘も
South Korean President Park Geun Hye, whose administration will enter its second year next month, apparently regards China as an important partner, while at the same time stepping up criticism against Japan.
２月に就任２年目に入る韓国の朴槿恵大統領は、中国を重視する一方、対日批判を強めている。
Last year, China became the second country for Park to visit as South Korean president following the United States. This was not just because China is her country’s biggest trading partner. Apparently, she aimed to showcase close ties with her Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to check North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has not visited China since the inauguration of his regime.
朴氏が昨年、米国に次ぐ訪問先に、日本でなく中国を選んだのは、最大の貿易相手国という理由だけではない。習近平国家主席との密接な関係を見せつけ、訪中していない北朝鮮の金正恩第１書記を牽制(けんせい)する狙いもあったのだろう。
Park’s visit also caused speculation that she plans to form a united front with China against Japan over the perception of history and territorial issues.
同時に、中国と歴史認識や領土問題で対日共闘を図ろうとしているのかと警戒せざるを得ない。
China and South Korea took advantage of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to the war-related Yasukuni Shrine at the end of last year to justify their anti-Japan stance, calling the visit proof of the revival of Japan’s militarism and its drift to the right.
中韓は、昨年末の安倍首相の靖国神社参拝を「右傾化、軍国主義復活の証しだ」と、反日主張の正当化に利用している。
If China and South Korea form a united front against Japan, it could lead to weakening cooperation among Tokyo, Washington and Seoul, which is centered on the Japan-U.S. and U.S.-South Korea alliances.
中韓の共闘が進むのは、憂慮すべき事態だ。日米と米韓の同盟関係を軸にした日米韓連携を弱める動きにつながるからだ。
Park even criticized Japan during her talks with U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel when he visited South Korea in September. The president countered Hagel when he referred to the importance of security cooperation among the three countries, saying, “Trust has not been established due to the [Japanese] leadership, which has repeatedly made regressive remarks on historical and territorial issues.”
朴氏は昨年９月、日米韓の安保協力の重要性を説くヘーゲル米国防長官に、「歴史や領土問題で時代逆行発言を繰り返す（日本）指導部のせいで信頼が築けない」と、対日批判を披瀝(ひれき)した。
It is highly questionable for a country’s leader to criticize Japan during a meeting with a senior official from a third country. In particular, it is hard to accept her self-centered opinions that blame Japan for the failure to maintain security cooperation between the two countries.
第三国の要人を相手に日本を批判してやまぬ朴氏の言動は、一国の指導者としていかがなものか。特に、日本と安保協力ができない責任は日本にある、という身勝手な主張は、到底容認できない。
South Korea postponed the signing of the General Security of Military Information Agreement in 2012 just before it was to be concluded between Tokyo and Seoul. The agreement is crucial for sharing confidential information on North Korea.
北朝鮮にかかわる機密の共有に不可欠な日韓軍事情報包括保護協定（ＧＳＯＭＩＡ）の締結を、直前になってキャンセルしたのは韓国ではなかったか。
Last month, the Ground Self-Defense Force, now participating in a U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, provided South Korean forces with 10,000 rounds of ammunition for assault rifles without asking for payment. This development highlighted how important it is for the two countries to regularly build cooperation so that they can provide military materials and share duties with each other.
昨年１２月、南スーダン派遣の国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）で陸上自衛隊が韓国軍に小銃弾１万発を無償提供した事例は、日韓が普段から、軍需物資や役務を相互提供できる協力体制を作っておくことの重要性を示したと言えよう。
For China, which has been trying to change the status quo by force in the East and South China seas, closer ties with South Korea mean it can exercise more influence over the Yellow Sea and the Korean Peninsula.
東シナ海や南シナ海で力による現状変更を迫る中国にとって、韓国との緊密化は、黄海や朝鮮半島への影響力強化を意味する。
There are indications Xi could visit South Korea, possibly even this year. Could his trip add momentum to South Korea’s tilt toward China regarding security affairs, too? Given that closer Beijing-Seoul relations could weaken the alliance between the United States and South Korea, the outcome of the possible China-South Korea summit talks must be watched closely.
年内にも、習氏が韓国を訪れる可能性がある。韓国が、安全保障面でも対中傾斜を深める契機となるのかどうか。米韓同盟の弱体化につながり得るだけに中韓首脳会談の行方を注視したい。
Keep framework intact
◆正常化の枠組み崩すな
Chilled relations between Japan and South Korea have prevented Abe and Park from meeting for talks. The relationship could be irrevocably damaged depending on a ruling South Korea’s Supreme Court is expected to hand down, possibly in January, over damage compensation litigation filed against Japanese companies that forced Koreans to labor for them during World War II.
