The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 5, 2010)
Stay in step with U.S., ROK to deter N. Korea
北朝鮮新体制 挑発への抑止は日米韓連携で（10月4日付・読売社説）
Despite giving its leadership lineup a face-lift, the North Korean autocracy led by Kim Jong Il has not changed one jot in substance. Japan and other neighboring nations must keep an eagle eye on North Korea's behavior. We must keep our guard up against the secretive country.
人事刷新で衣替えはしても、北朝鮮の金正日独裁体制の中身は何ら変わっていない。日本はじめ周辺国は、今後の動向を一層注視し、警戒を怠ってはならない。
The new leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea clearly shows the party congress held last week--the first in 44 years--was aimed at extending the life of the current regime.
北朝鮮が発表した党指導部人事の全容を見れば、４４年ぶりの党代表者会の狙いが、現体制の延命にあったことは明らかだ。
The first election in 30 years of members of the party's Central Committee was held, and the committee held a general meeting for the first time in 17 years to elect Politburo and Secretariat members.
党中央委員を選挙したのは３０年ぶりのことだ。１７年ぶりに党中央委員会総会を開いて、政治局や書記局のメンバーも選出した。
The average age of members of the Politburo, the party's supreme organ, is nearly 80. Installing party elders in lofty party positions is intended to make them compete in showing their allegiance to Kim Jong Il, the party's secretary general. This could be a key to stabilizing the regime. Kim also shrewdly installed his right-hand men from his generation in key positions.
党最高幹部の政治局員の平均年齢は８０歳近い。高齢の長老たちを手厚く処遇することで、金正日総書記への忠誠を競わせる。それが、体制を安定させる秘訣(ひけつ)なのだろう。総書記は要所には、ぬかりなく同年代の腹心を配した。
===
Kim Jong Un unveiled
In the days leading up to the Congress, all eyes had been on Kim's third son, Kim Jong Un, who was anointed a general in the Korean People's Army and a vice chairman of the party's Central Military Commission, even though he is just 27.
注目された総書記の三男、金正恩氏は、軍の大将という肩書を与えられ、２７歳の若さで、いきなり党中央軍事委員会の副委員長に抜擢(ばってき)された。
Awarding Kim Jong Un these posts represents his de facto appointment as Kim Jong Il's successor. Nevertheless, his appointment as a Politburo and Secretariat member was put off. His tender age might be the reason for that.
だが、事実上の後継指名にもかかわらず、正恩氏の政治局入りと書記就任は見送られた。若すぎるという理由からかもしれない。
Details and images of Kim Jong Un had been closely guarded. After his appointments were announced, North Korea made video images of him public for the first time. Kim Jong Un bears a strong resemblance to his late grandfather Kim Il Sung, who has been deified as North Korea's "eternal leader." Kim Jong Il is seeking to rebuild the party and set the stage for the third generation of hereditary succession on the coattails of his father.
秘密のベールに包まれていたその姿も、初めて公開された。風貌(ふうぼう)は、「永遠の主席」と神格化されている祖父の故金日成主席にそっくりだ。金総書記は、初代の威光を背景に党を立て直し、権力の３代世襲を図ろうとしている。
As North Korea goes through a period of power transition, there are concerns it could resort to military adventurism to demonstrate Kim Jong Un's presence as a military leader both at home and abroad.
権力移行期にある北朝鮮が、軍指導者の正恩氏の存在感を内外に示すために、冒険主義に走らないか。警戒すべきはこの点だ。
===
Military provocation feared
A South Korean naval ship was sunk in March, and Seoul has concluded the sinking was caused by a North Korean torpedo.
３月には、韓国政府が、北朝鮮による魚雷攻撃による、と結論づけた韓国海軍哨戒艦の沈没事件が起きている。
In the latest personnel reshuffle, Ri Yong Ho, the army chief of staff, marked his extraordinary rise by being named to the Politburo presidium and a vice chairman of the party's Central Military Commission. This suggests North Korea could resort to similar provocations to display its military power.
今回の人事で、李英●・軍総参謀長が破格の昇進を遂げ、政治局常務委員と中央軍事委員会副委員長の要職に起用された。軍の実績を誇示しようと、同様の挑発行動に出る可能性があろう。（●は、金ヘンに「高」）
There is concern that Kim Jong Il's regime, which has been unable to overcome severe economic shortcomings, will instead play to its military strengths, such as by conducting a third nuclear test or test-firing a ballistic missile, to fortify party solidarity and gain leverage in talks with Washington. In fact, a North Korean delegate to the United Nations recently reasserted his country should reinforce its nuclear deterrent.
経済の窮状を打開できない金正日体制が、求心力の回復や対米交渉をにらみ、３度目の核実験や、弾道ミサイル発射など、軍事的な成果を狙う懸念もある。事実、国連で北朝鮮代表は、核抑止力を強化する姿勢を改めて強調した。
Japan needs to exchange more information and devise pragmatic measures with the United States and South Korea concerning the future moves of North Korea.
今後の北朝鮮の動向をめぐり、日本は、米国や韓国との間で、情報交換や実効性ある対策作りを進めていく必要がある。
Unity among its neighbors could be the prime deterrent to any North Korean recklessness. Cooperation with Beijing is important, but Japan cannot rely on China right now. The most urgent task is to bolster cooperation between Japan, the United States and South Korea.
対北朝鮮抑止のかぎとなるのは周辺国の結束だ。中国と協調することは重要だが、いま、それをあてにすることはできない。日米韓の連携強化こそ最優先課題だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 4, 2010)
（2010年10月4日01時03分 読売新聞）
2010/10/05
2010/10/04
所信表明演説 「有言実行」に見合う成果を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 4, 2010)
'True-to-its-word' Cabinet must be worthy of name
所信表明演説 「有言実行」に見合う成果を（10月3日付・読売社説）
If Prime Minister Naoto Kan is going to use the phrase "true-to-its-word Cabinet" as a slogan, he must make solid policy achievements commensurate with his words.
菅首相は、「有言実行内閣」を標榜(ひょうぼう)する以上、その言葉に見合う、確かな政策面の成果を上げることが求められよう。
On Friday, Kan delivered a policy speech for the second time since he became prime minister in June. In it, he highlighted five important policy agendas--achieving economic growth, putting public finances on a sound footing, reforming social security, advancing reform of regional sovereignty and implementing proactive diplomacy--and pledged to steadily carry them out.
菅首相が、６月の就任以来、２回目の所信表明演説を行った。重要政策課題として、経済成長、財政健全化、社会保障改革、地域主権改革、主体的な外交の５項目を挙げ、それぞれを着実に実行する考えを表明した。
Kan's latest policy speech was a declaration that his administration will no longer postpone implementing important policies, and an expression of his resolve to settle issues put off during the two lost decades after the collapse of the bubble economy, rather than hand them down to the next generation.
首相は、今回の演説を「先送り一掃宣言」と位置づけ、バブル崩壊後の「失われた２０年」の間、先送りされてきた課題を、次世代に遺(のこ)さず解決する決意とされる。
Kan's message is clear, but he has yet to indicate a specific path for tackling such issues in the current divided Diet, where the passage of any legislation must have the cooperation of opposition parties.
そのメッセージこそ明確だが、野党の協力なしでは法案が成立しない衆参ねじれ国会で、いかに課題を実行するのか、具体的道筋は見えてこない。
Also, the specifics of Kan's many policies appear to be the same as those already in existence and are therefore unsatisfactory.
政策内容も従来と同じものが多く、物足りない。
===
Admit errors in manifesto
Kan again proposed talks between the ruling and opposition parties over a draft supplementary budget, achieving fiscal soundness and social security reform.
首相は、補正予算案や財政健全化、社会保障改革をめぐる与野党協議を改めて提案した。
"Let us work together to build politics in which sovereignty truly lies with the people," Kan said. However, the situation is not so easy that such a call alone can solicit cooperation from opposition parties.
「真の国民主権の政治に向け、共に頑張りましょう」と野党に呼びかけた。だが、これだけで野党の協力が得られるほど甘い状況にはない。
Regarding the Democratic Party of Japan's manifesto, which opposition parties are demanding be reviewed, Kan did not say much besides: "We will continue to make a sincere effort to fulfill the campaign pledges," and "In cases where budgetary constraints make it difficult to implement policies as originally stated in our manifesto, I will seek to come up with measures...that are acceptable to the Japanese people by candidly explaining to them the situation."
野党が見直しを求める民主党の政権公約について、首相は「誠実に取り組む」「実現が困難な場合は、国民に率直に説明し、納得できる施策に仕上げる」と語るにとどまった。これでは不十分だ。
However, this is insufficient.
