The Yomiuri Shimbun June 24, 2013
How far is China going to heighten tensions in the region?
中国海洋強国化 地域の緊張どこまで高めるか（6月23日付・読売社説）
As long as China has committed itself to taking a path of “peaceful development,” it must take the initiative and relax tensions in its international relations.
「平和発展」を標榜(ひょうぼう)するなら、中国は率先して緊張緩和をすべきだ。
The administration of President Xi Jinping, which has declared this year the “first year for making China a maritime power,” has been accelerating moves aimed at forcibly enclosing the East China Sea and South China Sea.
今年を「海洋強国化」の元年と位置づけた習近平政権が、東シナ海と南シナ海を力で囲い込む動きを着実に加速させている。
In late April, Beijing started cruise tours to the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, triggering a fierce reaction from Vietnam, which has been locked in a territorial dispute with China over the islets.
ベトナムと領有権を争う南シナ海の西沙諸島では、４月末にクルーズ船ツアーを開始し、ベトナムの強い反発を招いた。
Each cruise tour comprises about 200 passengers who can swim and go sightseeing on the islets, in what appears to be an attempt to make the visitors tangibly feel that China wields effective control over the chain. The scale of the tours is likely to be expanded.
ツアーは２００人規模で、観光や海水浴を通じて乗客に実効支配を体感させる内容だ。今後、規模を拡大するとみられる。
‘Patriotic education’
Beijing launched the cruise tour program after the city of Sansha was placed in charge of administering three island groups--the Paracel Islands, the Spratly Islands and the Macclesfield Bank--in June last year.
昨年６月に、西沙、南沙、中沙の３諸島を管轄する「三沙市」を設置したのに続く措置だ。
The cruise tours of the Paracels are considered part of China’s “maritime version of the patriotic education program,” along with the planned construction of a national maritime museum in the suburbs of Tianjin, northern China, with a view to broadening public support for Beijing’s bid to secure its maritime interests.
海洋博物館建設と並ぶ、海洋権益確保への支持を広げる「海洋版・愛国教育」の一環である。
On Wednesday, Xi met with his Vietnamese counterpart on his trip to China. A joint statement released after their talks stated the two countries will “remain calm and avoid action that could complicate or escalate a dispute.”
習国家主席は１９日、訪中したベトナム国家主席と会談した。その後の共同声明では、「争いを複雑化、拡大させる行動はとらない」としている。
That these two countries at loggerheads have agreed to prevent any further deterioration of ties over the dispute should be welcomed. It is crucial, however, that China and Vietnam abide by the accord, rather than just letting it end up as words on paper.
対立する両国が紛争悪化に歯止めをかける点で一致したことは歓迎できる。言葉だけに終わらせず、順守することが肝要だ。
In May, Chinese surveillance ships started patrols in waters surrounding the Spratly Islands that have been under the effective control of the Philippines. This is similar to China’s regular patrols by surveillance vessels since last year in waters around the Scarborough Shoal near the Macclesfield Bank.
中国はフィリピンが実効支配している南沙の一部海域で、５月に監視船の巡回を実施した。昨年来、中沙のスカボロー礁で監視船の巡回を常態化させている措置を想起させる動きである。
In February, Beijing’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, docked for the first time at its homeport in Qingdao, Shangdong Provice. China is believed poised to have the Liaoning set out for a long-distance voyage before the end of the year. Flaunting its bolstered naval capabilities may be designed to put pressure on Japan, the United States and other countries.
２月には、山東省青島を中国初の空母「遼寧」の母港とした。年内にも遠洋航海させる構えだ。海軍力増強の誇示は、日本や米国に圧力をかける狙いがあろう。
Chinese surveillance ships have continued to make regular intrusions in waters near the Senkaku Islands, Okinawa Prefecture.
沖縄県・尖閣諸島周辺では、監視船の領海侵入が続いている。
In the latest U.S.-China summit meeting, President Barack Obama was quoted as telling Xi that the U.S. government would not accept China intimidating Japan, a U.S. ally. This remark can be interpreted as a warning to China over repeated provocations by its ships in the waters. Obama’s remark is important in that it will solidify the Japan-U.S. alliance.
オバマ米大統領は先の米中首脳会談で、「同盟国である日本が中国に脅迫されるのを見過ごすことはできない」と述べたという。監視船による挑発を念頭に中国を牽制(けんせい)したものだろう。日米同盟強化につながる重要な発言である。
‘Shelving’ logic irrational
We cannot overlook the fact that high-ranking officials of the Xi administration are trying to change the status quo over the Senkakus by reiterating that the issue “must be shelved.”
看過できないのは、尖閣について、習政権の要人が度々「棚上げ」論を持ち出し、現状変更を図ろうとしていることだ。
Fundamentally, no territorial problem between Japan and China exists, so there is nothing to be shelved.
そもそも「棚上げ」すべき領土問題は存在しない。
Back in 1992, China itself did away with the logic of “shelving” the dispute by stipulating explicitly for the first time what it claims to be China’s “sovereignty” over the Senkaku Islands in its Territorial Waters Law.
１９９２年に初めて領海法で尖閣の「領有」を明記し、「棚上げ」を破棄したのは他ならぬ中国ではないか。
In a series of meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to be held from late this month to early July, discussions will be made on various issues, including the principle of the “rule of law” in the South China Sea.
今月末から来月初めにかけて開かれる東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）の一連の会議では、南シナ海での「法の支配」などを巡る議論が行われる。
At these meetings, the Japanese government must actively explain the historial facts involving the Senkakus and the urgent need to strictly abide by internationally acceptable rules so as to persuasively convey Japan’s position.
政府は歴史的経緯とルール厳守の緊要性を積極発信し、日本の立場を訴えていかねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 23, 2013)
（2013年6月23日01時32分 読売新聞）
2013/06/25
2013/06/24
米核軍縮提案 中国の核増強にも目を向けよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 23, 2013
Obama's call for U.S., Russian N-cuts should help boost stability in Asia
米核軍縮提案 中国の核増強にも目を向けよ（6月22日付・読売社説）
U.S. President Barack Obama’s proposal for Russia to start new negotiations to reduce both sides’ nuclear weapons should lead to enhancement of security in Asia amid a growing mood for nuclear disarmament.
核軍縮の機運の高まりを生かし、アジアの安全保障環境の改善へつなげることが重要である。
In Berlin, Obama recently made a speech seeking such negotiated cuts with Russia.
オバマ米大統領がドイツの首都ベルリンで演説し、ロシアに新たな核軍縮交渉を提案した。
Obama said he wants to reduce the maximum number of U.S. and Russian deployed strategic nuclear warheads by one-third from 1,550--set under the New START, which stands for Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty--to about 1,000 each.
戦略核弾頭の配備数の上限を、現在の米露の新戦略兵器削減条約（新ＳＴＡＲＴ）が規定する１５５０個から３分の１減らして、１０００個程度にしたいという。
He also intends to target smaller, tactical nuclear weapons, which are less powerful, for the proposed cuts.
比較的威力が小さい戦術核兵器も、削減対象に加える方針だ。
The U.S. president appears to have used the speech to express his willingness to continue to pursue nuclear disarmament during his second term in office after achieving the conclusion of the New START in his first term.
オバマ氏は、任期１期目で達成した新ＳＴＡＲＴに続く核軍縮の成果を、２期目でも引き続き追求する意欲を表明したと言える。
Prospects of N-talks unclear
However, Russia has given the cold shoulder to Obama’s call, with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin saying Moscow “can’t take such a proposal seriously.”
ロシア側は、ロゴジン副首相が「真剣に受け止めることはできない」と述べるなど、提案の受け入れには否定的だ。
Russia is strongly concerned that U.S. plans for a missile defense system in Europe could weaken its nuclear deterrent capability.
米国が欧州で進めるミサイル防衛（ＭＤ）計画によって自らの核抑止力が弱まることを強く警戒しているためだ。
Therefore, prospects of the proposed nuclear disarmament negotiations are dim. But the United States and Russia, both nuclear superpowers, in particular bear responsibility for ensuring world stability.
軍縮交渉の行方は不透明だ。それでも核大国の米露両国には、世界の安定に特別の責任がある。
At present, there are reportedly more than 10,000 nuclear weapons in the world, of which 95 percent are owned by these two countries. It is not convincing if they urge other countries to refrain from having nuclear weapons or to reduce their nuclear arsenals without making any reductions themselves. We hope the both countries will keep that point in mind and sincerely work on nuclear reductions.
世界には１万を超す核兵器がある。その９５％を保有する両国が、自らの核を削減せずに、いくら他国に核を持つな、核を減らせ、と言っても、説得力は持つまい。その点を自覚して、核軍縮に真摯(しんし)に取り組んでもらいたい。
In making the proposal, Obama also said his country would work together with its North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies to seek cuts in U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear weapons.
今回の核軍縮提案に際し、オバマ氏は、戦術核の削減へ向け、北大西洋条約機構（ＮＡＴＯ）の同盟国とも協力すると述べた。
N-weapons spreading in Asia
Meanwhile, the ability of Obama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his vision and work to seek “a world without nuclear weapons,” likely will be tested over his future efforts in Asia, where nuclear weapons have spread.