安倍首相と朴氏の会談が開けずにいる日韓関係を、決定的に悪化させかねないのが、月内にも見込まれる韓国人元徴用工の損害賠償請求訴訟の韓国最高裁判決だ。
Should a decision by the top court against the Japanese firms be finalized, and should the South Korean government acknowledge this ruling, the foundation of the framework formed by the 1965 basic bilateral treaty to normalize bilateral diplomatic ties could crumble.
日本企業の敗訴が確定し、それを韓国政府が追認するなら、１９６５年の日韓国交正常化の枠組みは根底から崩れる。
The South Korean government, which signed an agreement attached to the 1965 pact that states problems regarding property and claims between the two countries “have been settled completely and finally,” should declare that the Japanese companies have no obligation to pay any compensation. This would be the obvious duty in the international community of a nation governed by the rule of law.
「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と明記した請求権協定に署名した韓国政府は、日本側に支払い義務はないと明言すべきだ。それが、国際社会における法治国家としての当然の務めである。
The situation in North Korea remains worrisome. The power base of supreme leader Kim Jong Un, two years after taking over power from his father, can hardly be said to have solidified. Attesting to this is the dismissal and execution in December of Jang Sung Taek, vice chairman of Pyongyang’s National Defense Commission.
一方、北朝鮮では権力の父子継承から２年を経て、金正恩氏の権力基盤はなお盤石でない。張成沢・国防委員会副委員長の解任・処刑は、その証左だ。
Because of the instability of the power structure upholding this regime of terror, Kim will likely become more reliant on the military and push ahead with strengthening his country’s nuclear weapons capability. The political setup that places top priority on military affairs, however, is bound only to hamper alleviation of international economic sanctions against Pyongyang. Under the circumstances, the North’s policy of rebuilding its dwindling economy is doomed to fail.
恐怖政治が支配する不安定な権力構造の下、金氏は軍への依存を強め、核戦力増強に一層邁進(まいしん)するだろう。軍事最優先の政治は、国際社会による経済制裁の緩和を妨げるだけだ。じり貧状態の経済の再建路線は破綻するほかない。
Concerns are rising that the Kim regime, in a bid to divert swelling popular discontent in the country, may resort to yet another military provocation. Vigilance must be paid to the possibility of Pyongyang charging ahead with a new nuclear test or firing a long-range ballistic missile under the guise of “a satellite launch.”
金政権が国内の不満をかわすため、武力挑発する懸念は深まっている。核実験や「人工衛星打ち上げ」と称する長距離ミサイル発射の強行に、警戒が必要である。
2014年01月06日
楽してダイエットなら、断然スルスルこうそがおすすめです
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安倍政権２年目 数に傲らず幅広い合意形成を
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 4, 2014
Ruling coalition should build wide consensus with opposition parties
安倍政権２年目 数に傲らず幅広い合意形成を（1月4日付・読売社説）
◆野党再編はどこまで進むか
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appears determined to make all-out efforts to revitalize the Japanese economy and resolve long-pending issues such as the right to collective self-defense.
安倍政権は、日本経済再生に向けて全力を挙げるとともに、集団的自衛権の問題など長年の懸案解決にも挑む構えだ。
To make effective use of limited time, it is imperative that the Abe administration devise a well-prepared strategy to implement measures and manage the government in a humble manner to avoid unnecessary criticism.
限られた時間をいかに効果的に使うか。それには、政策実現への周到な戦略とともに、無用な反発を招かぬ謙虚な政権運営が欠かせない。
The second Abe administration has made it this far without collapsing apparently because of a well-functioning “Team Abe,” comprising Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, in whom Abe has deep trust, as well as Finance Minister Taro Aso, who doubles as deputy prime minister, and Akira Amari, minister in charge of economic revitalization, both Abe’s political allies.
第２次安倍政権が、破綻なく政権を運営してきたのは、安倍首相の信頼が厚い菅官房長官、盟友の麻生副総理・財務相、甘利経済再生相ら「チーム安倍」が、しっかり機能していたからだろう。
Coordination key
◆自公の調整を入念に
It is also worth mentioning that members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, such as Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba, have provided significant support to the government. Close cooperation with the ruling coalition helped the government decide to join negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement and win the Okinawa prefectural government’s approval of the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station.
石破幹事長ら自民党側が政府を支えたことも見逃せない。環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加への決断や、沖縄県の米軍普天間飛行場移設問題では、政府と与党の協力が奏功したと言える。
New Komeito, the LDP’s junior coalition partner, has also played a significant role.
自民党と連立を組む公明党の役割も小さくはなかった。
During the last extraordinary Diet session, a bill to protect specially designated state secrets was revised with consideration given to the public’s right to know and freedom of the press after Komeito called for such consideration. Without this revision, Diet deliberations on the bill could have been even more difficult.