Kan needs to tackle drastic reform of the manifesto by admitting that campaign promises for which there is not sufficient funding, such as the child-rearing allowance, were a mistake and apologize to the public.
子ども手当など、財源の裏付けを欠いた政権公約の過ちを認め、国民に謝罪して、抜本的な見直しに取り組む必要がある。
Kan spoke of the need to conduct "active, proactive diplomacy" to secure this country's peace and prosperity. His understanding of the issue is correct, but Kan's handling of foreign policy appears unsure.
菅首相は、日本の平和と繁栄を確保するため、「主体的で能動的な外交」を展開する必要性を訴えた。その問題意識は正しいが、菅外交の取り組みは心もとない。
The government has continued to postpone coordination with local governments over the issue of relocating the U.S. Marine Corp.'s Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, which has kept relations between Tokyo and Washington from improving.
米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題では、地元調整を先送りし続け、日米関係の改善は進んでいない。
===
Kan's meaning unclear
The Kan administration came under fire for leaving to prosecutors an important decision about releasing the captain of a Chinese fishing boat after his trawler collided with Japan Coast Guard vessels off the Senkaku Islands last month. The administration also has delayed the dispatch of the Ground Self-Defense Force to Sudan to engage in peacekeeping operations there.
尖閣諸島沖の中国漁船衝突事件では、船長釈放という重要な政治判断を検察当局に委ねたと批判されている。スーダンでの国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）にも、陸上自衛隊の部隊派遣を見送った。
Kan said, "All of our citizens need to regard this as a problem that affects them directly, and we need to work together as a nation to develop an active foreign policy."
However, his explanation is not enough, and it is difficult to understand what he really means by saying that. It is important for the public to be interested in this country's foreign policy, but Kan's remark could give the impression that the government is dodging its responsibility.
首相が「国民一人ひとりが自分の問題として捉(とら)え、国民全体で考える外交」を主張したのも、説明不足で、真意が分かりづらい。国民が外交に関心を持つのは大切だが、政府が責任逃れをしているような印象を与えかねない。
A series of important international meetings are scheduled from this week to mid-November, including the Asia-Europe Meeting, the East Asia Summit, Group of 20 summit meeting and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Kan should do his utmost to reconstruct Japan's diplomacy on his own responsibility.
今週から来月中旬にかけて、アジア欧州会議、東アジア首脳会議、Ｇ２０（世界２０か国・地域）、アジア太平洋経済協力会議と、重要な国際会議が続く。菅首相は、自らの責任で、日本外交の立て直しに全力で取り組む必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 3, 2010)
（2010年10月3日01時19分 読売新聞）
'True-to-its-word' Cabinet must be worthy of name
所信表明演説 「有言実行」に見合う成果を（10月3日付・読売社説）
If Prime Minister Naoto Kan is going to use the phrase "true-to-its-word Cabinet" as a slogan, he must make solid policy achievements commensurate with his words.
菅首相は、「有言実行内閣」を標榜(ひょうぼう)する以上、その言葉に見合う、確かな政策面の成果を上げることが求められよう。
On Friday, Kan delivered a policy speech for the second time since he became prime minister in June. In it, he highlighted five important policy agendas--achieving economic growth, putting public finances on a sound footing, reforming social security, advancing reform of regional sovereignty and implementing proactive diplomacy--and pledged to steadily carry them out.
菅首相が、６月の就任以来、２回目の所信表明演説を行った。重要政策課題として、経済成長、財政健全化、社会保障改革、地域主権改革、主体的な外交の５項目を挙げ、それぞれを着実に実行する考えを表明した。
Kan's latest policy speech was a declaration that his administration will no longer postpone implementing important policies, and an expression of his resolve to settle issues put off during the two lost decades after the collapse of the bubble economy, rather than hand them down to the next generation.
首相は、今回の演説を「先送り一掃宣言」と位置づけ、バブル崩壊後の「失われた２０年」の間、先送りされてきた課題を、次世代に遺(のこ)さず解決する決意とされる。
Kan's message is clear, but he has yet to indicate a specific path for tackling such issues in the current divided Diet, where the passage of any legislation must have the cooperation of opposition parties.
そのメッセージこそ明確だが、野党の協力なしでは法案が成立しない衆参ねじれ国会で、いかに課題を実行するのか、具体的道筋は見えてこない。
Also, the specifics of Kan's many policies appear to be the same as those already in existence and are therefore unsatisfactory.
政策内容も従来と同じものが多く、物足りない。
===
Admit errors in manifesto
Kan again proposed talks between the ruling and opposition parties over a draft supplementary budget, achieving fiscal soundness and social security reform.
首相は、補正予算案や財政健全化、社会保障改革をめぐる与野党協議を改めて提案した。
"Let us work together to build politics in which sovereignty truly lies with the people," Kan said. However, the situation is not so easy that such a call alone can solicit cooperation from opposition parties.
「真の国民主権の政治に向け、共に頑張りましょう」と野党に呼びかけた。だが、これだけで野党の協力が得られるほど甘い状況にはない。
Regarding the Democratic Party of Japan's manifesto, which opposition parties are demanding be reviewed, Kan did not say much besides: "We will continue to make a sincere effort to fulfill the campaign pledges," and "In cases where budgetary constraints make it difficult to implement policies as originally stated in our manifesto, I will seek to come up with measures...that are acceptable to the Japanese people by candidly explaining to them the situation."
野党が見直しを求める民主党の政権公約について、首相は「誠実に取り組む」「実現が困難な場合は、国民に率直に説明し、納得できる施策に仕上げる」と語るにとどまった。これでは不十分だ。
However, this is insufficient.
Kan needs to tackle drastic reform of the manifesto by admitting that campaign promises for which there is not sufficient funding, such as the child-rearing allowance, were a mistake and apologize to the public.
子ども手当など、財源の裏付けを欠いた政権公約の過ちを認め、国民に謝罪して、抜本的な見直しに取り組む必要がある。
Kan spoke of the need to conduct "active, proactive diplomacy" to secure this country's peace and prosperity. His understanding of the issue is correct, but Kan's handling of foreign policy appears unsure.
菅首相は、日本の平和と繁栄を確保するため、「主体的で能動的な外交」を展開する必要性を訴えた。その問題意識は正しいが、菅外交の取り組みは心もとない。
The government has continued to postpone coordination with local governments over the issue of relocating the U.S. Marine Corp.'s Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, which has kept relations between Tokyo and Washington from improving.
米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題では、地元調整を先送りし続け、日米関係の改善は進んでいない。
===
Kan's meaning unclear
The Kan administration came under fire for leaving to prosecutors an important decision about releasing the captain of a Chinese fishing boat after his trawler collided with Japan Coast Guard vessels off the Senkaku Islands last month. The administration also has delayed the dispatch of the Ground Self-Defense Force to Sudan to engage in peacekeeping operations there.
尖閣諸島沖の中国漁船衝突事件では、船長釈放という重要な政治判断を検察当局に委ねたと批判されている。スーダンでの国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）にも、陸上自衛隊の部隊派遣を見送った。
Kan said, "All of our citizens need to regard this as a problem that affects them directly, and we need to work together as a nation to develop an active foreign policy."
However, his explanation is not enough, and it is difficult to understand what he really means by saying that. It is important for the public to be interested in this country's foreign policy, but Kan's remark could give the impression that the government is dodging its responsibility.
首相が「国民一人ひとりが自分の問題として捉(とら)え、国民全体で考える外交」を主張したのも、説明不足で、真意が分かりづらい。国民が外交に関心を持つのは大切だが、政府が責任逃れをしているような印象を与えかねない。
A series of important international meetings are scheduled from this week to mid-November, including the Asia-Europe Meeting, the East Asia Summit, Group of 20 summit meeting and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Kan should do his utmost to reconstruct Japan's diplomacy on his own responsibility.
今週から来月中旬にかけて、アジア欧州会議、東アジア首脳会議、Ｇ２０（世界２０か国・地域）、アジア太平洋経済協力会議と、重要な国際会議が続く。菅首相は、自らの責任で、日本外交の立て直しに全力で取り組む必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 3, 2010)
（2010年10月3日01時19分 読売新聞）
2010/10/03
Northern Territories
--The Asahi Shimbun, Oct. 12010/10/02
EDITORIAL: Northern Territories
北方領土―訪問は不毛な対立深める
As if to take advantage of Japan's confrontation with China over sovereignty of the Senkaku Islands, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said he intends to visit the Northern Territories soon.
尖閣諸島の領有をめぐって中国との緊張が高まる日本外交の足元を、見透かしたようなロシアの動きだ。
メドベージェフ大統領が「北方領土を近く必ず訪問する」と表明した。
Unlike the situation in the Senkaku Islands dispute, Tokyo and Moscow agreed in the 1993 Tokyo Declaration and other official documents to aim at settling the Northern Territories issue through negotiation. This is why successive Russian leaders have avoided making a visit.