「核兵器のない世界」の理念を掲げてノーベル平和賞を受賞したオバマ氏の真価が問われているのは、核を巡る環境が悪化しているアジアでの取り組みだ。
Currently, China has about 250 nuclear warheads. China, India and Pakistan have been building up their nuclear arsenals while North Korea has conducted three nuclear tests, pressing ahead with its efforts to develop nuclear missiles.
中国の核弾頭は２５０個に達している。その中国やインド、パキスタンは核兵器を増強し、北朝鮮は核実験を３度強行して核ミサイル武装化にひた走っている。
In Japan, which depends on the U.S. “nuclear umbrella” amid such circumstances, some people may worry that Washington’s push for nuclear reductions could have adverse effects on regional stability in Asia.
米国の“核の傘”に抑止力を頼っている日本としては、こうした状況で米国が核軍縮を進めれば、かえって地域の安定が損われはしまいか、とも懸念される。
However, Obama said in the Berlin speech, “I’ve determined that we can ensure the security of America and our allies, and maintain a strong and credible strategic deterrent,” even if the United States and Russia reduce their nuclear weapons in line with Obama’s proposal. Such remarks are reassuring.
オバマ氏が、今回提案の核削減を実行しても、「米国と同盟国の安全は確保でき、抑止力を維持できる」と述べたことは心強い。
Meanwhile, we urge China to promote nuclear reductions in tandem with the United States and Russia. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Obama have agreed to push for North Korea’s denuclearization. To urge Pyongyang to abandon nuclear weapons, however, Beijing should scale down its own nuclear capability.
中国には、米露に協調して核削減を進めるよう、強く求めたい。中国の習近平国家主席はオバマ氏と、北朝鮮の非核化で一致した。北朝鮮に核放棄を迫るためにも自らの核軍縮が求められよう。
Also, to allow the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty to come into force as early as possible, Washington and Beijing should work together to build support in their countries to ratify it.
核実験全面禁止条約（ＣＴＢＴ）の早期発効へ、条約批准を急ぐ点でも米中は協調すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 22, 2013)
（2013年6月22日01時33分 読売新聞）
Obama's call for U.S., Russian N-cuts should help boost stability in Asia
米核軍縮提案 中国の核増強にも目を向けよ（6月22日付・読売社説）
U.S. President Barack Obama’s proposal for Russia to start new negotiations to reduce both sides’ nuclear weapons should lead to enhancement of security in Asia amid a growing mood for nuclear disarmament.
核軍縮の機運の高まりを生かし、アジアの安全保障環境の改善へつなげることが重要である。
In Berlin, Obama recently made a speech seeking such negotiated cuts with Russia.
オバマ米大統領がドイツの首都ベルリンで演説し、ロシアに新たな核軍縮交渉を提案した。
Obama said he wants to reduce the maximum number of U.S. and Russian deployed strategic nuclear warheads by one-third from 1,550--set under the New START, which stands for Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty--to about 1,000 each.
戦略核弾頭の配備数の上限を、現在の米露の新戦略兵器削減条約（新ＳＴＡＲＴ）が規定する１５５０個から３分の１減らして、１０００個程度にしたいという。
He also intends to target smaller, tactical nuclear weapons, which are less powerful, for the proposed cuts.
比較的威力が小さい戦術核兵器も、削減対象に加える方針だ。
The U.S. president appears to have used the speech to express his willingness to continue to pursue nuclear disarmament during his second term in office after achieving the conclusion of the New START in his first term.
オバマ氏は、任期１期目で達成した新ＳＴＡＲＴに続く核軍縮の成果を、２期目でも引き続き追求する意欲を表明したと言える。
Prospects of N-talks unclear
However, Russia has given the cold shoulder to Obama’s call, with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin saying Moscow “can’t take such a proposal seriously.”
ロシア側は、ロゴジン副首相が「真剣に受け止めることはできない」と述べるなど、提案の受け入れには否定的だ。
Russia is strongly concerned that U.S. plans for a missile defense system in Europe could weaken its nuclear deterrent capability.
米国が欧州で進めるミサイル防衛（ＭＤ）計画によって自らの核抑止力が弱まることを強く警戒しているためだ。
Therefore, prospects of the proposed nuclear disarmament negotiations are dim. But the United States and Russia, both nuclear superpowers, in particular bear responsibility for ensuring world stability.
軍縮交渉の行方は不透明だ。それでも核大国の米露両国には、世界の安定に特別の責任がある。
At present, there are reportedly more than 10,000 nuclear weapons in the world, of which 95 percent are owned by these two countries. It is not convincing if they urge other countries to refrain from having nuclear weapons or to reduce their nuclear arsenals without making any reductions themselves. We hope the both countries will keep that point in mind and sincerely work on nuclear reductions.
世界には１万を超す核兵器がある。その９５％を保有する両国が、自らの核を削減せずに、いくら他国に核を持つな、核を減らせ、と言っても、説得力は持つまい。その点を自覚して、核軍縮に真摯(しんし)に取り組んでもらいたい。
In making the proposal, Obama also said his country would work together with its North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies to seek cuts in U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear weapons.
今回の核軍縮提案に際し、オバマ氏は、戦術核の削減へ向け、北大西洋条約機構（ＮＡＴＯ）の同盟国とも協力すると述べた。
N-weapons spreading in Asia
Meanwhile, the ability of Obama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his vision and work to seek “a world without nuclear weapons,” likely will be tested over his future efforts in Asia, where nuclear weapons have spread.
「核兵器のない世界」の理念を掲げてノーベル平和賞を受賞したオバマ氏の真価が問われているのは、核を巡る環境が悪化しているアジアでの取り組みだ。
Currently, China has about 250 nuclear warheads. China, India and Pakistan have been building up their nuclear arsenals while North Korea has conducted three nuclear tests, pressing ahead with its efforts to develop nuclear missiles.
中国の核弾頭は２５０個に達している。その中国やインド、パキスタンは核兵器を増強し、北朝鮮は核実験を３度強行して核ミサイル武装化にひた走っている。
In Japan, which depends on the U.S. “nuclear umbrella” amid such circumstances, some people may worry that Washington’s push for nuclear reductions could have adverse effects on regional stability in Asia.
米国の“核の傘”に抑止力を頼っている日本としては、こうした状況で米国が核軍縮を進めれば、かえって地域の安定が損われはしまいか、とも懸念される。
However, Obama said in the Berlin speech, “I’ve determined that we can ensure the security of America and our allies, and maintain a strong and credible strategic deterrent,” even if the United States and Russia reduce their nuclear weapons in line with Obama’s proposal. Such remarks are reassuring.
オバマ氏が、今回提案の核削減を実行しても、「米国と同盟国の安全は確保でき、抑止力を維持できる」と述べたことは心強い。
Meanwhile, we urge China to promote nuclear reductions in tandem with the United States and Russia. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Obama have agreed to push for North Korea’s denuclearization. To urge Pyongyang to abandon nuclear weapons, however, Beijing should scale down its own nuclear capability.
中国には、米露に協調して核削減を進めるよう、強く求めたい。中国の習近平国家主席はオバマ氏と、北朝鮮の非核化で一致した。北朝鮮に核放棄を迫るためにも自らの核軍縮が求められよう。
Also, to allow the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty to come into force as early as possible, Washington and Beijing should work together to build support in their countries to ratify it.
核実験全面禁止条約（ＣＴＢＴ）の早期発効へ、条約批准を急ぐ点でも米中は協調すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 22, 2013)
（2013年6月22日01時33分 読売新聞）
2013/06/23
ＦＲＢ出口戦略 市場の混乱防ぐ舵取りが要る
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 22, 2013
Fed needed to steer policy for preventing market turmoil
ＦＲＢ出口戦略 市場の混乱防ぐ舵取りが要る（6月21日付・読売社説）
The U.S. Federal Reserve Board is poised to begin scaling back by the end of the year its third round of quantitative monetary easing, a huge stimulus program known as QE3 that has helped shore up the U.S. economy.
米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が、米国景気を下支えしてきた異例の規模の量的緩和策第３弾（ＱＥ３）を、年内に縮小し始める見通しだ。
Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, in a press conference Wednesday following a two-day meeting of the bank's monetary policy panel, the Federal Open Market Committee, revealed for the first time the central bank's “exit strategy” for normalizing its ultra-easy monetary policy.
バーナンキＦＲＢ議長は１９日、連邦公開市場委員会（ＦＯＭＣ）後に記者会見し、金融政策を正常に戻す「出口戦略」を初めて明らかにした。
Regarding QE3, under which the the Fed purchases Treasury and mortgage-backed bonds at a monthly pace of $85 billion (about 8.2 trillion yen), Bernanke said it would be “appropriate to moderate the monthly pace of purchases later this year...and we will continue to reduce the pace of purchases in measured steps through the first half of next year, ending purchases around mid-year,” as long as the country sustains its economic recovery.