先の臨時国会では、特定秘密保護法案の調整過程で、公明党の主張によって「知る権利」「報道・取材の自由」への配慮が法案に盛り込まれた。この修正がなければ、国会審議はもっと難航しただろう。
Komeito also strongly sought the introduction of a reduced tax rate system on daily necessities and other items to ease the impact of the upcoming consumption tax rate increase. The LDP and Komeito then reached an agreement to introduce such a system “when the consumption tax is 10 percent.” We applaud Komeito for this contribution.
生活必需品などの消費税を低く抑える軽減税率の導入に関しても、公明党が強く求め、「税率１０％時」に導入することで決着した。これについても高く評価したい。
However, the LDP and Komeito do not necessarily take the same stance on issues like amending the Constitution and nuclear policy. Abe and Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi have been deeply divided over issues related to politicians’ visits to Yasukuni Shrine and the interpretations of history, such as a 1993 statement on so-called comfort women during World War II issued by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono, as well as a review of the government’s constitutional interpretation aimed at allowing the nation to exercise the right to collective self-defense.
ただし、自公両党は、憲法改正や原発政策などで必ずしも一致しているわけではない。安倍首相と公明党の山口代表は、靖国神社参拝や、河野談話など歴史認識問題、集団的自衛権の憲法解釈見直しについて隔たりが大きい。
The more Abe attempts to push his pet policies, the more strongly Komeito will oppose and resist them. How the two parties deal with such challenges will bear directly on the stability of national politics.
首相が「安倍カラー」の強い政策を進めようとすればするほど、公明党は反発、抵抗する。自公両党がそれをどう乗り越えるかが、政治の安定度にも直結しよう。
Regarding the Jan. 19 mayoral election in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, Komeito’s Okinawa chapter has yet to decide whether it will support a conservative candidate who would give the green light to the government’s plan on the Futenma relocation. The issue will serve as a test of whether the LDP and Komeito can coordinate their views.
１月１９日投票の沖縄・名護市長選で、公明党の沖縄県本部は、米軍普天間飛行場移設容認の保守系候補を推すかどうかまだ態度を決めていない。ここでも自公協力の真価が試される。
The ruling coalition must build a consensus with the opposition camp without relying on its dominant number of Diet seats.
与党は、議席の数に傲(おご)らず、野党との合意形成を丁寧に進めていかねばならない。
Above all, social security and national security systems should not be too transformed no matter what party takes office. The next election is as much as 2.5 years away. The ruling and opposition parties should take this as an opportunity to tackle these issues in earnest.
とくに社会保障や安全保障政策は、どの党が政権を担っても、そのたびに制度を大きく変更するわけにはいかない。次の国政選挙まで最大２年半あるこの好機に、与野党とも腰を据えて取り組むべき課題である。
Partial coalition must be sought
◆追求すべき「部分連合」
The LDP, Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan have established a working-level conference on social security policies. We urge them to use this forum to deepen their discussions.
社会保障政策は自民、公明、民主の３党が実務者会議を設けている。ここでの議論を深めたい。
In the security field, a step forward was marked when the bill to establish a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council cleared the extraordinary Diet session in late November with the approval of the DPJ, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party, as well as the LDP and Komeito.
安全保障の分野では、先の臨時国会で、国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）設置法が民主党と日本維新の会、みんなの党も賛成して成立したことは前進だった。
Regarding the bill to protect specially designated states secrets, Ishin no Kai and Your Party accepted the modifications to the bill but boycotted voting in the plenary session of the House of Councillors, in a show of criticism of the ruling parties over their management of Diet business.
特定秘密保護法では、維新、みんな両党は法案修正に応じながら、与党の国会運営を批判して参院本会議の採決時に退席した。
The ruling coalition must rebuild its relationship with Ishin no Kai and Your Party.
与党は、維新、みんなとの関係を再構築しなければならない。
Ishin no Kai coleader Shintaro Ishihara has expressed his intention to cooperate with Abe in dealing with such issues as constitutional revision.
維新の石原共同代表はかねて、憲法改正などのテーマで首相に協力する意向を示している。
Meanwhile, Your Party leader Yoshimi Watanabe has proposed what he called a regular “strategic dialogue” with Abe on such key issues as deregulation and reviewing the constitutional interpretation of the nation’s collective self-defense right.
みんなの党の渡辺代表も、首相に対し、規制改革や集団的自衛権の憲法解釈見直しなど、重要政策を定期的に協議する「戦略的対話」を呼び掛けている。
How will the government and ruling parties form a partial coalition with Ishin no Kai and Your Party? The answer could affect the future course of parliamentary and electoral system reforms.