尖閣と違って北方領土は、１９９３年の東京宣言をはじめとする公式文書で、両国政府が交渉で解決を目指すと確認している。だからこそロシアの歴代指導者も、訪問を避けてきた。
Russia has recently been emphasizing its claim that, as a result of World War II, ownership of the Northern Territories was transferred to the Soviet Union. The latest move is apparently aimed at highlighting Russia's effective control over the islands and undermining the position of Japan, which regards them as an integral part of the country. But such high-handed methods will render negotiations futile.
今回の動きには、「第２次世界大戦の結果、帰属が我々に移った」との主張を強めるロシアが実効支配の現状を強調し、四島を固有の領土とする日本の立場を揺るがす狙いがうかがえる。だが、強引なやりかたは交渉を不毛なものにするだけである。
It was natural for Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara to convey Japan's apprehension to the Russian side, saying the visit could seriously undermine Japan-Russia relations. Japan should continue to strongly urge Russia to avoid the visit.
「日ロ関係に重大な支障が生じる」と前原誠司外相が、ロシア側に懸念を伝えたのは当然だ。引き続き、強く訪問中止を働きかけるべきだ。
The Russian side has recently moved toward a more hard-line approach to territorial problems. First, it conducted a military exercise this summer with 1,500 troops on Etorofu Island, which is part of the Northern Territories.
このところ、ロシア側には領土問題で強硬な動きが目立つ。まず夏には、北方領土の択捉島で兵士１５００人が軍事演習をした。
It has also designated Sept. 2, the date on which Japan signed the instrument of surrender to the Allied Forces in 1945, the memorial day of the end of World War II. Most recently, Medvedev issued a joint statement with his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, emphasizing their commitment to territorial integrity during a visit to China earlier this week.
さらに日本が連合国への降伏文書に署名した９月２日を「第２次大戦終結記念日」に制定した。続いて今週、中国を訪問していた大統領が胡錦濤国家主席と、領土保全の原則的立場を保持するとの共同声明を出した。
In effect, the two countries were applying pressure on Japan by confirming the legitimacy of their respective claims to the Senkaku Islands and the Northern Territories.
尖閣や北方領土で主張の正当性を確認しあって日本に圧力をかけるような内容だ。
Russia may have become impatient with Japan, seeing that Tokyo's stance on the territorial problem had remained unchanged after the change of government from the Liberal Democratic Party to the Democratic Party of Japan. But we do not believe these moves will serve Russia's long-term interests.
日本の政権が自民党から民主党に代わっても、領土問題で立場が変わらないのに業をにやしたのかもしれない。しかし、こうした動きがロシアの長期的な利益にかなうとは思えない。
The Russian economy, which relies heavily on oil, natural gas and other resources, suffered a serious blow in the global financial crisis that hit two years ago. For this reason, the Russian administration is pursuing a policy of building good relations with Europe, the United States and Japan, with the aim of modernizing its economy by attracting technology and investment from these countries.
石油や天然ガスなどの資源に大きく依存するロシアの経済は、２年前の金融危機で大きな打撃を受けた。このためロシア政権は、経済の「現代化」を目指し、技術や投資の受け入れ先としての欧米や日本と良好な関係を築く政策に乗り出していた。
Russia is also trying to strengthen cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region to support development in Siberia and the Far East, which are lagging behind other regions. That is why it plans to take part in the East Asia Summit and will host the summit meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in 2012 in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East.
またロシアは、開発の遅れたシベリアや極東地区の底上げのために、アジア・太平洋諸国との協力強化に努めている。今後は東アジアサミットに参加し、２０１２年に極東のウラジオストクでアジア太平洋経済協力会議の首脳会議を主催するのもそのためだ。
In these circumstances, the Russian side should think hard about how much it could lose if it continues to be at loggerheads with Japan over territorial claims, at a time when it should instead be cooperating with Japan in the region.
それなのに、地域で積極的に協力しあうべき日本と領土問題でもめ続ける損失の大きさを、ロシア側はよく考えるべきだ。
The DPJ administration also faces some urgent decisions.
民主党政権にも課題がある。
Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama proposed the concept of an East Asian community. But he stepped down without showing how to position Japan-Russia relations within that framework. Prime Minister Naoto Kan has met with Medvedev only briefly on one occasion. Meanwhile, Chinese and Russian leaders have met as often as five times since the beginning of this year.
鳩山由紀夫前首相は、東アジア共同体構想を唱えたが、その中で日ロ関係をどう位置づけるかを示す間もなく退陣した。菅直人首相も、メドベージェフ大統領との会談は顔合わせ程度の一度きりだ。中ロの首脳会談は今年だけで５度を数える。
Japan needs to rebuild its East Asia policy and must address how it intends to deal with Russia.
ロシアを含む日本の東アジア政策の立て直しが必要である。
EDITORIAL: Northern Territories
北方領土―訪問は不毛な対立深める
As if to take advantage of Japan's confrontation with China over sovereignty of the Senkaku Islands, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said he intends to visit the Northern Territories soon.
尖閣諸島の領有をめぐって中国との緊張が高まる日本外交の足元を、見透かしたようなロシアの動きだ。
メドベージェフ大統領が「北方領土を近く必ず訪問する」と表明した。
Unlike the situation in the Senkaku Islands dispute, Tokyo and Moscow agreed in the 1993 Tokyo Declaration and other official documents to aim at settling the Northern Territories issue through negotiation. This is why successive Russian leaders have avoided making a visit.
尖閣と違って北方領土は、１９９３年の東京宣言をはじめとする公式文書で、両国政府が交渉で解決を目指すと確認している。だからこそロシアの歴代指導者も、訪問を避けてきた。
Russia has recently been emphasizing its claim that, as a result of World War II, ownership of the Northern Territories was transferred to the Soviet Union. The latest move is apparently aimed at highlighting Russia's effective control over the islands and undermining the position of Japan, which regards them as an integral part of the country. But such high-handed methods will render negotiations futile.
今回の動きには、「第２次世界大戦の結果、帰属が我々に移った」との主張を強めるロシアが実効支配の現状を強調し、四島を固有の領土とする日本の立場を揺るがす狙いがうかがえる。だが、強引なやりかたは交渉を不毛なものにするだけである。
It was natural for Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara to convey Japan's apprehension to the Russian side, saying the visit could seriously undermine Japan-Russia relations. Japan should continue to strongly urge Russia to avoid the visit.
「日ロ関係に重大な支障が生じる」と前原誠司外相が、ロシア側に懸念を伝えたのは当然だ。引き続き、強く訪問中止を働きかけるべきだ。
The Russian side has recently moved toward a more hard-line approach to territorial problems. First, it conducted a military exercise this summer with 1,500 troops on Etorofu Island, which is part of the Northern Territories.
このところ、ロシア側には領土問題で強硬な動きが目立つ。まず夏には、北方領土の択捉島で兵士１５００人が軍事演習をした。
It has also designated Sept. 2, the date on which Japan signed the instrument of surrender to the Allied Forces in 1945, the memorial day of the end of World War II. Most recently, Medvedev issued a joint statement with his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, emphasizing their commitment to territorial integrity during a visit to China earlier this week.
さらに日本が連合国への降伏文書に署名した９月２日を「第２次大戦終結記念日」に制定した。続いて今週、中国を訪問していた大統領が胡錦濤国家主席と、領土保全の原則的立場を保持するとの共同声明を出した。
In effect, the two countries were applying pressure on Japan by confirming the legitimacy of their respective claims to the Senkaku Islands and the Northern Territories.
尖閣や北方領土で主張の正当性を確認しあって日本に圧力をかけるような内容だ。
Russia may have become impatient with Japan, seeing that Tokyo's stance on the territorial problem had remained unchanged after the change of government from the Liberal Democratic Party to the Democratic Party of Japan. But we do not believe these moves will serve Russia's long-term interests.
日本の政権が自民党から民主党に代わっても、領土問題で立場が変わらないのに業をにやしたのかもしれない。しかし、こうした動きがロシアの長期的な利益にかなうとは思えない。
The Russian economy, which relies heavily on oil, natural gas and other resources, suffered a serious blow in the global financial crisis that hit two years ago. For this reason, the Russian administration is pursuing a policy of building good relations with Europe, the United States and Japan, with the aim of modernizing its economy by attracting technology and investment from these countries.