景気回復が順調に進めば、米国債などを毎月８５０億ドル（約８・２兆円）買い入れているＱＥ３について、「年後半にペースを縮小し、来年半ばに購入を終了するのが適切」と述べた。
Sign of confidence
The Fed's announcement of a policy shift toward reducing QE3 and clearly stating a goal for ending it, while predicated on the condition that the U.S. economy continues to grow as expected, received attention worldwide and is certain to have wide-ranging effects.
条件付きながら、焦点だったＱＥ３の縮小と終了時期を表明した影響は大きい。
Ever since the financial crisis that erupted following the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008, the U.S. central bank has carried out quantitative easing three times to end the crisis and prop up business activity.
２００８年のリーマン・ショック後、ＦＲＢは、金融危機を収束させるとともに、景気テコ入れのため、量的緩和策を３回にわたって実施してきた。
The long-awaited launch of an exit strategy signals the central bank is ready to make a major change to policies that were aimed at coping with an emergency situation.
いよいよ出口戦略に動き出すことは、非常時に対応した政策の転換を意味する。
Bernanke’s bold remarks appear to be backed by confidence in the fundamentals of the U.S. economy, which have indicated recovery recently. He may also have thought it necessary to dispel a sense of uncertainty in the market over the future of U.S. monetary policy.
議長の踏み込んだ発言には、最近の米国の景気回復基調に自信を深めていることがうかがえる。金融政策の先行き不透明感を払拭したい狙いもあるのだろう。
Stock prices in New York, however, tumbled on Wednesday with the Dow Jones industrial average closing more than 200 points lower than the previous day, while prices on the Tokyo Stock Exchange also dropped sharply on Thursday.
しかし、１９日のニューヨーク株式市場の株価は、前日比２００ドル以上も値下がりし、２０日の東京市場の株価も大幅に下落した。
These declines were largely due to a surge in investors selling shares out of fears that cash flowing into the market may dwindle.
株式市場への資金流入が減少するとの懸念から、日米とも売りが膨らんだのが主因だ。
In the wake of Bernanke’s statement, concerns will likely persist over erratic fluctuations in stock prices and foreign exchange rates in the world's markets, which will present the Fed with the knotty task of preventing market confusion.
今後も、世界の株価や為替相場の乱高下を招く恐れがある。市場の混乱防止へ、ＦＲＢは難しい舵(かじ)取りを迫られる。
Toward the end of last year, the Fed said it would not lift short-term interest rates from zero until the unemployment rate shrinks to 6.5 percent, while also keeping an eye on inflation. The easy-money measure has been in place since December 2008.
ＦＲＢは昨年末、異例策の一環として０８年１２月から続けるゼロ金利政策の解除については、インフレ率を見ながら、「失業率が６・５％に下がるまで続ける」という方針を示している。
It is widely believed, however, that the U.S. jobless rate will not move from the current 7.6 percent to the Fed's target until 2014 at the earliest. Improvement in the U.S. employment situation has remained slow, making a full-fledged economic recovery uncertain.
ただし、現在７・６％の失業率が６・５％に低下するのは早くても１４年とみられる。雇用情勢の改善は緩慢で、本格的な景気回復は不透明だ。
Learn from U.S. challenges
Moreover, possible adverse impacts on business activities of fiscal belt-tightening by the administration of President Barack Obama cannot be underestimated.
オバマ政権の財政引き締めの悪影響も軽視できない。
Will the Fed be able to lift its zero interest rate policy after bringing QE3 to an end without causing market tumult? In this respect, we urge the central bank to use all the tools at its disposal to maintain a “dialogue with the market.”
混乱なくＱＥ３を終了させ、それに続いて、ゼロ金利政策解除にいつ踏み切るか。ＦＲＢは、「市場との対話」をさらに工夫することが求められよう。
The Bank of Japan, which has also implemented an extraordinary monetary easing policy, should learn from challenges the Fed is now addressing.
異次元の量的緩和策を続ける日本銀行にとっても、ＦＲＢの課題は「他山の石」と言える。
The BOJ needs to maintain its focus on ending deflation and resuscitating the national economy to maximize the effects of its monetary policy. But sooner or later, the central bank will need to seriously examine how it will dial back these policies.
当面は、デフレ脱却や日本経済再生を最優先し、緩和効果の最大化を図るべきだが、将来の出口戦略に向け、いずれ本格的に検討を進める必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 21, 2013)
（2013年6月21日01時20分 読売新聞）
Fed needed to steer policy for preventing market turmoil
ＦＲＢ出口戦略 市場の混乱防ぐ舵取りが要る（6月21日付・読売社説）
The U.S. Federal Reserve Board is poised to begin scaling back by the end of the year its third round of quantitative monetary easing, a huge stimulus program known as QE3 that has helped shore up the U.S. economy.
米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が、米国景気を下支えしてきた異例の規模の量的緩和策第３弾（ＱＥ３）を、年内に縮小し始める見通しだ。
Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, in a press conference Wednesday following a two-day meeting of the bank's monetary policy panel, the Federal Open Market Committee, revealed for the first time the central bank's “exit strategy” for normalizing its ultra-easy monetary policy.
バーナンキＦＲＢ議長は１９日、連邦公開市場委員会（ＦＯＭＣ）後に記者会見し、金融政策を正常に戻す「出口戦略」を初めて明らかにした。
Regarding QE3, under which the the Fed purchases Treasury and mortgage-backed bonds at a monthly pace of $85 billion (about 8.2 trillion yen), Bernanke said it would be “appropriate to moderate the monthly pace of purchases later this year...and we will continue to reduce the pace of purchases in measured steps through the first half of next year, ending purchases around mid-year,” as long as the country sustains its economic recovery.
景気回復が順調に進めば、米国債などを毎月８５０億ドル（約８・２兆円）買い入れているＱＥ３について、「年後半にペースを縮小し、来年半ばに購入を終了するのが適切」と述べた。
Sign of confidence
The Fed's announcement of a policy shift toward reducing QE3 and clearly stating a goal for ending it, while predicated on the condition that the U.S. economy continues to grow as expected, received attention worldwide and is certain to have wide-ranging effects.
条件付きながら、焦点だったＱＥ３の縮小と終了時期を表明した影響は大きい。
Ever since the financial crisis that erupted following the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008, the U.S. central bank has carried out quantitative easing three times to end the crisis and prop up business activity.
２００８年のリーマン・ショック後、ＦＲＢは、金融危機を収束させるとともに、景気テコ入れのため、量的緩和策を３回にわたって実施してきた。
The long-awaited launch of an exit strategy signals the central bank is ready to make a major change to policies that were aimed at coping with an emergency situation.
いよいよ出口戦略に動き出すことは、非常時に対応した政策の転換を意味する。
Bernanke’s bold remarks appear to be backed by confidence in the fundamentals of the U.S. economy, which have indicated recovery recently. He may also have thought it necessary to dispel a sense of uncertainty in the market over the future of U.S. monetary policy.
議長の踏み込んだ発言には、最近の米国の景気回復基調に自信を深めていることがうかがえる。金融政策の先行き不透明感を払拭したい狙いもあるのだろう。
Stock prices in New York, however, tumbled on Wednesday with the Dow Jones industrial average closing more than 200 points lower than the previous day, while prices on the Tokyo Stock Exchange also dropped sharply on Thursday.
しかし、１９日のニューヨーク株式市場の株価は、前日比２００ドル以上も値下がりし、２０日の東京市場の株価も大幅に下落した。
These declines were largely due to a surge in investors selling shares out of fears that cash flowing into the market may dwindle.
株式市場への資金流入が減少するとの懸念から、日米とも売りが膨らんだのが主因だ。
In the wake of Bernanke’s statement, concerns will likely persist over erratic fluctuations in stock prices and foreign exchange rates in the world's markets, which will present the Fed with the knotty task of preventing market confusion.
今後も、世界の株価や為替相場の乱高下を招く恐れがある。市場の混乱防止へ、ＦＲＢは難しい舵(かじ)取りを迫られる。
Toward the end of last year, the Fed said it would not lift short-term interest rates from zero until the unemployment rate shrinks to 6.5 percent, while also keeping an eye on inflation. The easy-money measure has been in place since December 2008.
ＦＲＢは昨年末、異例策の一環として０８年１２月から続けるゼロ金利政策の解除については、インフレ率を見ながら、「失業率が６・５％に下がるまで続ける」という方針を示している。
It is widely believed, however, that the U.S. jobless rate will not move from the current 7.6 percent to the Fed's target until 2014 at the earliest. Improvement in the U.S. employment situation has remained slow, making a full-fledged economic recovery uncertain.
ただし、現在７・６％の失業率が６・５％に低下するのは早くても１４年とみられる。雇用情勢の改善は緩慢で、本格的な景気回復は不透明だ。
Learn from U.S. challenges
Moreover, possible adverse impacts on business activities of fiscal belt-tightening by the administration of President Barack Obama cannot be underestimated.
オバマ政権の財政引き締めの悪影響も軽視できない。
Will the Fed be able to lift its zero interest rate policy after bringing QE3 to an end without causing market tumult? In this respect, we urge the central bank to use all the tools at its disposal to maintain a “dialogue with the market.”