政府・与党が維新、みんな両党とどう部分連合を形成していくか。それが、国会改革や選挙制度改革の行方にも影響しよう。
Ruling coalition should build wide consensus with opposition parties
安倍政権２年目 数に傲らず幅広い合意形成を（1月4日付・読売社説）
◆野党再編はどこまで進むか
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appears determined to make all-out efforts to revitalize the Japanese economy and resolve long-pending issues such as the right to collective self-defense.
安倍政権は、日本経済再生に向けて全力を挙げるとともに、集団的自衛権の問題など長年の懸案解決にも挑む構えだ。
To make effective use of limited time, it is imperative that the Abe administration devise a well-prepared strategy to implement measures and manage the government in a humble manner to avoid unnecessary criticism.
限られた時間をいかに効果的に使うか。それには、政策実現への周到な戦略とともに、無用な反発を招かぬ謙虚な政権運営が欠かせない。
The second Abe administration has made it this far without collapsing apparently because of a well-functioning “Team Abe,” comprising Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, in whom Abe has deep trust, as well as Finance Minister Taro Aso, who doubles as deputy prime minister, and Akira Amari, minister in charge of economic revitalization, both Abe’s political allies.
第２次安倍政権が、破綻なく政権を運営してきたのは、安倍首相の信頼が厚い菅官房長官、盟友の麻生副総理・財務相、甘利経済再生相ら「チーム安倍」が、しっかり機能していたからだろう。
Coordination key
◆自公の調整を入念に
It is also worth mentioning that members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, such as Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba, have provided significant support to the government. Close cooperation with the ruling coalition helped the government decide to join negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement and win the Okinawa prefectural government’s approval of the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station.
石破幹事長ら自民党側が政府を支えたことも見逃せない。環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加への決断や、沖縄県の米軍普天間飛行場移設問題では、政府と与党の協力が奏功したと言える。
New Komeito, the LDP’s junior coalition partner, has also played a significant role.
自民党と連立を組む公明党の役割も小さくはなかった。
During the last extraordinary Diet session, a bill to protect specially designated state secrets was revised with consideration given to the public’s right to know and freedom of the press after Komeito called for such consideration. Without this revision, Diet deliberations on the bill could have been even more difficult.
先の臨時国会では、特定秘密保護法案の調整過程で、公明党の主張によって「知る権利」「報道・取材の自由」への配慮が法案に盛り込まれた。この修正がなければ、国会審議はもっと難航しただろう。
Komeito also strongly sought the introduction of a reduced tax rate system on daily necessities and other items to ease the impact of the upcoming consumption tax rate increase. The LDP and Komeito then reached an agreement to introduce such a system “when the consumption tax is 10 percent.” We applaud Komeito for this contribution.
生活必需品などの消費税を低く抑える軽減税率の導入に関しても、公明党が強く求め、「税率１０％時」に導入することで決着した。これについても高く評価したい。
However, the LDP and Komeito do not necessarily take the same stance on issues like amending the Constitution and nuclear policy. Abe and Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi have been deeply divided over issues related to politicians’ visits to Yasukuni Shrine and the interpretations of history, such as a 1993 statement on so-called comfort women during World War II issued by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono, as well as a review of the government’s constitutional interpretation aimed at allowing the nation to exercise the right to collective self-defense.
ただし、自公両党は、憲法改正や原発政策などで必ずしも一致しているわけではない。安倍首相と公明党の山口代表は、靖国神社参拝や、河野談話など歴史認識問題、集団的自衛権の憲法解釈見直しについて隔たりが大きい。
The more Abe attempts to push his pet policies, the more strongly Komeito will oppose and resist them. How the two parties deal with such challenges will bear directly on the stability of national politics.
首相が「安倍カラー」の強い政策を進めようとすればするほど、公明党は反発、抵抗する。自公両党がそれをどう乗り越えるかが、政治の安定度にも直結しよう。
Regarding the Jan. 19 mayoral election in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, Komeito’s Okinawa chapter has yet to decide whether it will support a conservative candidate who would give the green light to the government’s plan on the Futenma relocation. The issue will serve as a test of whether the LDP and Komeito can coordinate their views.
１月１９日投票の沖縄・名護市長選で、公明党の沖縄県本部は、米軍普天間飛行場移設容認の保守系候補を推すかどうかまだ態度を決めていない。ここでも自公協力の真価が試される。
The ruling coalition must build a consensus with the opposition camp without relying on its dominant number of Diet seats.
与党は、議席の数に傲(おご)らず、野党との合意形成を丁寧に進めていかねばならない。
Above all, social security and national security systems should not be too transformed no matter what party takes office. The next election is as much as 2.5 years away. The ruling and opposition parties should take this as an opportunity to tackle these issues in earnest.