石油や天然ガスなどの資源に大きく依存するロシアの経済は、２年前の金融危機で大きな打撃を受けた。このためロシア政権は、経済の「現代化」を目指し、技術や投資の受け入れ先としての欧米や日本と良好な関係を築く政策に乗り出していた。
Russia is also trying to strengthen cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region to support development in Siberia and the Far East, which are lagging behind other regions. That is why it plans to take part in the East Asia Summit and will host the summit meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in 2012 in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East.
またロシアは、開発の遅れたシベリアや極東地区の底上げのために、アジア・太平洋諸国との協力強化に努めている。今後は東アジアサミットに参加し、２０１２年に極東のウラジオストクでアジア太平洋経済協力会議の首脳会議を主催するのもそのためだ。
In these circumstances, the Russian side should think hard about how much it could lose if it continues to be at loggerheads with Japan over territorial claims, at a time when it should instead be cooperating with Japan in the region.
それなのに、地域で積極的に協力しあうべき日本と領土問題でもめ続ける損失の大きさを、ロシア側はよく考えるべきだ。
The DPJ administration also faces some urgent decisions.
民主党政権にも課題がある。
Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama proposed the concept of an East Asian community. But he stepped down without showing how to position Japan-Russia relations within that framework. Prime Minister Naoto Kan has met with Medvedev only briefly on one occasion. Meanwhile, Chinese and Russian leaders have met as often as five times since the beginning of this year.
鳩山由紀夫前首相は、東アジア共同体構想を唱えたが、その中で日ロ関係をどう位置づけるかを示す間もなく退陣した。菅直人首相も、メドベージェフ大統領との会談は顔合わせ程度の一度きりだ。中ロの首脳会談は今年だけで５度を数える。
Japan needs to rebuild its East Asia policy and must address how it intends to deal with Russia.
ロシアを含む日本の東アジア政策の立て直しが必要である。
2010/10/02
Russia on the prowl for northern territories
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 2, 2010)
Russia on the prowl for northern territories
中露共同声明 「領土」を意識した対日圧力（10月1日付・読売社説）
The recent joint statement issued by Russia and China appears to be an attempt by Moscow to discourage Japan from further advancing its territorial claims. Russia--a nation with which Japan has had a long-standing dispute over four Russian-held islands off eastern Hokkaido--has chosen to keep step with Beijing, which claims sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
日本との間で北方領土問題を抱えるロシアが、尖閣諸島の領有権を主張する中国と歩調を合わせて、日本をけん制したのだろう。
During talks in Beijing on Monday, the top Chinese and Russian leaders inked a joint statement marking the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II.
北京で９月２７日に行われた中露首脳会談で、「第２次世界大戦終結６５周年に関する共同声明」が調印された。
The document stated that both the Soviet Union and China had fought "aggressors" in the war. It pointed the finger of blame at Japan and Germany, saying Russia and China would not "tolerate any attempts to rewrite the history of the great war and glorify the Nazis and militaristic elements."
声明は第２次大戦でソ連と中国がともに「侵略者」と戦った歴史を自賛した上で、「大戦の歴史を改ざんし、ナチスと軍国主義分子を美化するたくらみを許さない」と日本やドイツを指弾した。
It is extremely unusual for any nations to issue a joint statement on their historical perceptions of World War II, especially 65 years after hostilities ended.
先の大戦への歴史認識を戦後６５年も経て、共同声明として公表することは極めて異例である。
The statement also said that "China highly esteems the Soviet Army's role in staging a war of liberation in China's northeastern region."
声明ではまた、「中国は、中国東北地方の解放戦役で果たしたソ連軍の役割を、高く評価する」としている。
Living in the past
Why does China think so highly of the Soviet Union's unlawful invasion of such territories as Manchuria (currently northeastern China)--which was home to the puppet state established in the region by prewar Japan--after it revoked the Russo-Japanese Treaty of Neutrality to enter the war immediately before its end?
終戦直前にソ連が日ソ中立条約を破って参戦し、満州（現中国東北部）などに侵攻した不法行為を中国はなぜ高く評価するのか。
The statement also said the historical significance of engagement in World War II by China and the Soviet Union "cemented the foundation" of their current "strategic partnership for mutual cooperation."
声明は、第２次大戦で中ソがともに戦った歴史が、現在の中露の「戦略的協力パートナーシップの基礎を固めた」とも指摘した。
The document makes no mention of the deep antagonism between the two countries from the 1960s to the '80s.
１９６０～８０年代にかけて深刻な中ソ対立が続いた事実には、一切触れていない。
Russia had previously designated Sept. 2 as the date it would celebrate the end of the war. This date marks the Soviet "victory over Japan," given that our nation signed a document on its surrender to the Allied powers on Sept. 2, 1945. This appears to indicate that Russia's pride as a major power in the contemporary world is based on its status as a World War II victor.
ロシアは、先に日本が第２次大戦の降伏文書に調印した９月２日を事実上の「対日戦勝記念日」に定めた。大国の誇りの拠(よ)り所である戦勝国意識の反映だろう。
There is no doubt that Russia's designation of Sept. 2 as the war-victory anniversary was intended to strongly deter Japan's demand for the return of the northern territories to Japanese rule.
同時に、日本の北方領土返還要求を強くけん制したものであることは間違いない。
Japan's protest justified
After his trip to China, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited Kamchatka in the Russian Far East. メドべージェフ露大統領は今回の訪中後に、極東ロシア・カムチャツカ地方を訪問した。
Medvedev told reporters that the northern territories were "a very important part of our country. I'll visit them in the near future without fail." Medvedev's statement signified a strong desire to ensure that a Russian head of state visits the northern territories for the first time. No Soviet leader visited the territories.
大統領は記者団に対し、北方領土について「わが国の重要な地域だ。近い将来、必ず訪問する」と述べ、旧ソ連時代を通じ、国家元首による初めての北方領土訪問に強い意欲を示した。
This is another attempt by Russia to block Japanese moves to seek the reversion of the territories while also projecting Medvedev as "a strong leader."
これも、日本の北方領土返還の動きを封じるとともに、「強い指導者」をアピールする狙いがあると見られている。
Medvedev's remarks prompted Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara to immediately summon Russian Ambassador to Japan Mikhail Bely to his ministry's head office, where he protested the China-Russia joint statement. "I have no choice but to question Russia's true motive [behind the statement]," Maehara reportedly told Bely.
前原外相は直ちに駐日ロシア大使を呼び、中露共同声明について「ロシアの真意を疑わざるを得ない」と抗議した。
Maehara also warned the Russian ambassador that a visit to the northern territories by Medvedev would "seriously hinder Japan-Russia relations." The foreign minister had every reason to send this message.
さらに、大統領が北方領土を訪問すれば、「日露関係に重大な支障が生じる」と警告した。当然の対応である。
All indications are that Russia is attempting to pressure Japan, hoping to turn the situation in its favor. Moscow apparently senses that the Japan-U.S. alliance has been shaken since the Democratic Party of Japan came into power last year, while Tokyo's relations with Beijing are deteriorating. The administration of Prime Minister Naoto Kan must turn around its approach to foreign relations as quickly as possible.
民主党政権下で日米同盟が揺らぐ一方で、日中関係が悪化していることをにらみ、ロシアが日本側に圧力をかけている。菅政権の外交立て直しが急務だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 1, 2010)
（2010年10月1日01時28分 読売新聞）
Russia on the prowl for northern territories
中露共同声明 「領土」を意識した対日圧力（10月1日付・読売社説）
The recent joint statement issued by Russia and China appears to be an attempt by Moscow to discourage Japan from further advancing its territorial claims. Russia--a nation with which Japan has had a long-standing dispute over four Russian-held islands off eastern Hokkaido--has chosen to keep step with Beijing, which claims sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
日本との間で北方領土問題を抱えるロシアが、尖閣諸島の領有権を主張する中国と歩調を合わせて、日本をけん制したのだろう。
During talks in Beijing on Monday, the top Chinese and Russian leaders inked a joint statement marking the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II.
北京で９月２７日に行われた中露首脳会談で、「第２次世界大戦終結６５周年に関する共同声明」が調印された。
The document stated that both the Soviet Union and China had fought "aggressors" in the war. It pointed the finger of blame at Japan and Germany, saying Russia and China would not "tolerate any attempts to rewrite the history of the great war and glorify the Nazis and militaristic elements."
声明は第２次大戦でソ連と中国がともに「侵略者」と戦った歴史を自賛した上で、「大戦の歴史を改ざんし、ナチスと軍国主義分子を美化するたくらみを許さない」と日本やドイツを指弾した。
It is extremely unusual for any nations to issue a joint statement on their historical perceptions of World War II, especially 65 years after hostilities ended.