混乱なくＱＥ３を終了させ、それに続いて、ゼロ金利政策解除にいつ踏み切るか。ＦＲＢは、「市場との対話」をさらに工夫することが求められよう。
The Bank of Japan, which has also implemented an extraordinary monetary easing policy, should learn from challenges the Fed is now addressing.
異次元の量的緩和策を続ける日本銀行にとっても、ＦＲＢの課題は「他山の石」と言える。
The BOJ needs to maintain its focus on ending deflation and resuscitating the national economy to maximize the effects of its monetary policy. But sooner or later, the central bank will need to seriously examine how it will dial back these policies.
当面は、デフレ脱却や日本経済再生を最優先し、緩和効果の最大化を図るべきだが、将来の出口戦略に向け、いずれ本格的に検討を進める必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 21, 2013)
（2013年6月21日01時20分 読売新聞）
2013/06/22
Ｇ８首脳宣言 日本経済が久々に示す存在感
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 21, 2013
Japan, Abenomics grabbed spotlight at G-8 summit meeting
Ｇ８首脳宣言 日本経済が久々に示す存在感（6月20日付・読売社説）
For the first time in many years, a Japanese prime minister has grabbed the spotlight in the international arena. Now all eyes are on whether Shinzo Abe can steadily implement his policies to rejuvenate Japan’s economy, a pledge the prime minister presented to world leaders at the recent Group of Eight summit meeting.
久しぶりに日本の首相が存在感を示した。公約となった日本経済の再生に向け、政策の着実な実行が求められよう。
The summit meeting, held at Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, concluded Tuesday after the adoption of a joint statement. Leaders of Japan, the United States, Germany, and other G-8 nations took part in the meeting.
英国の北アイルランドで行われた日米独など主要８か国首脳会議（Ｇ８サミット）は、首脳宣言を採択し、閉幕した。
“Global economic prospects remain weak,” the statement said, stressing the necessity for countries “to press ahead with the necessary reforms to restore sustainable growth and jobs.”
宣言は「世界経済の成長見通しは弱い」との認識を示した上で、「持続可能な回復へ断固たる行動が必要」と強調した。
The eurozone economy is still trapped in negative growth, and the growth of China and other emerging nations, which have been serving as the locomotive of the world economy, has lost steam. It was absolutely necessary for the G-8 nations to reconfirm their unity at the summit.
ユーロ圏はマイナス成長が続き、牽引(けんいん)役だった中国など新興国の景気減速も目立つ。Ｇ８が結束を再確認したのは適切である。
Expectations for Abenomics
One of the agenda items discussed at the meeting was Abenomics, the economic policy of the Abe administration. During the meeting, Abe told world leaders that “Japan’s economic development will give a boost to the economic progress of the world.”
今回、焦点の一つになったのが安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」だ。安倍首相は会議で、「日本経済の発展が世界経済の発展に貢献する」と説明した。
It is noteworthy that the statement referred to the so-called “three arrows” of Abenomics--bold monetary easing, fiscal stimulus and growth strategy. The statement gave a positive assessment to Abenomics, saying that the three arrows would underpin the nation’s growth.
宣言が大胆な金融緩和、財政刺激策、成長戦略という「３本の矢」に言及し、「日本の成長を支える」と評価した意味は重い。
Japan must work hard to meet this global expectation and speed up its efforts to conquer deflation and rejuvenate its economy.
日本は期待に応え、世界の成長に寄与できるよう、デフレ脱却と経済再生を急がねばならない。
However, the statement did not forget to make requests of Japan, whose fiscal condition is the worst among advanced nations. Japan needs to “address the challenge of defining a credible medium-term fiscal plan,” the statement said.
先進国最悪の財政状況にある日本には、厳しい注文も付いた。宣言が「信頼できる中期的な財政計画」を求めたことだ。
The Abe administration plans to draw up a medium-term fiscal plan this summer. It is crucial for the government to show in the fiscal plan a concrete path toward simultaneously achieving the goals of economic growth and fiscal rehabilitation. After announcing the plan, the government must make wholehearted efforts to realize it.
政府は、今夏策定する中期財政計画で、成長と財政再建の両立への具体的な道筋を示し、その実現を図ることが肝要である。
The statement said open trade is a key engine of global economic growth. It listed ongoing free trade talks, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership framework talks in which Japan is involved, and added that the G-8 nations “aim to finalize all these deals as soon as possible.” In this regard, we urge the Abe administration to speed up its preparations for agricultural liberalization.
世界が成長するための原動力は自由貿易推進だとして、宣言は、日本が参加する環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉などについて「可能な限り速やかな完結を目指す」と明記した。日本は、農業自由化への対応を急ぐべきだ。
Regarding the problem of tax avoidance, or global companies trying to reduce their tax payments by exploiting low tax rates of certain countries, the G-8 leaders agreed to speed up their efforts to create an international legal framework to prevent such moves. This is an important step forward--we urge Japan to play a leading role in establishing a framework that enables countries to fairly collect taxes from companies.
グローバル企業が税率の低い国の制度を利用して節税している問題に関し、Ｇ８首脳が、課税逃れ防止の国際ルール作りを急ぐことで合意したのは前進だろう。日本などが主導し、適正に徴税できる仕組みを整えてもらいたい。
Pile pressure on N. Korea
The G-8 leaders also agreed to take concerted action on measures against terrorism in North Africa, in light of January’s hostage crisis at an Algerian natural gas complex. This is also a laudable development.
一方、１月のアルジェリア人質事件を受け、北アフリカ諸国でのテロ対策にＧ８が協調することで一致したのは評価できる。
The joint statement demanded North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and refrain from taking provocative actions. It also urged Pyongyang to address the concerns of the international community over its human rights violations, including the abduction issue.
宣言は、北朝鮮に核・弾道ミサイル計画の放棄を要求し、挑発行為の自制を促した。懸案の拉致問題を巡っても、人権侵害に関する懸念の解消に取り組むことを北朝鮮に強く求めた。
We believe it suggests that Abe’s message on North Korean problems was appreciated by the G-8 leaders. Abe has been keen to express Japan’s stance on the issue.
首相が日本の立場を主張し、理解を得た成果と言える。
The G-8 leaders should also seek to join hands with China to urge North Korea to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions as well as obligations stipulated in a joint statement issued in six-party talks on Pyongyang’s nuclear program.
Ｇ８は中国とも連携し、北朝鮮に対し、国連安全保障理事会の決議や、核問題に関する６か国協議の共同声明にある義務を履行するよう、強く働きかけるべきだ。
(From the Yomiuri Shimbun, June 20, 2013)
（2013年6月20日01時28分 読売新聞）
Japan, Abenomics grabbed spotlight at G-8 summit meeting
Ｇ８首脳宣言 日本経済が久々に示す存在感（6月20日付・読売社説）
For the first time in many years, a Japanese prime minister has grabbed the spotlight in the international arena. Now all eyes are on whether Shinzo Abe can steadily implement his policies to rejuvenate Japan’s economy, a pledge the prime minister presented to world leaders at the recent Group of Eight summit meeting.
久しぶりに日本の首相が存在感を示した。公約となった日本経済の再生に向け、政策の着実な実行が求められよう。
The summit meeting, held at Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, concluded Tuesday after the adoption of a joint statement. Leaders of Japan, the United States, Germany, and other G-8 nations took part in the meeting.
英国の北アイルランドで行われた日米独など主要８か国首脳会議（Ｇ８サミット）は、首脳宣言を採択し、閉幕した。
“Global economic prospects remain weak,” the statement said, stressing the necessity for countries “to press ahead with the necessary reforms to restore sustainable growth and jobs.”
宣言は「世界経済の成長見通しは弱い」との認識を示した上で、「持続可能な回復へ断固たる行動が必要」と強調した。
The eurozone economy is still trapped in negative growth, and the growth of China and other emerging nations, which have been serving as the locomotive of the world economy, has lost steam. It was absolutely necessary for the G-8 nations to reconfirm their unity at the summit.
ユーロ圏はマイナス成長が続き、牽引(けんいん)役だった中国など新興国の景気減速も目立つ。Ｇ８が結束を再確認したのは適切である。
Expectations for Abenomics
One of the agenda items discussed at the meeting was Abenomics, the economic policy of the Abe administration. During the meeting, Abe told world leaders that “Japan’s economic development will give a boost to the economic progress of the world.”
今回、焦点の一つになったのが安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」だ。安倍首相は会議で、「日本経済の発展が世界経済の発展に貢献する」と説明した。
It is noteworthy that the statement referred to the so-called “three arrows” of Abenomics--bold monetary easing, fiscal stimulus and growth strategy. The statement gave a positive assessment to Abenomics, saying that the three arrows would underpin the nation’s growth.
宣言が大胆な金融緩和、財政刺激策、成長戦略という「３本の矢」に言及し、「日本の成長を支える」と評価した意味は重い。
Japan must work hard to meet this global expectation and speed up its efforts to conquer deflation and rejuvenate its economy.