とくに社会保障や安全保障政策は、どの党が政権を担っても、そのたびに制度を大きく変更するわけにはいかない。次の国政選挙まで最大２年半あるこの好機に、与野党とも腰を据えて取り組むべき課題である。
Partial coalition must be sought
◆追求すべき「部分連合」
The LDP, Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan have established a working-level conference on social security policies. We urge them to use this forum to deepen their discussions.
社会保障政策は自民、公明、民主の３党が実務者会議を設けている。ここでの議論を深めたい。
In the security field, a step forward was marked when the bill to establish a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council cleared the extraordinary Diet session in late November with the approval of the DPJ, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party, as well as the LDP and Komeito.
安全保障の分野では、先の臨時国会で、国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）設置法が民主党と日本維新の会、みんなの党も賛成して成立したことは前進だった。
Regarding the bill to protect specially designated states secrets, Ishin no Kai and Your Party accepted the modifications to the bill but boycotted voting in the plenary session of the House of Councillors, in a show of criticism of the ruling parties over their management of Diet business.
特定秘密保護法では、維新、みんな両党は法案修正に応じながら、与党の国会運営を批判して参院本会議の採決時に退席した。
The ruling coalition must rebuild its relationship with Ishin no Kai and Your Party.
与党は、維新、みんなとの関係を再構築しなければならない。
Ishin no Kai coleader Shintaro Ishihara has expressed his intention to cooperate with Abe in dealing with such issues as constitutional revision.
維新の石原共同代表はかねて、憲法改正などのテーマで首相に協力する意向を示している。
Meanwhile, Your Party leader Yoshimi Watanabe has proposed what he called a regular “strategic dialogue” with Abe on such key issues as deregulation and reviewing the constitutional interpretation of the nation’s collective self-defense right.
みんなの党の渡辺代表も、首相に対し、規制改革や集団的自衛権の憲法解釈見直しなど、重要政策を定期的に協議する「戦略的対話」を呼び掛けている。
How will the government and ruling parties form a partial coalition with Ishin no Kai and Your Party? The answer could affect the future course of parliamentary and electoral system reforms.
政府・与党が維新、みんな両党とどう部分連合を形成していくか。それが、国会改革や選挙制度改革の行方にも影響しよう。
2014年01月05日
上向く世界経済 本格再生へ「分水嶺」の１年だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 3, 2014
Steady leadership needed as world economy at crossroads
上向く世界経済 本格再生へ「分水嶺」の１年だ（1月3日付・読売社説）
◆先進国と新興国にくすぶる不安
Signs of a bright future for the global economy seem to have begun twinkling, with advanced economies picking up gradually after managing to break out of monetary and fiscal crises.
金融・財政危機を収束した先進国の景気が持ち直し、世界経済の前途に明るさが見えてきた。
Uncertainties remain, however, concerning the policy handling of the United States and European countries. Caution is also needed regarding a slowdown of emerging market economies such as China.
ただし、米欧の政策運営には、まだ不透明感が残る。中国など新興国経済の減速にも注意が必要だ。
This year will most likely mark a watershed regarding whether the world economy can realize sufficiently robust growth to get onto a full-fledged recovery path.
より力強い成長を実現し、本格的な景気回復軌道に乗れるかどうか、分水嶺(れい)の１年となろう。
In its report last autumn, the International Monetary Fund forecast the 2014 world economy would log 3.6 percent growth after inflation. It is noteworthy that the growth of the world economy this year is expected to expand a little on the strength of advanced economies’ pickup, compared to 2013’s growth, which the IMF estimates at 2.9 percent.
国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）は昨秋、２０１４年の世界経済を実質３・６％成長と予想した。２・９％成長が見込まれる１３年と比べると、先進国の伸びを背景に、やや増進するのがポイントである。
U.S. debt ceiling accord a key
◆米債務上限の合意急げ
The world financial woes triggered by the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy in the autumn of 2008 embroiled Greece, developing into a crisis for all European economies.
世界経済は、０８年秋のリーマン・ショックがギリシャに飛び火し、欧州危機へ発展した。
What made it possible for the global economy to begin finding a way out of a chain of negative occurrences at long last was, first of all, indications of a solid business recovery in the United States, the epicenter of the global financial hardships. The European economies, after experiencing a series of business downturns, have now returned to positive growth, signifying a breakaway from the worst phase of their economic conditions.
「負の連鎖」をようやく抜け出しつつあるのは、危機の震源地だった米国の景気が底堅く推移し始めたのが主因だ。景気後退が続いた欧州経済もプラス成長に転じ、最悪期を脱した。
Symbolic of the signs of uptrend is the decision late last year by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board to modify its extraordinary easy money policy in response to improvements in U.S. unemployment rates and other key economic indicators.