先の大戦への歴史認識を戦後６５年も経て、共同声明として公表することは極めて異例である。
The statement also said that "China highly esteems the Soviet Army's role in staging a war of liberation in China's northeastern region."
声明ではまた、「中国は、中国東北地方の解放戦役で果たしたソ連軍の役割を、高く評価する」としている。
Living in the past
Why does China think so highly of the Soviet Union's unlawful invasion of such territories as Manchuria (currently northeastern China)--which was home to the puppet state established in the region by prewar Japan--after it revoked the Russo-Japanese Treaty of Neutrality to enter the war immediately before its end?
終戦直前にソ連が日ソ中立条約を破って参戦し、満州（現中国東北部）などに侵攻した不法行為を中国はなぜ高く評価するのか。
The statement also said the historical significance of engagement in World War II by China and the Soviet Union "cemented the foundation" of their current "strategic partnership for mutual cooperation."
声明は、第２次大戦で中ソがともに戦った歴史が、現在の中露の「戦略的協力パートナーシップの基礎を固めた」とも指摘した。
The document makes no mention of the deep antagonism between the two countries from the 1960s to the '80s.
１９６０～８０年代にかけて深刻な中ソ対立が続いた事実には、一切触れていない。
Russia had previously designated Sept. 2 as the date it would celebrate the end of the war. This date marks the Soviet "victory over Japan," given that our nation signed a document on its surrender to the Allied powers on Sept. 2, 1945. This appears to indicate that Russia's pride as a major power in the contemporary world is based on its status as a World War II victor.
ロシアは、先に日本が第２次大戦の降伏文書に調印した９月２日を事実上の「対日戦勝記念日」に定めた。大国の誇りの拠(よ)り所である戦勝国意識の反映だろう。
There is no doubt that Russia's designation of Sept. 2 as the war-victory anniversary was intended to strongly deter Japan's demand for the return of the northern territories to Japanese rule.
同時に、日本の北方領土返還要求を強くけん制したものであることは間違いない。
Japan's protest justified
After his trip to China, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited Kamchatka in the Russian Far East. メドべージェフ露大統領は今回の訪中後に、極東ロシア・カムチャツカ地方を訪問した。
Medvedev told reporters that the northern territories were "a very important part of our country. I'll visit them in the near future without fail." Medvedev's statement signified a strong desire to ensure that a Russian head of state visits the northern territories for the first time. No Soviet leader visited the territories.
大統領は記者団に対し、北方領土について「わが国の重要な地域だ。近い将来、必ず訪問する」と述べ、旧ソ連時代を通じ、国家元首による初めての北方領土訪問に強い意欲を示した。
This is another attempt by Russia to block Japanese moves to seek the reversion of the territories while also projecting Medvedev as "a strong leader."
これも、日本の北方領土返還の動きを封じるとともに、「強い指導者」をアピールする狙いがあると見られている。
Medvedev's remarks prompted Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara to immediately summon Russian Ambassador to Japan Mikhail Bely to his ministry's head office, where he protested the China-Russia joint statement. "I have no choice but to question Russia's true motive [behind the statement]," Maehara reportedly told Bely.
前原外相は直ちに駐日ロシア大使を呼び、中露共同声明について「ロシアの真意を疑わざるを得ない」と抗議した。
Maehara also warned the Russian ambassador that a visit to the northern territories by Medvedev would "seriously hinder Japan-Russia relations." The foreign minister had every reason to send this message.
さらに、大統領が北方領土を訪問すれば、「日露関係に重大な支障が生じる」と警告した。当然の対応である。
All indications are that Russia is attempting to pressure Japan, hoping to turn the situation in its favor. Moscow apparently senses that the Japan-U.S. alliance has been shaken since the Democratic Party of Japan came into power last year, while Tokyo's relations with Beijing are deteriorating. The administration of Prime Minister Naoto Kan must turn around its approach to foreign relations as quickly as possible.
民主党政権下で日米同盟が揺らぐ一方で、日中関係が悪化していることをにらみ、ロシアが日本側に圧力をかけている。菅政権の外交立て直しが急務だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 1, 2010)
（2010年10月1日01時28分 読売新聞）
2010/10/01
Release video to prove Japan was in the right
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 1, 2010)
Release video to prove Japan was in the right
衝突ビデオ開示 正当性示すためにも不可欠だ（9月30日付・読売社説）
The government has indicated it will submit to the Diet video footage of the recent collision between a Chinese trawler and a Japan Coast Guard vessel near the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島沖の中国漁船衝突事件で、政府は巡視船上から海上保安官が撮影したビデオを国会に提出する方針を固めた。
The footage, taken by a JCG officer aboard the patrol vessel Mizuki, reportedly shows the Chinese vessel sailing parallel to the JCG vessel, then veering toward the Mizuki by turning to port, and colliding with the JCG vessel's starboard side.
ビデオには、巡視船と並走していた中国漁船が左側にかじを切って近づき、巡視船の右舷に体当たりする映像が鮮明に残っているという。
This would be conclusive evidence that will show the international community how vicious and dangerous the criminal activities of the trawler were, and how misplaced China's demands for an apology and compensation from Japan are.
悪質で危険な犯罪行為であることや、日本に謝罪・賠償を求める中国側主張の誤りを国際世論に訴える決定的証拠となろう。
The Naha District Public Prosecutors Office is holding the video as material evidence to build a case against the trawler's captain, who was arrested after the collision.
ビデオは、逮捕した中国人船長を立件するための捜査資料として那覇地検が保管している。
Article 47 of the Criminal Procedure Code prohibits investigation materials from being released before a trial. Even if such materials are to be released in exceptional circumstances, they should be made public only when investigative authorities believe it would be in the public interest and appropriate, according to a provisory clause of the code.
刑事訴訟法４７条は、そうした資料の公判前の公開を禁じており、例外的な公開も、捜査当局が公益上の必要性などを認め、公開相当と判断した場合に限られると但(ただ)し書きに規定されている。
Theoretically, a request from the legislative body to release the footage based on a Diet member's right to investigate state affairs would constitute public interest. Yet releasing the material will not be ruled necessary if it is considered to be the result of undue political interference in the judicature.
学説上は、国会から国政調査権に基づく要請があった場合などに公益性が認められるが、政治による不当な司法干渉と見なされれば公開の必要性は否定される。
Submission precedent
There is a precedent in submitting to the Diet material set to be used in a trial. In 1976, a list of "high-ranking government officials suspected of corruption" in connection with the Lockheed bribery scandal was submitted to the Lockheed Select Committee of both Diet chambers after negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties.
捜査資料の国会提出は１９７６年、ロッキード事件に絡む「灰色高官」リストが与野党の折衝の末、両院の調査特別委員会・秘密理事会に提出された例がある。
If the House of Representatives Budget Committee or a similar body passes a resolution calling for the video to be submitted to the Diet, the government plans to call on judicial and prosecution authorities to hand over the tape as this would be in the public interest.
政府は今回、衆院予算委員会での決議などがあれば、法務・検察当局に公益性をアピールして国会提出の判断を求める方針だ。
The Chinese captain has been released and returned home, making it unlikely his case will be brought to trial. Of course, the rights of people involved in this case must be protected and undue influence on the trial must be legally prevented. However, we think submitting the video to the Diet is the right thing to do.
船長はすでに釈放されて帰国し、公判の可能性は薄い。事件関係者の権利や裁判への不当な影響を防ぐという法の趣旨に照らしても、ビデオの国会提出は公益性が認められる妥当な措置だろう。
Don't expect about-face
Releasing the footage is unlikely to cause China to make an about-face and immediately concede the skipper and his crew acted illegally or change its hard-line stance toward Japan. On the contrary, China might hit back by claiming the video is fabricated.
ビデオによって、直ちに中国側が船長らの犯罪行為を認め、日本への強硬態度を転換させることは予想しにくい。逆に「ビデオは捏造(ねつぞう)だ」といった反論も出よう。
But if the malicious actions of the Chinese trawler within Japanese territorial waters are revealed for all to see, we think the international community will realize that Japan has acted lawfully.
しかし、日本領海内での中国漁船の悪質行為が示されれば、日本の対応に対する国際社会の理解が深まることが期待できる。
In 2001, a North Korean spy ship and JCG patrol vessels exchanged fire in the East China Sea southwest of Kyushu. The spy ship then blew itself up and sank. The JCG made footage of the incident available to the news media only two days later.
２００１年、九州南西海域で北朝鮮の工作船と海保の巡視船が銃撃戦になり、工作船が自爆・沈没した事件の際は、海保は２日後、ビデオを報道機関に公開した。
The JCG was said to be initially willing to release video of the trawler collision. But after the government discussed the skipper's arrest, the footage was kept under wraps to avoid angering Beijing.