日本は期待に応え、世界の成長に寄与できるよう、デフレ脱却と経済再生を急がねばならない。
However, the statement did not forget to make requests of Japan, whose fiscal condition is the worst among advanced nations. Japan needs to “address the challenge of defining a credible medium-term fiscal plan,” the statement said.
先進国最悪の財政状況にある日本には、厳しい注文も付いた。宣言が「信頼できる中期的な財政計画」を求めたことだ。
The Abe administration plans to draw up a medium-term fiscal plan this summer. It is crucial for the government to show in the fiscal plan a concrete path toward simultaneously achieving the goals of economic growth and fiscal rehabilitation. After announcing the plan, the government must make wholehearted efforts to realize it.
政府は、今夏策定する中期財政計画で、成長と財政再建の両立への具体的な道筋を示し、その実現を図ることが肝要である。
The statement said open trade is a key engine of global economic growth. It listed ongoing free trade talks, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership framework talks in which Japan is involved, and added that the G-8 nations “aim to finalize all these deals as soon as possible.” In this regard, we urge the Abe administration to speed up its preparations for agricultural liberalization.
世界が成長するための原動力は自由貿易推進だとして、宣言は、日本が参加する環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉などについて「可能な限り速やかな完結を目指す」と明記した。日本は、農業自由化への対応を急ぐべきだ。
Regarding the problem of tax avoidance, or global companies trying to reduce their tax payments by exploiting low tax rates of certain countries, the G-8 leaders agreed to speed up their efforts to create an international legal framework to prevent such moves. This is an important step forward--we urge Japan to play a leading role in establishing a framework that enables countries to fairly collect taxes from companies.
グローバル企業が税率の低い国の制度を利用して節税している問題に関し、Ｇ８首脳が、課税逃れ防止の国際ルール作りを急ぐことで合意したのは前進だろう。日本などが主導し、適正に徴税できる仕組みを整えてもらいたい。
Pile pressure on N. Korea
The G-8 leaders also agreed to take concerted action on measures against terrorism in North Africa, in light of January’s hostage crisis at an Algerian natural gas complex. This is also a laudable development.
一方、１月のアルジェリア人質事件を受け、北アフリカ諸国でのテロ対策にＧ８が協調することで一致したのは評価できる。
The joint statement demanded North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and refrain from taking provocative actions. It also urged Pyongyang to address the concerns of the international community over its human rights violations, including the abduction issue.
宣言は、北朝鮮に核・弾道ミサイル計画の放棄を要求し、挑発行為の自制を促した。懸案の拉致問題を巡っても、人権侵害に関する懸念の解消に取り組むことを北朝鮮に強く求めた。
We believe it suggests that Abe’s message on North Korean problems was appreciated by the G-8 leaders. Abe has been keen to express Japan’s stance on the issue.
首相が日本の立場を主張し、理解を得た成果と言える。
The G-8 leaders should also seek to join hands with China to urge North Korea to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions as well as obligations stipulated in a joint statement issued in six-party talks on Pyongyang’s nuclear program.
Ｇ８は中国とも連携し、北朝鮮に対し、国連安全保障理事会の決議や、核問題に関する６か国協議の共同声明にある義務を履行するよう、強く働きかけるべきだ。
(From the Yomiuri Shimbun, June 20, 2013)
（2013年6月20日01時28分 読売新聞）
2013/06/21
Ｇ８とシリア 依然見つからない内戦の出口
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 20, 2013
No end in sight for Syrian civil war, as arms support grows on both sides
Ｇ８とシリア 依然見つからない内戦の出口（6月19日付・読売社説）
How can the Syrian civil war be brought to an end? Leaders of the Group of Eight major powers should do their utmost to put an agreement on this issue reached in their latest meeting into practice.
シリアの内戦をいかに終結させるか。各国首脳は、今回の合意実現へ、最大限努力すべきだ。
Regarding the Syrian situation, a focus of attention at the two-day G-8 summit meeting in Northern Ireland, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other leaders agreed to seek an international conference as early as possible to end the bloodshed in the Middle East country.
英国・北アイルランドで開かれた主要８か国首脳会議（Ｇ８サミット）で、安倍首相ら参加国首脳は、焦点のシリア情勢について、流血の惨事を終わらせるため国際会議の早期開催を目指すことで合意した。
The agreement came after U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed in a separate meeting to hold such a conference.
オバマ米大統領とプーチン露大統領が個別に会談し、一致したことを踏まえたものだ。
Although Obama and Putin reiterated their shared recognition that an international conference is important for dealing with the Syria situation, their views on the matter still differ widely.
国際会議が重要だという認識を改めて共有したとは言え、米露首脳の見解の差は依然、大きい。
A quagmire of violence
During the summit meeting, Obama and Putin were unable to resolve their differences. While Obama considers the creation of a transitional government in Syria without Syrian President Bashar Assad as a goal of the envisaged international conference, Putin opposes any move to remove Assad from power.
米露首脳会談では、「アサド大統領抜き」の「シリア移行政府」作りを会議の目的とするオバマ氏と、アサド氏排除に反対するプーチン氏の対立は解けなかった。
The Syrian civil war has turned into a quagmire, with the violence becoming increasingly severe. The death toll has topped 90,000 in the about two years since demonstrations calling for Assad's resignation started. The situation is serious.
内戦は泥沼化し、厳しさを増している。アサド退陣を求めるデモの発生から２年余りで死者数は９万人を超した。深刻な事態だ。
The international community is divided into pro-Assad and anti-Assad groups.
国際社会はアサド政権の擁護派と反対派に割れている。
The European Union, which has criticized the suppression of human rights by the Assad administration, lifted a ban on arms exports to Syria, paving the way for supplying weapons to Syrian rebels.
アサド政権の人権弾圧を批判する欧州連合（ＥＵ）は、シリアへの武器禁輸を解除し、反体制派への武器供与に道を開いた。
The United States, meanwhile, has decided to provide military assistance to the Syrian rebels, after saying it had evidence that the Assad administration had used chemical weapons. It is widely believed that Washington will soon provide Syrian rebels with ammunition and other military supplies.
米国も、「アサド政権が化学兵器を使用したことを確認した」として、反体制派への軍事支援を決めた。近く弾薬などの供与に踏み切るのでは、と見られる。
In contrast, Russia, which backs the Syrian government, argued that the United States’ assertion is groundless and plans to support the Assad administration by offering surface-to-air missiles.
これに対して、シリア政府の後ろ盾となってきたロシアは、米側の主張には根拠がないと反発し、地対空ミサイルの供与でアサド政権を支える方針だ。
Lebanon’s Hizbollah militia, which is supported by Iran, has recently joined the Syrian government forces. There is no sign of the war subsiding.
政府軍には最近、レバノンに拠点を置きイランの支援を受ける武装組織ヒズボラも加勢した。戦火が収まる気配は見えない。
It is necessary to get facts about the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Assad government, which is one reason for the mutual distrust between Washington and Moscow.
米露の相互不信の一因になっている化学兵器問題では、事実関係を検証する必要がある。
Peace talks needed
Unless peace talks get on track, the Syrian civil war may drag on and there also is concern that it could destabilize surrounding countries.
和平協議が軌道に乗らねば、内戦は長期化して、周辺諸国まで不安定化する事態が懸念される。
Taking advantage of the ongoing civil war, Islamic militants linked to Al-Qaida, an international terrorist network, have expanded their influence. Is there not a risk that some of the large amount of arms to be distributed could land in the hands of terrorist groups?
国際テロ組織アル・カーイダとつながるイスラム過激派も、内戦に乗じて勢力を拡大している。大量に出回る武器が、テロ組織に拡散する恐れはないのか。
Meanwhile, the number of Syrian refugees who fled to Jordan and other neighboring countries has exceeded 1.5 million. Taking in these refugees is a heavy burden for those countries.
一方、ヨルダンなど周辺諸国に逃れた難民は、１５０万人を超えた。受け入れ国の負担は重い。
During the G-8 summit meeting, Abe announced the government will offer $10 million in emergency grant aid to assist evacuees in Syria and refugees, as well as provide yen loans worth $120 million to Jordan.
安倍首相はＧ８サミットで、国内避難民や難民を支援する１０００万ドルの緊急無償資金協力や、ヨルダンに対する１億２０００万ドル相当の円借款供与を表明した。
It is necessary to seek a political solution for ending the Syrian civil war, and G-8 countries must provide as much humanitarian assistance as possible.
政治的な解決を図るとともに、各国が可能な限りの人道支援を進めることも必要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 19, 2013)
（2013年6月19日02時11分 読売新聞）
No end in sight for Syrian civil war, as arms support grows on both sides
Ｇ８とシリア 依然見つからない内戦の出口（6月19日付・読売社説）
How can the Syrian civil war be brought to an end? Leaders of the Group of Eight major powers should do their utmost to put an agreement on this issue reached in their latest meeting into practice.
