英字新聞

The Yomiuri Shimbun July 28, 2013
Abe’s increased focus on ASEAN partnership a strategic move
首相アジア演説　ＡＳＥＡＮ重視戦略の表明だ（7月27日付・読売社説）

A speech made by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday served as a strong message to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a key economic and security partner of Japan.
　経済・安全保障の重要なパートナーである東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）に対する強いメッセージだ。

During his visit to Southeast Asia, Abe delivered the speech on the Japan-ASEAN relationship in Singapore.
　東南アジア歴訪中の安倍首相が、シンガポールで日本とＡＳＥＡＮの関係をテーマに政策演説を行った。

Using an airplane to describe relations between Japan and the rapidly growing region, Abe said, “Japan and ASEAN are like twin engines on the right and left wings.”
　急成長している東南アジア地域の経済圏を飛行機に例え、「日本とＡＳＥＡＮは、左右両翼のツイン・エンジンだ」と述べた。

The prime minister also said his Abenomics economic measures would benefit ASEAN countries as both Japan’s imports from and exports to ASEAN members have doubled over the past decade. Abe is apparently determined to further bolster Japan-ASEAN ties.
　首相は、日本とＡＳＥＡＮの輸出入額がこの１０年間でそれぞれ倍増したとし、経済政策「アベノミクス」の効果はＡＳＥＡＮにも及ぶと語った。さらに関係を強化する決意と言える。

Both Malaysia and Singapore, which Abe visited this week, are participants in negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact. Japan will likely seek ways to partner with them when the TPP talks enter the final stage.
　今回訪れたマレーシア、シンガポール両国は、日本が参加した環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉のメンバーでもある。今後の大詰め交渉で、連携を模索することも課題となろう。

Beyond economic alliance

Abe stressed that the nation’s relationship with ASEAN encompasses more than economic matters, saying the ties are “meaningful in ensuring regional security, particularly freedom of navigation at sea.” This year marks the 40th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN friendship and cooperation.
　一方、首相は、今年で「友好協力４０周年」を迎えたＡＳＥＡＮとの関係は今や、経済にとどまらず、「地域の安全保障、とりわけ航海の自由に責任を持つ間柄」であることも強調した。

He made such remarks apparently with China in mind, as Beijing has attempted to assume control of the East and South China seas. Especially now, when Japan’s ties with China and South Korea have become strained, it is strategically significant for the government to deepen its partnership with ASEAN.
　東・南シナ海への強引な海洋進出を図る中国を念頭に置いたものだ。中国、韓国との関係が不安定だけにＡＳＥＡＮとの連携を深めるのは戦略的に有意義である。

On Friday, Abe also met with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, who has been touring Asia. This meeting was seemingly effective in highlighting the Japan-U.S. alliance, which could be conducive to ensuring peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
　首相がアジア歴訪中のバイデン米副大統領と会談したことも、この地域の平和と繁栄に寄与する日米同盟の存在をアピールするうえで効果的だったといえよう。

Abe was to meet with Philippine President Benigno Aquino in Manila on Saturday. During the meeting, Abe was expected to express his intention to provide the Philippines with patrol ships through the Official Development Assistance program.
　首相は、２７日にはマニラで、フィリピンのアキノ大統領と会談する。政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を活用し、巡視船を供与する考えを表明する見通しだ。

The Philippines has been at loggerheads with China over the sovereignty of the Scarborough Shoal and other territories in the South China Sea. In light of this, helping the Philippines boost its maritime capability could serve as a symbolic aid gesture to benefit the whole ASEAN community.
　フィリピンは、南シナ海のスカボロー礁などの領有権をめぐって中国と対立している。その海上保安能力の向上を日本が後押しすることは、ＡＳＥＡＮ全体に対する日本の意思表示にもなる。

Look to China allies

This is already Abe’s third visit to Southeast Asia since returning to power. Of the 10 ASEAN member countries, he has visited seven.
　首相の東南アジア訪問は、就任以来早くも３回目だ。訪ねた国は加盟１０か国のうち七つに上る。

Cambodia and Laos, both nations that have close ties to China, are among the ASEAN members. With due consideration for local circumstances in both countries, the prime minister should also visit these nations in a bid to increase their understanding of Japan.
　ＡＳＥＡＮの中には、カンボジアやラオスのように中国寄りとされる国もある。首相はこうした国も訪問し、各国の事情に配慮して、きめ細かに日本への理解を拡大していくべきだ。

China has apparently attempted to undermine Japan-ASEAN relations due to its alarm over Abe’s aggressive diplomacy in the region.
　中国側にも、安倍外交を意識して、ＡＳＥＡＮ各国を分断しようとする動きが見える。

To prevent military tensions with China from escalating, it is vital for Japan to seek regional stability in line with international regulations and the spirit of the rule of law by working together with the United States and other countries.
　日本は、軍事的緊張を高めないよう、米国などと連携し、国際法と法の支配にのっとった地域の安定を目指すことが肝要だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 27, 2013)
（2013年7月27日01時26分 読売新聞）