今回の衝突事件でも、海保は当初、ビデオ公開に前向きだったが、船長の逮捕について政府内で協議する際、中国側を刺激したくないとの政治的配慮が働いた結果、見送られたという。
Some observers have suggested this decision weakened Japan's position. To prove to audiences at home and abroad that Japan acted legitimately, the footage must be submitted to the Diet.
そのことが結果的に、日本の立場を弱くしたという指摘もある。日本の正当性を改めて内外に示すためにも、ビデオの国会提出は不可欠であろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 30, 2010)
（2010年9月30日01時31分 読売新聞）
Release video to prove Japan was in the right
衝突ビデオ開示 正当性示すためにも不可欠だ（9月30日付・読売社説）
The government has indicated it will submit to the Diet video footage of the recent collision between a Chinese trawler and a Japan Coast Guard vessel near the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島沖の中国漁船衝突事件で、政府は巡視船上から海上保安官が撮影したビデオを国会に提出する方針を固めた。
The footage, taken by a JCG officer aboard the patrol vessel Mizuki, reportedly shows the Chinese vessel sailing parallel to the JCG vessel, then veering toward the Mizuki by turning to port, and colliding with the JCG vessel's starboard side.
ビデオには、巡視船と並走していた中国漁船が左側にかじを切って近づき、巡視船の右舷に体当たりする映像が鮮明に残っているという。
This would be conclusive evidence that will show the international community how vicious and dangerous the criminal activities of the trawler were, and how misplaced China's demands for an apology and compensation from Japan are.
悪質で危険な犯罪行為であることや、日本に謝罪・賠償を求める中国側主張の誤りを国際世論に訴える決定的証拠となろう。
The Naha District Public Prosecutors Office is holding the video as material evidence to build a case against the trawler's captain, who was arrested after the collision.
ビデオは、逮捕した中国人船長を立件するための捜査資料として那覇地検が保管している。
Article 47 of the Criminal Procedure Code prohibits investigation materials from being released before a trial. Even if such materials are to be released in exceptional circumstances, they should be made public only when investigative authorities believe it would be in the public interest and appropriate, according to a provisory clause of the code.
刑事訴訟法４７条は、そうした資料の公判前の公開を禁じており、例外的な公開も、捜査当局が公益上の必要性などを認め、公開相当と判断した場合に限られると但(ただ)し書きに規定されている。
Theoretically, a request from the legislative body to release the footage based on a Diet member's right to investigate state affairs would constitute public interest. Yet releasing the material will not be ruled necessary if it is considered to be the result of undue political interference in the judicature.
学説上は、国会から国政調査権に基づく要請があった場合などに公益性が認められるが、政治による不当な司法干渉と見なされれば公開の必要性は否定される。
Submission precedent
There is a precedent in submitting to the Diet material set to be used in a trial. In 1976, a list of "high-ranking government officials suspected of corruption" in connection with the Lockheed bribery scandal was submitted to the Lockheed Select Committee of both Diet chambers after negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties.
捜査資料の国会提出は１９７６年、ロッキード事件に絡む「灰色高官」リストが与野党の折衝の末、両院の調査特別委員会・秘密理事会に提出された例がある。
If the House of Representatives Budget Committee or a similar body passes a resolution calling for the video to be submitted to the Diet, the government plans to call on judicial and prosecution authorities to hand over the tape as this would be in the public interest.
政府は今回、衆院予算委員会での決議などがあれば、法務・検察当局に公益性をアピールして国会提出の判断を求める方針だ。
The Chinese captain has been released and returned home, making it unlikely his case will be brought to trial. Of course, the rights of people involved in this case must be protected and undue influence on the trial must be legally prevented. However, we think submitting the video to the Diet is the right thing to do.
船長はすでに釈放されて帰国し、公判の可能性は薄い。事件関係者の権利や裁判への不当な影響を防ぐという法の趣旨に照らしても、ビデオの国会提出は公益性が認められる妥当な措置だろう。
Don't expect about-face
Releasing the footage is unlikely to cause China to make an about-face and immediately concede the skipper and his crew acted illegally or change its hard-line stance toward Japan. On the contrary, China might hit back by claiming the video is fabricated.
ビデオによって、直ちに中国側が船長らの犯罪行為を認め、日本への強硬態度を転換させることは予想しにくい。逆に「ビデオは捏造(ねつぞう)だ」といった反論も出よう。
But if the malicious actions of the Chinese trawler within Japanese territorial waters are revealed for all to see, we think the international community will realize that Japan has acted lawfully.
しかし、日本領海内での中国漁船の悪質行為が示されれば、日本の対応に対する国際社会の理解が深まることが期待できる。
In 2001, a North Korean spy ship and JCG patrol vessels exchanged fire in the East China Sea southwest of Kyushu. The spy ship then blew itself up and sank. The JCG made footage of the incident available to the news media only two days later.
２００１年、九州南西海域で北朝鮮の工作船と海保の巡視船が銃撃戦になり、工作船が自爆・沈没した事件の際は、海保は２日後、ビデオを報道機関に公開した。
The JCG was said to be initially willing to release video of the trawler collision. But after the government discussed the skipper's arrest, the footage was kept under wraps to avoid angering Beijing.
今回の衝突事件でも、海保は当初、ビデオ公開に前向きだったが、船長の逮捕について政府内で協議する際、中国側を刺激したくないとの政治的配慮が働いた結果、見送られたという。
Some observers have suggested this decision weakened Japan's position. To prove to audiences at home and abroad that Japan acted legitimately, the footage must be submitted to the Diet.
そのことが結果的に、日本の立場を弱くしたという指摘もある。日本の正当性を改めて内外に示すためにも、ビデオの国会提出は不可欠であろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 30, 2010)
（2010年9月30日01時31分 読売新聞）
2010/09/30
Depend on China at your peril
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 30, 2010)
Depend on China at your peril
対日経済圧力 中国リスク回避へ分散化図れ（9月29日付・読売社説）
China is piling economic pressure on Japan following the collision this month between a Chinese fishing boat and two Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels in Japanese waters near the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島沖での中国漁船衝突事件を巡り、中国が経済問題で対日圧力を強めている。
China effectively has limited exports of rare earth minerals, which are vital for manufacturing hybrid cars, energy-efficient electrical appliances and other products. Some Chinese customhouses have reportedly cranked up inspections of other goods exported to and imported from Japan, resulting in delayed shipments between the two countries.
ハイブリッド車や省エネ家電などに不可欠なレアアース（希土類）の対日輸出を事実上制限しているほか、税関当局が通関手続きを厳しくするなどして、日本との輸出入業務が遅れる事態が生じている。
Officially, the Chinese government has denied ordering this crackdown. However, China is clearly attempting to unsettle Japan. China's actions make a mockery of international economic rules. We think China should immediately retract its retaliatory measures.
中国政府は表向き、指示を否定している。だが、日本に揺さぶりをかけているのは明らかだ。国際的な経済ルールから見て、大いに問題がある。中国は、こうした報復的措置を直ちに撤回しなければならない。
Japan imports 90 percent of its rare earths from China. Industries that depend on these minerals are increasingly anxious about the slowdown in customs clearance procedures.
日本はレアアースの９割を中国から輸入しており、手続きが停滞していることに関連業界は不安を募らせている。
Actions trump words
China has claimed that it has not banned exports of rare earths. However, officials at several Japanese trading houses said the issuance of customs documents needed to approve exports has been halted.
中国側は日本に対し、「レアアースの輸出は禁止していない」と説明しているが、複数の日系商社は「輸出承諾書の発給は停止状態だ」と指摘する。
A China ban on exports of rare earths only to Japan would violate World Trade Organization rules. The Japanese government must immediately investigate this worrying situation and demand an explanation from China on why customs clearance procedures have been held up.
中国が日本だけに輸出を禁止すれば、世界貿易機関（ＷＴＯ）協定に違反するのは明白だ。日本政府は、早急に実態を調査し、手続きの遅れについて中国側に説明を求めるべきだ。
At the same time, the government must do more to secure other rare earths production centers to ensure this nation has a stable supply of the minerals, promote research and development of rare earths substitutes and find ways to recycle the minerals.
同時に、レアアースの調達先の多様化や代替品の研究開発、リサイクルなどへの取り組みを急ぐ必要もあろう。
Many Japanese companies, mainly those in the textile, auto and electrical appliance industries, have shifted their manufacturing bases to China, where labor costs are a fraction of what they are in Japan.
日本企業は安価な労働力を当て込み、衣料品、自動車、電機メーカーなどを中心に、中国を生産拠点として活用してきた。
China's 1.3 billion population has increasingly strong purchasing power; it is certainly an attractive market for Japanese companies suffering from lethargic domestic demand due to the declining birthrate and graying population.