シリアの内戦をいかに終結させるか。各国首脳は、今回の合意実現へ、最大限努力すべきだ。
Regarding the Syrian situation, a focus of attention at the two-day G-8 summit meeting in Northern Ireland, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other leaders agreed to seek an international conference as early as possible to end the bloodshed in the Middle East country.
英国・北アイルランドで開かれた主要８か国首脳会議（Ｇ８サミット）で、安倍首相ら参加国首脳は、焦点のシリア情勢について、流血の惨事を終わらせるため国際会議の早期開催を目指すことで合意した。
The agreement came after U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed in a separate meeting to hold such a conference.
オバマ米大統領とプーチン露大統領が個別に会談し、一致したことを踏まえたものだ。
Although Obama and Putin reiterated their shared recognition that an international conference is important for dealing with the Syria situation, their views on the matter still differ widely.
国際会議が重要だという認識を改めて共有したとは言え、米露首脳の見解の差は依然、大きい。
A quagmire of violence
During the summit meeting, Obama and Putin were unable to resolve their differences. While Obama considers the creation of a transitional government in Syria without Syrian President Bashar Assad as a goal of the envisaged international conference, Putin opposes any move to remove Assad from power.
米露首脳会談では、「アサド大統領抜き」の「シリア移行政府」作りを会議の目的とするオバマ氏と、アサド氏排除に反対するプーチン氏の対立は解けなかった。
The Syrian civil war has turned into a quagmire, with the violence becoming increasingly severe. The death toll has topped 90,000 in the about two years since demonstrations calling for Assad's resignation started. The situation is serious.
内戦は泥沼化し、厳しさを増している。アサド退陣を求めるデモの発生から２年余りで死者数は９万人を超した。深刻な事態だ。
The international community is divided into pro-Assad and anti-Assad groups.
国際社会はアサド政権の擁護派と反対派に割れている。
The European Union, which has criticized the suppression of human rights by the Assad administration, lifted a ban on arms exports to Syria, paving the way for supplying weapons to Syrian rebels.
アサド政権の人権弾圧を批判する欧州連合（ＥＵ）は、シリアへの武器禁輸を解除し、反体制派への武器供与に道を開いた。
The United States, meanwhile, has decided to provide military assistance to the Syrian rebels, after saying it had evidence that the Assad administration had used chemical weapons. It is widely believed that Washington will soon provide Syrian rebels with ammunition and other military supplies.
米国も、「アサド政権が化学兵器を使用したことを確認した」として、反体制派への軍事支援を決めた。近く弾薬などの供与に踏み切るのでは、と見られる。
In contrast, Russia, which backs the Syrian government, argued that the United States’ assertion is groundless and plans to support the Assad administration by offering surface-to-air missiles.
これに対して、シリア政府の後ろ盾となってきたロシアは、米側の主張には根拠がないと反発し、地対空ミサイルの供与でアサド政権を支える方針だ。
Lebanon’s Hizbollah militia, which is supported by Iran, has recently joined the Syrian government forces. There is no sign of the war subsiding.
政府軍には最近、レバノンに拠点を置きイランの支援を受ける武装組織ヒズボラも加勢した。戦火が収まる気配は見えない。
It is necessary to get facts about the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Assad government, which is one reason for the mutual distrust between Washington and Moscow.
米露の相互不信の一因になっている化学兵器問題では、事実関係を検証する必要がある。
Peace talks needed
Unless peace talks get on track, the Syrian civil war may drag on and there also is concern that it could destabilize surrounding countries.
和平協議が軌道に乗らねば、内戦は長期化して、周辺諸国まで不安定化する事態が懸念される。
Taking advantage of the ongoing civil war, Islamic militants linked to Al-Qaida, an international terrorist network, have expanded their influence. Is there not a risk that some of the large amount of arms to be distributed could land in the hands of terrorist groups?
国際テロ組織アル・カーイダとつながるイスラム過激派も、内戦に乗じて勢力を拡大している。大量に出回る武器が、テロ組織に拡散する恐れはないのか。
Meanwhile, the number of Syrian refugees who fled to Jordan and other neighboring countries has exceeded 1.5 million. Taking in these refugees is a heavy burden for those countries.
一方、ヨルダンなど周辺諸国に逃れた難民は、１５０万人を超えた。受け入れ国の負担は重い。
During the G-8 summit meeting, Abe announced the government will offer $10 million in emergency grant aid to assist evacuees in Syria and refugees, as well as provide yen loans worth $120 million to Jordan.
安倍首相はＧ８サミットで、国内避難民や難民を支援する１０００万ドルの緊急無償資金協力や、ヨルダンに対する１億２０００万ドル相当の円借款供与を表明した。
It is necessary to seek a political solution for ending the Syrian civil war, and G-8 countries must provide as much humanitarian assistance as possible.
政治的な解決を図るとともに、各国が可能な限りの人道支援を進めることも必要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 19, 2013)
（2013年6月19日02時11分 読売新聞）
2013/06/20
イラン大統領選 対外強硬路線は修正されるか
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 19, 2013
Will Iran’s hard-line stance change under new president?
イラン大統領選 対外強硬路線は修正されるか（6月18日付・読売社説）
How can Iran’s newly elected president live up to the people’s will expressed in the presidential election? We hope the new leader will first tackle the task of mending relations with foreign countries.
選挙に表れた民意にどう応えるのか。政権交代を機に、まずは対外関係の修復を期待したい。
Hasan Rowhani, a conservative and moderate candidate, emerged victorious in the election held Saturday at a time when Iran has become increasingly isolated internationally due to its nuclear development. Rowhani, a cleric, won overwhelmingly after calling for improved relations with the United States and Europe.
核開発で国際的孤立を深めているイランで大統領選挙が行われ、米欧との関係改善を掲げた保守穏健派のロハニ師が当選した。
Rowhani garnered more than half of the votes cast to score a stunning victory over a conservative hard-liner who had been billed as the leading candidate.
５０％を超える得票率で、有力と目された保守強硬派の候補に大差をつけての勝利である。
In acknowledging his win, Rowhani said it was “a victory of wisdom over radicalism.” He appears to be willing to follow a line that maintains a distance from that of the current administration.
ロハニ師は「過激主義に対する知恵の勝利だ」と宣言した。現政権とは一線を画す立場だ。
It will be desirable for the international community if Rowhani shifts from the hard-line diplomatic policy pursued by outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who caused alarm by making provocative statements such as calling for Israel “to be wiped off the map.”
イスラエルを「地図から消し去るべきだ」など挑発的言動が目立ったアフマディネジャド大統領の強硬な外交路線を転換するなら、国際社会にとっても望ましい。
Behind Rowhani’s resounding victory is a sense of stagnation that is enveloping Iranian society.
ロハニ師大勝の背景には、イラン社会に広がる閉塞感がある。
During Ahmadinejad’s two terms over eight years, tight controls were placed on reformist politicians and freedom of speech. The United States and Europe have imposed economic sanctions in response to Iran’s continued nuclear development. This led to decreased crude oil exports and skyrocketing domestic prices of goods, which has stung people’s livelihoods.
現大統領の２期８年の在任中、改革派の政治家や言論は封じ込められた。核開発継続を理由に米欧から科せられた制裁で、原油輸出が落ち込み、物価も高騰して、国民生活は困窮している。
A mandate to end impasse
Iranian voters, it may be said, have given Rowhani a mandate to break the stalemate.
有権者は、事態打開をロハニ師に託したと言える。
A focal point is how he will deal with the nuclear issue.
焦点は、核問題での対応だ。
Iran has been pressing ahead with uranium enrichment in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Tehran has enriched some uranium to 20 percent, far exceeding the 3.5 percent of nuclear fuel used at nuclear power plants. This unavoidably has stirred suspicions that Iran aims to develop nuclear weapons.
イランは、国連安全保障理事会の決議を無視してウラン濃縮活動を続けている。濃縮度も原子力発電所の核燃料に使われる３・５％を上回る２０％にまで高めた。核兵器開発を狙っているのでは、と疑われても仕方あるまい。
The five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany have placed highest priority of having Iran stop production of uranium enriched to 20 percent.
安保理常任理事国とドイツの６か国は、濃縮度２０％ウランの生産停止を最優先で求めている。
It is natural that the United States and European countries have urged Iran anew after the election to quickly resolve the nuclear issue diplomatically.
選挙後、米欧諸国が核問題の迅速な外交的解決を改めてイランに呼びかけたのは、当然だ。
During the Iranian administration led by reformist President Mohammad Khatami from 1997 to 2005, Rowhani showed flexibility as he conducted nuclear negotiations with Britain, France and Germany. Nevertheless, little optimism can be warranted at this time.
ロハニ師は、改革派のハタミ前政権下で英仏独との核交渉の責任者を務め、柔軟姿勢を示した経歴があるが、楽観はできない。
Khamenei holds real power
In Iran, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds the reins of power, including diplomatic decisions. Under the union of religion and politics in Iran, there can be no change in nuclear policy unless it is approved by Khamenei. Can such a key person change Iran’s policy stance?