雇用改善などを受けて、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が決めた異例の金融政策の修正が象徴的である。
Starting this month, the Fed is scheduled to embark on an “exit strategy” designed to scale down bit by bit Phase Three of its quantitative monetary easing, or QE3, in which the U.S. central bank has been purchasing a huge amount of U.S. treasury bonds and other financial assets every month.
米国債などを毎月購入してきた量的緩和策第３弾（ＱＥ３）の規模を小刻みに縮小する「出口戦略」に今月から一歩踏み出す。
It seems the world’s market players have been reassured to see the Fed spearheading a move in favor of an exit strategy, amid large-scale monetary easing policies in place in Japan, the United States and Europe. Consequently, stock prices are on the rise in New York and other markets.
日米欧が大規模な緩和策を続ける中、ＦＲＢが先陣を切って慎重に動き出したことで、安心感を与えたのだろう。ニューヨーク市場などの株価が上昇している。
The Fed reportedly intends to continue tapering its QE3 asset purchases, with a view to terminating the easy money policy as early as the end of the year. Next year and afterward, the Fed is seen probing timing for an end to its zero-interest rate policy while looking for an opportune time to raise rates.
ＦＲＢはＱＥ３縮小を継続し、年内にも終了させる方針という。来年以降、ゼロ金利政策の終了と利上げ時期も探るとみられる。
Due attention should be paid to the adverse impact of colossal money supplies worldwide that have so far been in place, as they could lead to rekindling of economic bubbles in the United States, emerging market countries and elsewhere.
これまでの巨額マネーの供給で米国や新興国にバブルが再燃する副作用への警戒も必要だ。
Implementation of the exit strategy, however, will require a considerably long period of time. The ability of incoming Fed chair Janet Yellen, who is to take the place of Chairman Ben Bernanke toward the end of January, will certainly be tested through her efforts to ensure that no danger arises of the world economy and markets plunging into turmoil in the process of the implementation of the Fed’s exit strategy.
とは言え、出口戦略は長い道のりになる。世界経済や市場に混乱を招かないよう、１月末にバーナンキ議長と交代するイエレン新議長の手腕が問われる。
How things evolve regarding U.S. congressional discussions on fiscal measures is also of key significance.
米国の財政協議も焦点だ。
It is a highly welcome development that Democrats and Republicans in Congress have reached common ground on a federal budget deal, successfully averting a recurrence of a partial shutdown of government functions.
議会の与野党が、予算確保で合意し、政府機関の一部閉鎖（シャットダウン）の再来を回避したことは評価したい。
Should the two parties fail to strike an agreement on raising the federal government’s debt ceiling in time for the Feb. 7 deadline, however, there would be a high risk of U.S. treasury bonds going into default. If U.S. treasury bonds actually went into default, there would be serious damage to not only the United States but also the rest of the world economy.
だが、２月７日までに与野党が連邦債務上限引き上げで合意しないと、米国債がデフォルト（債務不履行）に陥る別のリスクが迫っている。現実に起きれば米国だけでなく、世界に打撃を与える。
Therefore, it was reasonable for U.S. President Barack Obama to ask Republican Party members in Congress to unconditionally approve raising the debt ceiling. The confrontation between the Democrats and Republicans is expected to continue ahead of midterm elections in November, but an early agreement on the matter is needed.
オバマ大統領が野党共和党に無条件での上限引き上げを求めたのはもっともだ。１１月の中間選挙を控えて与野党の対立は続くが、早期合意を図ってもらいたい。
The European Central Bank carried out an additional interest rate cut in November despite having been able to stem the business slowdown because it was wary about prices hovering at low levels.
景気後退を食い止めたのに、欧州中央銀行（ＥＣＢ）が昨年１１月に追加利下げしたのは、物価低迷を警戒しているためだ。
Europe must avoid deflation
◆欧州はデフレ回避を
The growth rate in consumer prices has been held to less than 1 percent, lower than the 2 percent targeted by the ECB. There is concern that Europe will fall into deflation like Japan.
ユーロ圏の消費者物価上昇率は０％台にとどまり、ＥＣＢが目標とする２％を下回る。日本のようなデフレ転落も懸念される。
If Europe’s favorable economic turn should prove to be a “false dawn,” it will hobble the world economy again.
欧州の経済好転が「偽りの夜明け」に終われば、再び世界経済の足かせになろう。
The ECB should not hesitate to take the next steps, including an additional interest rate cut. Deflation must be avoided while keeping a close watch on price and business trends at the same time.
ＥＣＢは追加利下げなどの「次の一手」を躊躇(ちゅうちょ)してはならない。物価と景気を両にらみしつつ、デフレを食い止めるべきだ。
ECB stress tests on eurozone banks will start shortly ahead of its integrated supervision of the banks starting this autumn.