１３億人の人口を抱え、旺盛な購買力に支えられた中国の消費市場は、少子高齢化による内需低迷にあえぐ日本企業にとって、魅力的な存在でもある。
Reconsider business model
Nevertheless, Beijing's hard-nosed response to the latest dispute has made it painfully obvious to many Japanese firms that they should not rely too much on China to protect their business and interests.
しかし、今回の問題で中国が示した露骨な対応を見れば、過度な中国依存から脱することが、企業防衛上からも重要であることを再認識させられたのではないか。
It is disturbing that allowing Japan's economy to become a "hostage" to China's whims could sway government decisions on foreign and security policies.
日本経済が「人質」となり、政府の外交・安全保障政策上の足かせになっては困る。
Japanese companies should take this opportunity to reconsider their business strategy of concentrating production centers and investment in China, and instead start exploring new markets as the first step to reducing business risks.
日本企業は、生産や投資などを中国に集中させてきたビジネスモデルを再考し、中国以外の市場開拓に力を入れるなど、リスクの分散を図るきっかけにしなければならない。
Japanese companies have helped China develop technologies in such fields as energy and the environment. Some Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores have opened their doors in China, bringing jobs and a wide range of goods to the Chinese public.
日本企業はエネルギーや環境などの分野で中国の技術開発を手助けしている。スーパーやコンビニエンスストア業界も進出するなど消費や雇用面で、中国の国民に恩恵を及ぼしている。
We hope the Chinese government will not overlook the contributions Japanese companies have made to that country.
中国政府は、こうした日本企業の貢献を評価すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 29, 2010)
（2010年9月29日01時52分 読売新聞）
Depend on China at your peril
対日経済圧力 中国リスク回避へ分散化図れ（9月29日付・読売社説）
China is piling economic pressure on Japan following the collision this month between a Chinese fishing boat and two Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels in Japanese waters near the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島沖での中国漁船衝突事件を巡り、中国が経済問題で対日圧力を強めている。
China effectively has limited exports of rare earth minerals, which are vital for manufacturing hybrid cars, energy-efficient electrical appliances and other products. Some Chinese customhouses have reportedly cranked up inspections of other goods exported to and imported from Japan, resulting in delayed shipments between the two countries.
ハイブリッド車や省エネ家電などに不可欠なレアアース（希土類）の対日輸出を事実上制限しているほか、税関当局が通関手続きを厳しくするなどして、日本との輸出入業務が遅れる事態が生じている。
Officially, the Chinese government has denied ordering this crackdown. However, China is clearly attempting to unsettle Japan. China's actions make a mockery of international economic rules. We think China should immediately retract its retaliatory measures.
中国政府は表向き、指示を否定している。だが、日本に揺さぶりをかけているのは明らかだ。国際的な経済ルールから見て、大いに問題がある。中国は、こうした報復的措置を直ちに撤回しなければならない。
Japan imports 90 percent of its rare earths from China. Industries that depend on these minerals are increasingly anxious about the slowdown in customs clearance procedures.
日本はレアアースの９割を中国から輸入しており、手続きが停滞していることに関連業界は不安を募らせている。
Actions trump words
China has claimed that it has not banned exports of rare earths. However, officials at several Japanese trading houses said the issuance of customs documents needed to approve exports has been halted.
中国側は日本に対し、「レアアースの輸出は禁止していない」と説明しているが、複数の日系商社は「輸出承諾書の発給は停止状態だ」と指摘する。
A China ban on exports of rare earths only to Japan would violate World Trade Organization rules. The Japanese government must immediately investigate this worrying situation and demand an explanation from China on why customs clearance procedures have been held up.
中国が日本だけに輸出を禁止すれば、世界貿易機関（ＷＴＯ）協定に違反するのは明白だ。日本政府は、早急に実態を調査し、手続きの遅れについて中国側に説明を求めるべきだ。
At the same time, the government must do more to secure other rare earths production centers to ensure this nation has a stable supply of the minerals, promote research and development of rare earths substitutes and find ways to recycle the minerals.
同時に、レアアースの調達先の多様化や代替品の研究開発、リサイクルなどへの取り組みを急ぐ必要もあろう。
Many Japanese companies, mainly those in the textile, auto and electrical appliance industries, have shifted their manufacturing bases to China, where labor costs are a fraction of what they are in Japan.
日本企業は安価な労働力を当て込み、衣料品、自動車、電機メーカーなどを中心に、中国を生産拠点として活用してきた。
China's 1.3 billion population has increasingly strong purchasing power; it is certainly an attractive market for Japanese companies suffering from lethargic domestic demand due to the declining birthrate and graying population.
１３億人の人口を抱え、旺盛な購買力に支えられた中国の消費市場は、少子高齢化による内需低迷にあえぐ日本企業にとって、魅力的な存在でもある。
Reconsider business model
Nevertheless, Beijing's hard-nosed response to the latest dispute has made it painfully obvious to many Japanese firms that they should not rely too much on China to protect their business and interests.
しかし、今回の問題で中国が示した露骨な対応を見れば、過度な中国依存から脱することが、企業防衛上からも重要であることを再認識させられたのではないか。
It is disturbing that allowing Japan's economy to become a "hostage" to China's whims could sway government decisions on foreign and security policies.
日本経済が「人質」となり、政府の外交・安全保障政策上の足かせになっては困る。
Japanese companies should take this opportunity to reconsider their business strategy of concentrating production centers and investment in China, and instead start exploring new markets as the first step to reducing business risks.
日本企業は、生産や投資などを中国に集中させてきたビジネスモデルを再考し、中国以外の市場開拓に力を入れるなど、リスクの分散を図るきっかけにしなければならない。
Japanese companies have helped China develop technologies in such fields as energy and the environment. Some Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores have opened their doors in China, bringing jobs and a wide range of goods to the Chinese public.
日本企業はエネルギーや環境などの分野で中国の技術開発を手助けしている。スーパーやコンビニエンスストア業界も進出するなど消費や雇用面で、中国の国民に恩恵を及ぼしている。
We hope the Chinese government will not overlook the contributions Japanese companies have made to that country.
中国政府は、こうした日本企業の貢献を評価すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 29, 2010)
（2010年9月29日01時52分 読売新聞）
2010/09/29
Falling rice prices
2010/09/28
--The Asahi Shimbun, Sept. 27
EDITORIAL: Falling rice prices
日本の農業―安いコメで発展する道を
Lower rice prices may spell serious trouble for farmers but are welcome news for consumers.
「安いコメ」は、生産者にとってつらい話でも、消費者から見れば喜ばしい。
The government's first response to the prospect of a sharp decline, compared with usual years, in the prices of rice to be harvested this year should be based on the viewpoint and interest of consumers.
今年産米の価格が例年より大幅に下がる見通しとなってきたことも、まずは消費者本位の発想で受け止めるのが筋ではあるまいか。
The decline in rice prices is a product of an oversupply of the staple food in this nation. In addition to a massive carry-over of unsold rice from last year, when rice prices also dropped, an expected bountiful crop this year is likely to result in a sizable glut.
米価の下落は、コメの過剰が原因だ。すでに値が下がっていた昨年産米の在庫が大量に持ち越されるうえ、今年産のコメの作況が良いため、過剰米はかなり膨らむと見込まれる。
Even if depressed rice prices cause losses for rice growers, the income support program for farming households introduced this year by the government led by the Democratic Party of Japan will guarantee them a minimum level of income.
米価下落で農家が採算割れに陥っても、民主党政権が今年から導入した「戸別所得補償制度」があるので、農家は最低限の所得は保証される。
But the Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (Zenchu), the national organization of local agricultural cooperatives, is lobbying the government to take steps to prevent rice prices from sinking.
ところが、農協（ＪＡ）の全国組織である全国農業協同組合中央会（全中）は、政府に米価維持を求めている。
Specifically, the organization is demanding that the government buy surplus rice by using, ahead of schedule, the new rice stockpiling system that the farm ministry plans to introduce next fiscal year.
具体的には、農林水産省が来年度から導入を計画している新備蓄制度を前倒し活用し、過剰米を買い上げよというのである。
But we find it difficult to support Zenchu's lobbying campaign.
しかし、全中などの主張には同意しがたい。
The biggest factor behind declining rice consumption is the shrinking and aging of the nation's population. It is glaringly obvious that the government's policy to maintain rice prices by purchasing surplus rice will reach its limits sooner or later. This approach will not solve any of the structural problems within the Japanese agricultural sector that cause an oversupply of rice.