イランでは、外交決定権を含め実権は最高指導者ハメネイ師にある。政教一致体制の下、ハメネイ師の同意抜きに核政策の変更はあり得ない。カギを握るハメネイ師が政策転換できるのかどうか。
Israel has not ruled out the option of a military strike to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons. Military tension in the region will heighten if Iran continues its nuclear development.
イスラエルは、イランの核兵器保有を阻止するために、攻撃も辞さない構えだ。イランの核開発が続けば、軍事的緊張は高まる。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga expressed hope that Iran’s change of president will bring about concrete progress toward resolving the nuclear issue. Japan will lean on the new adminisration to achieve that goal by utilizing their “traditional relationship of friendship” as leverage.
菅官房長官は、イランの大統領交代が、核問題の解決に向けて「具体的な進展」をもたらすことに期待感を表明した。日本としても、「伝統的な友好関係」をテコに働きかける考えだ。
Japan relies on the Middle East for most of its crude oil imports, so ensuring stability in the region is a matter of life and death. The Iranian situation demands constant vigilance.
原油の輸入を中東地域に依存する日本にとって、地域の安定は死活的に重要だ。イラン情勢から目を離すわけにはいかない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 18, 2013)
（2013年6月18日01時33分 読売新聞）
Will Iran’s hard-line stance change under new president?
イラン大統領選 対外強硬路線は修正されるか（6月18日付・読売社説）
How can Iran’s newly elected president live up to the people’s will expressed in the presidential election? We hope the new leader will first tackle the task of mending relations with foreign countries.
選挙に表れた民意にどう応えるのか。政権交代を機に、まずは対外関係の修復を期待したい。
Hasan Rowhani, a conservative and moderate candidate, emerged victorious in the election held Saturday at a time when Iran has become increasingly isolated internationally due to its nuclear development. Rowhani, a cleric, won overwhelmingly after calling for improved relations with the United States and Europe.
核開発で国際的孤立を深めているイランで大統領選挙が行われ、米欧との関係改善を掲げた保守穏健派のロハニ師が当選した。
Rowhani garnered more than half of the votes cast to score a stunning victory over a conservative hard-liner who had been billed as the leading candidate.
５０％を超える得票率で、有力と目された保守強硬派の候補に大差をつけての勝利である。
In acknowledging his win, Rowhani said it was “a victory of wisdom over radicalism.” He appears to be willing to follow a line that maintains a distance from that of the current administration.
ロハニ師は「過激主義に対する知恵の勝利だ」と宣言した。現政権とは一線を画す立場だ。
It will be desirable for the international community if Rowhani shifts from the hard-line diplomatic policy pursued by outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who caused alarm by making provocative statements such as calling for Israel “to be wiped off the map.”
イスラエルを「地図から消し去るべきだ」など挑発的言動が目立ったアフマディネジャド大統領の強硬な外交路線を転換するなら、国際社会にとっても望ましい。
Behind Rowhani’s resounding victory is a sense of stagnation that is enveloping Iranian society.
ロハニ師大勝の背景には、イラン社会に広がる閉塞感がある。
During Ahmadinejad’s two terms over eight years, tight controls were placed on reformist politicians and freedom of speech. The United States and Europe have imposed economic sanctions in response to Iran’s continued nuclear development. This led to decreased crude oil exports and skyrocketing domestic prices of goods, which has stung people’s livelihoods.
現大統領の２期８年の在任中、改革派の政治家や言論は封じ込められた。核開発継続を理由に米欧から科せられた制裁で、原油輸出が落ち込み、物価も高騰して、国民生活は困窮している。
A mandate to end impasse
Iranian voters, it may be said, have given Rowhani a mandate to break the stalemate.
有権者は、事態打開をロハニ師に託したと言える。
A focal point is how he will deal with the nuclear issue.
焦点は、核問題での対応だ。
Iran has been pressing ahead with uranium enrichment in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Tehran has enriched some uranium to 20 percent, far exceeding the 3.5 percent of nuclear fuel used at nuclear power plants. This unavoidably has stirred suspicions that Iran aims to develop nuclear weapons.
イランは、国連安全保障理事会の決議を無視してウラン濃縮活動を続けている。濃縮度も原子力発電所の核燃料に使われる３・５％を上回る２０％にまで高めた。核兵器開発を狙っているのでは、と疑われても仕方あるまい。
The five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany have placed highest priority of having Iran stop production of uranium enriched to 20 percent.
安保理常任理事国とドイツの６か国は、濃縮度２０％ウランの生産停止を最優先で求めている。
It is natural that the United States and European countries have urged Iran anew after the election to quickly resolve the nuclear issue diplomatically.
選挙後、米欧諸国が核問題の迅速な外交的解決を改めてイランに呼びかけたのは、当然だ。
During the Iranian administration led by reformist President Mohammad Khatami from 1997 to 2005, Rowhani showed flexibility as he conducted nuclear negotiations with Britain, France and Germany. Nevertheless, little optimism can be warranted at this time.
ロハニ師は、改革派のハタミ前政権下で英仏独との核交渉の責任者を務め、柔軟姿勢を示した経歴があるが、楽観はできない。
Khamenei holds real power
In Iran, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds the reins of power, including diplomatic decisions. Under the union of religion and politics in Iran, there can be no change in nuclear policy unless it is approved by Khamenei. Can such a key person change Iran’s policy stance?
イランでは、外交決定権を含め実権は最高指導者ハメネイ師にある。政教一致体制の下、ハメネイ師の同意抜きに核政策の変更はあり得ない。カギを握るハメネイ師が政策転換できるのかどうか。
Israel has not ruled out the option of a military strike to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons. Military tension in the region will heighten if Iran continues its nuclear development.
イスラエルは、イランの核兵器保有を阻止するために、攻撃も辞さない構えだ。イランの核開発が続けば、軍事的緊張は高まる。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga expressed hope that Iran’s change of president will bring about concrete progress toward resolving the nuclear issue. Japan will lean on the new adminisration to achieve that goal by utilizing their “traditional relationship of friendship” as leverage.
菅官房長官は、イランの大統領交代が、核問題の解決に向けて「具体的な進展」をもたらすことに期待感を表明した。日本としても、「伝統的な友好関係」をテコに働きかける考えだ。
Japan relies on the Middle East for most of its crude oil imports, so ensuring stability in the region is a matter of life and death. The Iranian situation demands constant vigilance.
原油の輸入を中東地域に依存する日本にとって、地域の安定は死活的に重要だ。イラン情勢から目を離すわけにはいかない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 18, 2013)
（2013年6月18日01時33分 読売新聞）
2013/06/19
知財ビジョン 国際競争に勝つための体制に
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 18, 2013
Safeguarding intellectual property rights key to competing globally
知財ビジョン 国際競争に勝つための体制に（6月17日付・読売社説）
Intellectual property rights such as patents and trademarks relevant to cutting-edge technologies are undoubtedly the source of the international competitiveness of the nation’s industries.
最先端技術の特許や商標などの知的財産権は、日本の産業競争力の源泉だ。
The need has been increasing for further strengthening joint private-public arrangements to effectively utilize the nation’s intellectual properties.
知財を有効活用する官民の体制を一層強化する必要がある。
The government has drawn up a “vision of intellectual property policy” with a view to laying out Japan’s approach toward handling intellectual property rights for the next 10 years, while deciding on a set of “basic principles” on the matter.
政府は、今後１０年間を見据えた「知的財産政策ビジョン」と、その「基本方針」を決めた。
It’s been 11 years since the country laid down an outline of intellectual property strategy.
２００２年に日本が知的財産戦略大綱を策定してから、１１年が過ぎた。
In recent years, manufacturing businesses in such countries as South Korea and China have grown stronger, intensifying global competition among companies, including those in the United States and Europe, which place high importance on the protection of intellectual property rights.
最近では、韓国や中国などの製造業が台頭し、知財を重視する欧米企業を含めて、グローバル競争が激化している。
In-house inventions a focus
It is reasonable that the government, having a heightened sense of crisis over the circumstances, has embarked on overhauling the nation’s intellectual property policy in a way well-suited to the times. The envisioned policy shift can be expected to provide impetus to the growth strategy being undertaken by the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
政府が危機感を高め、時代の変化に合わせて知財政策を練り直したのは適切だ。成長戦略に弾みをつける効果も期待できよう。
Worthy of note in the envisioned policy is a new idea concerning “in-house inventions,” or inventions created by employees while performing research and development activities for their firms.
今回、注目されるのは、企業の研究者らが仕事上で発明した「職務発明」の特許権に関する新たな方針である。
In the basic principles, the government has proposed two options for discussion: reviewing the current patent system, which stipulates patent ownership belongs to employees, so as to have the ownership belong to companies; or requiring patent ownership to be covered in a contract between the employee and the employer.
従業員に権利が帰属すると規定した現在の制度を見直し、会社に帰属させるか、あるいは、帰属先を企業と従業員の間の契約で決めるという２案を示した。
There have been many instances in which employees dissatisfied with the compensation paid by their companies in return for their in-house inventions have sued the companies, causing the firms to be ordered to pay huge sums of settlement money. The government-proposed changes of patent ownership is in response to demands from businesses to rectify the situation.