今秋、ＥＣＢに域内の銀行監督が一元化されるのに先立ち、銀行の資産査定（ストレステスト）がまもなく始まる。
It is indispensable to promote the strengthening of the financial underpinnings of banks with capital shortages to prevent financial uncertainty from flaring up again.
資本不足行の財務基盤強化を進め、金融不安の再燃を防ぐことも欠かせない。
The pace of growth has been slowing down across the board in emerging economies. Difficult economic management is expected to continue in China, and the country is likely to see a growth rate of about 7.5 percent this year, unlike the double-digit growth it once marked.
新興国では、成長が軒並み減速している。難しい経済運営が続く中国は、今年もかつての２ケタ成長を下回る７・５％程度の成長にとどまる見通しだ。
In China, nonbanks and other financial institutions have collected funds from individuals by selling high-interest financial products. These funds have been used to promote public works projects and real estate development in regional areas. It is problematic that the real situation of such shadow banking remains unknown.
ノンバンクなどが高金利の金融商品で個人から集めた資金が、地方の公共事業や不動産開発を後押しする。そうした「影の銀行（シャドーバンキング）」の実態が依然不透明なことは問題である。
Steady leadership needed as world economy at crossroads
上向く世界経済 本格再生へ「分水嶺」の１年だ（1月3日付・読売社説）
◆先進国と新興国にくすぶる不安
Signs of a bright future for the global economy seem to have begun twinkling, with advanced economies picking up gradually after managing to break out of monetary and fiscal crises.
金融・財政危機を収束した先進国の景気が持ち直し、世界経済の前途に明るさが見えてきた。
Uncertainties remain, however, concerning the policy handling of the United States and European countries. Caution is also needed regarding a slowdown of emerging market economies such as China.
ただし、米欧の政策運営には、まだ不透明感が残る。中国など新興国経済の減速にも注意が必要だ。
This year will most likely mark a watershed regarding whether the world economy can realize sufficiently robust growth to get onto a full-fledged recovery path.
より力強い成長を実現し、本格的な景気回復軌道に乗れるかどうか、分水嶺(れい)の１年となろう。
In its report last autumn, the International Monetary Fund forecast the 2014 world economy would log 3.6 percent growth after inflation. It is noteworthy that the growth of the world economy this year is expected to expand a little on the strength of advanced economies’ pickup, compared to 2013’s growth, which the IMF estimates at 2.9 percent.
国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）は昨秋、２０１４年の世界経済を実質３・６％成長と予想した。２・９％成長が見込まれる１３年と比べると、先進国の伸びを背景に、やや増進するのがポイントである。
U.S. debt ceiling accord a key
◆米債務上限の合意急げ
The world financial woes triggered by the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy in the autumn of 2008 embroiled Greece, developing into a crisis for all European economies.
世界経済は、０８年秋のリーマン・ショックがギリシャに飛び火し、欧州危機へ発展した。
What made it possible for the global economy to begin finding a way out of a chain of negative occurrences at long last was, first of all, indications of a solid business recovery in the United States, the epicenter of the global financial hardships. The European economies, after experiencing a series of business downturns, have now returned to positive growth, signifying a breakaway from the worst phase of their economic conditions.
「負の連鎖」をようやく抜け出しつつあるのは、危機の震源地だった米国の景気が底堅く推移し始めたのが主因だ。景気後退が続いた欧州経済もプラス成長に転じ、最悪期を脱した。
Symbolic of the signs of uptrend is the decision late last year by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board to modify its extraordinary easy money policy in response to improvements in U.S. unemployment rates and other key economic indicators.
雇用改善などを受けて、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が決めた異例の金融政策の修正が象徴的である。
Starting this month, the Fed is scheduled to embark on an “exit strategy” designed to scale down bit by bit Phase Three of its quantitative monetary easing, or QE3, in which the U.S. central bank has been purchasing a huge amount of U.S. treasury bonds and other financial assets every month.
米国債などを毎月購入してきた量的緩和策第３弾（ＱＥ３）の規模を小刻みに縮小する「出口戦略」に今月から一歩踏み出す。
It seems the world’s market players have been reassured to see the Fed spearheading a move in favor of an exit strategy, amid large-scale monetary easing policies in place in Japan, the United States and Europe. Consequently, stock prices are on the rise in New York and other markets.
日米欧が大規模な緩和策を続ける中、ＦＲＢが先陣を切って慎重に動き出したことで、安心感を与えたのだろう。ニューヨーク市場などの株価が上昇している。
The Fed reportedly intends to continue tapering its QE3 asset purchases, with a view to terminating the easy money policy as early as the end of the year. Next year and afterward, the Fed is seen probing timing for an end to its zero-interest rate policy while looking for an opportune time to raise rates.