コメの消費が減っている最大の要因は、人口減と高齢化の進展である。過剰米買い上げで価格維持を図ろうにも、どこかで限界に達するのは目に見えている。過剰米を生む農業の構造問題は、そうしたやり方では解決できない。
It should be remembered that the income support program for farming households was created on the assumption that rice prices would be allowed to decline.
そもそも、戸別所得補償制度は米価の変動による「安いコメ」を認めるという発想に立って設けられたのではなかっただろうか。
For decades after the end of World War II, the government maintained rice prices through the so-called acreage-reduction policy to adjust supply. This system was designed to support the income of rice farmers by forcing consumers to buy rice at prices kept artificially high.
日本の戦後農政は、長らく減反政策でコメの供給量を調節し、米価を維持した。消費者に高いコメを買ってもらうことで農業収入を下支えしたが、その弊害は大きかった。
However well intended, this policy has had many undesirable side effects for the agricultural sector. Although the government spent a total of 7 trillion yen ($83 billion) over the years to finance the acreage-reduction policy, Japanese agriculture has remained in a steady decline.
The present serious shortage of young farmers who can become the future backbone of agriculture in this nation and the vast amount of abandoned farmland can be said to be a result of this policy.
減反には累計７兆円の財政資金も投じたが農業の足腰は弱くなるばかりで、後継者不足や広大な耕作放棄地も生んだ。
Now the government should move in the direction of integrating efforts to aid the agricultural sector through a taxpayer-financed system that will allow rice prices to fall in the domestic market.
この際、農業を支える仕組みを納税者負担に一本化しつつ、「安いコメ」への道を開くべきだ。
Such a move would enhance the international price competitiveness of Japanese rice and thereby make it easier to open Japan's farm market to imports.
そうすることで日本のコメの価格競争力が高まり、農産物の市場開放もしやすくなる。
This policy shift could bring huge benefits to the Japanese people as a whole by eliminating the biggest obstacle in Japan's trade negotiations with other countries for free trade agreements.
日本の貿易交渉の最大の弱みだったこの問題を解消して、自由貿易協定を広げることが出来れば、国民全体にとって大きな利益となる。
Lower rice prices at home would improve the prospects for Japanese rice exports. Reputed for its safety and taste, Japanese rice has the potential to gain popularity in markets in China and other rice-eating Asian nations.
日本のコメ価格が下がれば、コメ輸出も展望しやすくなる。安全性と食味で定評のある日本のコメは、中国をはじめとするアジアのコメ消費地向けの有望な輸出品となりうる。
The current system of propping up the income of farming households is seriously flawed, as it is still married to policies that trim rice production to maintain artificially high prices.
現在の戸別所得補償制度には、重大な欠陥がある。いまだに米価維持を前提とする減反政策を続けていることだ。
Since the program covers all farmers selling rice, including very small-scale growers, it is hampering consolidation of farmland into the hands of large-scale farmers.
また、所得補償の対象を零細農家も含む全販売農家に広げたことが、大規模生産者への農地集約の障害となっている。
The time has come for new policy efforts to solve these challenges and improve the competitive environment for domestic farmers, so that Japanese agriculture can develop, even if rice prices fall.
これらの課題を克服し、「安いコメ」でも発展できる農業への扉を開くべきときが訪れている。
--The Asahi Shimbun, Sept. 27
EDITORIAL: Falling rice prices
日本の農業―安いコメで発展する道を
Lower rice prices may spell serious trouble for farmers but are welcome news for consumers.
「安いコメ」は、生産者にとってつらい話でも、消費者から見れば喜ばしい。
The government's first response to the prospect of a sharp decline, compared with usual years, in the prices of rice to be harvested this year should be based on the viewpoint and interest of consumers.
今年産米の価格が例年より大幅に下がる見通しとなってきたことも、まずは消費者本位の発想で受け止めるのが筋ではあるまいか。
The decline in rice prices is a product of an oversupply of the staple food in this nation. In addition to a massive carry-over of unsold rice from last year, when rice prices also dropped, an expected bountiful crop this year is likely to result in a sizable glut.
米価の下落は、コメの過剰が原因だ。すでに値が下がっていた昨年産米の在庫が大量に持ち越されるうえ、今年産のコメの作況が良いため、過剰米はかなり膨らむと見込まれる。
Even if depressed rice prices cause losses for rice growers, the income support program for farming households introduced this year by the government led by the Democratic Party of Japan will guarantee them a minimum level of income.
米価下落で農家が採算割れに陥っても、民主党政権が今年から導入した「戸別所得補償制度」があるので、農家は最低限の所得は保証される。
But the Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (Zenchu), the national organization of local agricultural cooperatives, is lobbying the government to take steps to prevent rice prices from sinking.
ところが、農協（ＪＡ）の全国組織である全国農業協同組合中央会（全中）は、政府に米価維持を求めている。
Specifically, the organization is demanding that the government buy surplus rice by using, ahead of schedule, the new rice stockpiling system that the farm ministry plans to introduce next fiscal year.
具体的には、農林水産省が来年度から導入を計画している新備蓄制度を前倒し活用し、過剰米を買い上げよというのである。
But we find it difficult to support Zenchu's lobbying campaign.
しかし、全中などの主張には同意しがたい。
The biggest factor behind declining rice consumption is the shrinking and aging of the nation's population. It is glaringly obvious that the government's policy to maintain rice prices by purchasing surplus rice will reach its limits sooner or later. This approach will not solve any of the structural problems within the Japanese agricultural sector that cause an oversupply of rice.
コメの消費が減っている最大の要因は、人口減と高齢化の進展である。過剰米買い上げで価格維持を図ろうにも、どこかで限界に達するのは目に見えている。過剰米を生む農業の構造問題は、そうしたやり方では解決できない。
It should be remembered that the income support program for farming households was created on the assumption that rice prices would be allowed to decline.
そもそも、戸別所得補償制度は米価の変動による「安いコメ」を認めるという発想に立って設けられたのではなかっただろうか。
For decades after the end of World War II, the government maintained rice prices through the so-called acreage-reduction policy to adjust supply. This system was designed to support the income of rice farmers by forcing consumers to buy rice at prices kept artificially high.
日本の戦後農政は、長らく減反政策でコメの供給量を調節し、米価を維持した。消費者に高いコメを買ってもらうことで農業収入を下支えしたが、その弊害は大きかった。
However well intended, this policy has had many undesirable side effects for the agricultural sector. Although the government spent a total of 7 trillion yen ($83 billion) over the years to finance the acreage-reduction policy, Japanese agriculture has remained in a steady decline.
The present serious shortage of young farmers who can become the future backbone of agriculture in this nation and the vast amount of abandoned farmland can be said to be a result of this policy.
減反には累計７兆円の財政資金も投じたが農業の足腰は弱くなるばかりで、後継者不足や広大な耕作放棄地も生んだ。
Now the government should move in the direction of integrating efforts to aid the agricultural sector through a taxpayer-financed system that will allow rice prices to fall in the domestic market.
この際、農業を支える仕組みを納税者負担に一本化しつつ、「安いコメ」への道を開くべきだ。
Such a move would enhance the international price competitiveness of Japanese rice and thereby make it easier to open Japan's farm market to imports.
そうすることで日本のコメの価格競争力が高まり、農産物の市場開放もしやすくなる。
This policy shift could bring huge benefits to the Japanese people as a whole by eliminating the biggest obstacle in Japan's trade negotiations with other countries for free trade agreements.
日本の貿易交渉の最大の弱みだったこの問題を解消して、自由貿易協定を広げることが出来れば、国民全体にとって大きな利益となる。
Lower rice prices at home would improve the prospects for Japanese rice exports. Reputed for its safety and taste, Japanese rice has the potential to gain popularity in markets in China and other rice-eating Asian nations.
日本のコメ価格が下がれば、コメ輸出も展望しやすくなる。安全性と食味で定評のある日本のコメは、中国をはじめとするアジアのコメ消費地向けの有望な輸出品となりうる。
The current system of propping up the income of farming households is seriously flawed, as it is still married to policies that trim rice production to maintain artificially high prices.
現在の戸別所得補償制度には、重大な欠陥がある。いまだに米価維持を前提とする減反政策を続けていることだ。
Since the program covers all farmers selling rice, including very small-scale growers, it is hampering consolidation of farmland into the hands of large-scale farmers.
また、所得補償の対象を零細農家も含む全販売農家に広げたことが、大規模生産者への農地集約の障害となっている。
The time has come for new policy efforts to solve these challenges and improve the competitive environment for domestic farmers, so that Japanese agriculture can develop, even if rice prices fall.
これらの課題を克服し、「安いコメ」でも発展できる農業への扉を開くべきときが訪れている。
登録:
投稿 (Atom)