職務発明の対価に不満を持つ従業員に訴えられ、企業が巨額の和解金を支払う例が多い。是正を求める産業界に配慮したものだ。
If the changes take effect, businesses will find the risks of being subject to patent ownership-related lawsuits mitigated, making it easier for them to craft management strategies by flexibly utilizing patents.
企業にとっては、訴訟リスクが軽減され、特許権を活用した経営戦略を描きやすくなる。
On the other hand, there are concerns the policy shift would affect adversely the willingness of researchers to engage in R&D and end up in a brain drain overseas.
一方で、研究者の開発意欲を殺(そ)ぐことや、人材の海外流出も懸念される。
The government is set to clarify the pros and cons of the two envisaged steps. Further studies and in-depth discussions should be carried out from the standpoint of beefing up Japan’s industrial competitiveness.
政府は今後、２案を絞り込む。産業競争力を強化する観点から、さらに検討してもらいたい。
The proposals are worthy of high marks because they seek the enhancement of support for small and midsize businesses, which are delaying charting out intellectual property strategies on their own. These proposals should make it easier for them to develop human resources relevant to patent matters with the support of experts, such as chartered patent agents.
知財戦略作りが遅れている中小企業向けに、弁理士など専門家による人材育成といった支援策の充実を求めた点も評価できる。
The basic principles have also incorporated steps for sending from Japan patent examiners to emerging economies in such areas as Asia to help them build infrastructure with an eye toward protecting intellectual property rights.
基本方針は、日本から特許審査官をアジアなど新興国に派遣し、知財保護の基盤作りを支援することも盛り込んだ。
While an increasing number of Japanese companies are branching out abroad, intellectual property right protection is insufficient in emerging countries, which is a major impediment to Japanese firms’ efforts to expand there. Having a “Japan model” spread overseas in this respect will greatly benefit Japanese businesses.
日本企業の海外展開が目立つが、新興国では知財保護が不十分で、日本企業の事業拡大の足かせになっている。日本モデルを浸透させるメリットは大きい。
Increase patent examiners
A key issue is how to prevent important technological information from illegally flowing out to emerging countries and others.
課題は、日本の重要な技術情報が新興国などに不正流出することをどう防ぐかだ。
The basic principles have rightly pointed out the need for strengthening the nation’s intellectual property right protection arrangements. Information leakage abroad is a serious problem that could shake the very foundation of Japan’s industries.
基本方針は保護策の強化を指摘した。情報漏えいは日本の産業基盤を揺るがしかねない深刻な問題である。
Steps should be taken to prevent retirees and others from taking technological information out of the country. Such measures as encouraging companies and their employees to conclude an agreement on maintaining confidentiality of corporate secrets should be promptly put into force.
退職者などが日本の技術情報を持ち出さないよう手立てを講じたい。企業が従業員と秘密保持契約を結ぶことを促す指針を策定するなどの対策を急ぐべきだ。
Compared to the United States and European countries, Japan has few government officials in charge of screening patent applications and related matters. It is critical to increase the number of patent examiners to ensure prompt acquisition of patent ownership and its effective use.
欧米に比べて、特許などを審査する特許庁の要員は少ない。特許を速やかに権利化し、活用するには審査官増員も欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 17, 2013)
（2013年6月17日01時21分 読売新聞）
Safeguarding intellectual property rights key to competing globally
知財ビジョン 国際競争に勝つための体制に（6月17日付・読売社説）
Intellectual property rights such as patents and trademarks relevant to cutting-edge technologies are undoubtedly the source of the international competitiveness of the nation’s industries.
最先端技術の特許や商標などの知的財産権は、日本の産業競争力の源泉だ。
The need has been increasing for further strengthening joint private-public arrangements to effectively utilize the nation’s intellectual properties.
知財を有効活用する官民の体制を一層強化する必要がある。
The government has drawn up a “vision of intellectual property policy” with a view to laying out Japan’s approach toward handling intellectual property rights for the next 10 years, while deciding on a set of “basic principles” on the matter.
政府は、今後１０年間を見据えた「知的財産政策ビジョン」と、その「基本方針」を決めた。
It’s been 11 years since the country laid down an outline of intellectual property strategy.
２００２年に日本が知的財産戦略大綱を策定してから、１１年が過ぎた。
In recent years, manufacturing businesses in such countries as South Korea and China have grown stronger, intensifying global competition among companies, including those in the United States and Europe, which place high importance on the protection of intellectual property rights.
最近では、韓国や中国などの製造業が台頭し、知財を重視する欧米企業を含めて、グローバル競争が激化している。
In-house inventions a focus
It is reasonable that the government, having a heightened sense of crisis over the circumstances, has embarked on overhauling the nation’s intellectual property policy in a way well-suited to the times. The envisioned policy shift can be expected to provide impetus to the growth strategy being undertaken by the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
政府が危機感を高め、時代の変化に合わせて知財政策を練り直したのは適切だ。成長戦略に弾みをつける効果も期待できよう。
Worthy of note in the envisioned policy is a new idea concerning “in-house inventions,” or inventions created by employees while performing research and development activities for their firms.
今回、注目されるのは、企業の研究者らが仕事上で発明した「職務発明」の特許権に関する新たな方針である。
In the basic principles, the government has proposed two options for discussion: reviewing the current patent system, which stipulates patent ownership belongs to employees, so as to have the ownership belong to companies; or requiring patent ownership to be covered in a contract between the employee and the employer.
従業員に権利が帰属すると規定した現在の制度を見直し、会社に帰属させるか、あるいは、帰属先を企業と従業員の間の契約で決めるという２案を示した。
There have been many instances in which employees dissatisfied with the compensation paid by their companies in return for their in-house inventions have sued the companies, causing the firms to be ordered to pay huge sums of settlement money. The government-proposed changes of patent ownership is in response to demands from businesses to rectify the situation.
職務発明の対価に不満を持つ従業員に訴えられ、企業が巨額の和解金を支払う例が多い。是正を求める産業界に配慮したものだ。
If the changes take effect, businesses will find the risks of being subject to patent ownership-related lawsuits mitigated, making it easier for them to craft management strategies by flexibly utilizing patents.
企業にとっては、訴訟リスクが軽減され、特許権を活用した経営戦略を描きやすくなる。
On the other hand, there are concerns the policy shift would affect adversely the willingness of researchers to engage in R&D and end up in a brain drain overseas.
一方で、研究者の開発意欲を殺(そ)ぐことや、人材の海外流出も懸念される。
The government is set to clarify the pros and cons of the two envisaged steps. Further studies and in-depth discussions should be carried out from the standpoint of beefing up Japan’s industrial competitiveness.
政府は今後、２案を絞り込む。産業競争力を強化する観点から、さらに検討してもらいたい。
The proposals are worthy of high marks because they seek the enhancement of support for small and midsize businesses, which are delaying charting out intellectual property strategies on their own. These proposals should make it easier for them to develop human resources relevant to patent matters with the support of experts, such as chartered patent agents.
知財戦略作りが遅れている中小企業向けに、弁理士など専門家による人材育成といった支援策の充実を求めた点も評価できる。
The basic principles have also incorporated steps for sending from Japan patent examiners to emerging economies in such areas as Asia to help them build infrastructure with an eye toward protecting intellectual property rights.
基本方針は、日本から特許審査官をアジアなど新興国に派遣し、知財保護の基盤作りを支援することも盛り込んだ。
While an increasing number of Japanese companies are branching out abroad, intellectual property right protection is insufficient in emerging countries, which is a major impediment to Japanese firms’ efforts to expand there. Having a “Japan model” spread overseas in this respect will greatly benefit Japanese businesses.
日本企業の海外展開が目立つが、新興国では知財保護が不十分で、日本企業の事業拡大の足かせになっている。日本モデルを浸透させるメリットは大きい。
Increase patent examiners
A key issue is how to prevent important technological information from illegally flowing out to emerging countries and others.
課題は、日本の重要な技術情報が新興国などに不正流出することをどう防ぐかだ。
The basic principles have rightly pointed out the need for strengthening the nation’s intellectual property right protection arrangements. Information leakage abroad is a serious problem that could shake the very foundation of Japan’s industries.
基本方針は保護策の強化を指摘した。情報漏えいは日本の産業基盤を揺るがしかねない深刻な問題である。
Steps should be taken to prevent retirees and others from taking technological information out of the country. Such measures as encouraging companies and their employees to conclude an agreement on maintaining confidentiality of corporate secrets should be promptly put into force.
退職者などが日本の技術情報を持ち出さないよう手立てを講じたい。企業が従業員と秘密保持契約を結ぶことを促す指針を策定するなどの対策を急ぐべきだ。
Compared to the United States and European countries, Japan has few government officials in charge of screening patent applications and related matters. It is critical to increase the number of patent examiners to ensure prompt acquisition of patent ownership and its effective use.
欧米に比べて、特許などを審査する特許庁の要員は少ない。特許を速やかに権利化し、活用するには審査官増員も欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 17, 2013)
（2013年6月17日01時21分 読売新聞）
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