ＦＲＢはＱＥ３縮小を継続し、年内にも終了させる方針という。来年以降、ゼロ金利政策の終了と利上げ時期も探るとみられる。
Due attention should be paid to the adverse impact of colossal money supplies worldwide that have so far been in place, as they could lead to rekindling of economic bubbles in the United States, emerging market countries and elsewhere.
これまでの巨額マネーの供給で米国や新興国にバブルが再燃する副作用への警戒も必要だ。
Implementation of the exit strategy, however, will require a considerably long period of time. The ability of incoming Fed chair Janet Yellen, who is to take the place of Chairman Ben Bernanke toward the end of January, will certainly be tested through her efforts to ensure that no danger arises of the world economy and markets plunging into turmoil in the process of the implementation of the Fed’s exit strategy.
とは言え、出口戦略は長い道のりになる。世界経済や市場に混乱を招かないよう、１月末にバーナンキ議長と交代するイエレン新議長の手腕が問われる。
How things evolve regarding U.S. congressional discussions on fiscal measures is also of key significance.
米国の財政協議も焦点だ。
It is a highly welcome development that Democrats and Republicans in Congress have reached common ground on a federal budget deal, successfully averting a recurrence of a partial shutdown of government functions.
議会の与野党が、予算確保で合意し、政府機関の一部閉鎖（シャットダウン）の再来を回避したことは評価したい。
Should the two parties fail to strike an agreement on raising the federal government’s debt ceiling in time for the Feb. 7 deadline, however, there would be a high risk of U.S. treasury bonds going into default. If U.S. treasury bonds actually went into default, there would be serious damage to not only the United States but also the rest of the world economy.
だが、２月７日までに与野党が連邦債務上限引き上げで合意しないと、米国債がデフォルト（債務不履行）に陥る別のリスクが迫っている。現実に起きれば米国だけでなく、世界に打撃を与える。
Therefore, it was reasonable for U.S. President Barack Obama to ask Republican Party members in Congress to unconditionally approve raising the debt ceiling. The confrontation between the Democrats and Republicans is expected to continue ahead of midterm elections in November, but an early agreement on the matter is needed.
オバマ大統領が野党共和党に無条件での上限引き上げを求めたのはもっともだ。１１月の中間選挙を控えて与野党の対立は続くが、早期合意を図ってもらいたい。
The European Central Bank carried out an additional interest rate cut in November despite having been able to stem the business slowdown because it was wary about prices hovering at low levels.
景気後退を食い止めたのに、欧州中央銀行（ＥＣＢ）が昨年１１月に追加利下げしたのは、物価低迷を警戒しているためだ。
Europe must avoid deflation
◆欧州はデフレ回避を
The growth rate in consumer prices has been held to less than 1 percent, lower than the 2 percent targeted by the ECB. There is concern that Europe will fall into deflation like Japan.
ユーロ圏の消費者物価上昇率は０％台にとどまり、ＥＣＢが目標とする２％を下回る。日本のようなデフレ転落も懸念される。
If Europe’s favorable economic turn should prove to be a “false dawn,” it will hobble the world economy again.
欧州の経済好転が「偽りの夜明け」に終われば、再び世界経済の足かせになろう。
The ECB should not hesitate to take the next steps, including an additional interest rate cut. Deflation must be avoided while keeping a close watch on price and business trends at the same time.
ＥＣＢは追加利下げなどの「次の一手」を躊躇(ちゅうちょ)してはならない。物価と景気を両にらみしつつ、デフレを食い止めるべきだ。
ECB stress tests on eurozone banks will start shortly ahead of its integrated supervision of the banks starting this autumn.
今秋、ＥＣＢに域内の銀行監督が一元化されるのに先立ち、銀行の資産査定（ストレステスト）がまもなく始まる。
It is indispensable to promote the strengthening of the financial underpinnings of banks with capital shortages to prevent financial uncertainty from flaring up again.
資本不足行の財務基盤強化を進め、金融不安の再燃を防ぐことも欠かせない。
The pace of growth has been slowing down across the board in emerging economies. Difficult economic management is expected to continue in China, and the country is likely to see a growth rate of about 7.5 percent this year, unlike the double-digit growth it once marked.
新興国では、成長が軒並み減速している。難しい経済運営が続く中国は、今年もかつての２ケタ成長を下回る７・５％程度の成長にとどまる見通しだ。
In China, nonbanks and other financial institutions have collected funds from individuals by selling high-interest financial products. These funds have been used to promote public works projects and real estate development in regional areas. It is problematic that the real situation of such shadow banking remains unknown.
ノンバンクなどが高金利の金融商品で個人から集めた資金が、地方の公共事業や不動産開発を後押しする。そうした「影の銀行（シャドーバンキング）」の実態が依然不透明なことは問題である。