日本放寬武器出口限制，打破二戰後和平主義政策（1/2）

Recently BBC on-line reported the following:

Japan loosens arms export rules in break from post-WW2 pacifism (1/2)

 BBC - Kurumi Mori,Tokyo correspondent and Koh Ewe

21 Apr. 2026

Japan has relaxed decades-old restrictions on its arms exports, clearing the way for it to sell weapons to more than a dozen countries.

The announcement on Tuesday marks a milestone in Tokyo's shift away from the pacifism that has characterised its post-war defence policy. It also comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region.

Restrictions that limit arms exports to just five categories - rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping - will be lifted.

This means Japan can now sell lethal weapons to the 17 countries with which it has defence agreements, including the US and the UK.

A ban on arms sales to countries involved in conflict will stay, although it does not cover those that have defence pacts with Japan. Authorities in Tokyo say they will allow for exceptions "in special circumstances".

"In an increasingly severe security environment, no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone," Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrote on X on Tuesday.

However, she also said there was "absolutely no change in our commitment to upholding the path and fundamental principles we have followed as a peace-loving nation for over 80 years since the war".

"Under the new system, we will strategically promote equipment transfers while making even more rigorous and cautious judgments on whether transfers are permissible," she wrote.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said in a press briefing that the move was "intended to safeguard Japan's security and further contribute to the peace and stability of the region".

China has said it is "seriously concerned" about what it described as Japan's "reckless militarisation".

"China will remain highly vigilant and resolutely opposed [to the move]," Beijing's foreign ministry said in a routine media briefing on Tuesday.

(to be continued)

Translation

日本放寬武器出口限制，打破二戰後和平主義政策（1/2）

日本放寬了實施數十年的武器出口限制，為其向十幾個國家出售武器掃清了障礙物。

週二的這項宣布標誌著東京在擺脫其戰後國防政策中所奉行的和平主義方面邁出了重要一步。此外，這宣佈也正值該地區局勢高度緊張之際。

先前將武器出口限制在五類 - 即救援、運輸、預警、監視和掃雷 - 將被取消。

這意味著日本現在可以向與其簽訂了國防條約的17個國家出售致命性武器，其中包括美國和英國。

禁止向捲入衝突的國家出售武器的禁令仍然有效，但禁令不適用於與日本簽訂了國防條約的國家。東京當局表示，他們將在「特別情況下」允許例外出售。

日本首相高市早苗週二在X網站上撰文指出:「在日益嚴峻的安全環境下，任何國家都無法獨自維護自身的和平與安全」。

然而，她也表示，“我們作為80多年來始終承諾堅持愛好和平的國家的道路和基本原則絕對沒有改變。”

她寫道：“在新體制下，我們將戰略性地推進裝備轉讓，同時對轉讓是否合法做出更加嚴格謹慎的判斷。”

內閣官房長官木原稔(Minoru Kihara) 在記者會上表示，此舉「旨在維護日本的安全，並進一步為該地區的和平與穩定作出貢獻」。

中國對日本的决定稱之為「魯莽軍事化」並表示深表「關切」。

北京外交部週二在例行記者會上表示，“中方將保持高度警惕，堅決反對（這一舉動）。”

（待續）

February's Number of Foreign Tourists in Japan Reaches Record High for February, Despite Decline in Visitors from China

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

2月の訪日外国人旅行者数 2月として過去最高 中国からは減少

2026年3月18日午後5時58分

観光

先月、日本を訪れた外国人旅行者は346万人余りと、去年の同じ月と比べて6.4％増え、2月として過去最高でした。中国からの旅行者は引き続き減少したものの、韓国や台湾からの旅行者が増え、全体を押し上げました。

日本政府観光局によりますと、先月、日本を訪れた外国人旅行者は346万6700人と、去年の同じ月と比べて6.4％増加し、2月として過去最高でした。

1月の外国人旅行者数は日中関係悪化の影響で中国からの旅行者が大幅に減ったことから、コロナ禍の2022年1月以来のマイナスでしたが、2か月ぶりに増加に転じました。

国・地域別では中国からの旅行者が例年なら春節のため伸びる時期ですが、去年の同じ月と比べて45.2％減少しました。

一方、国・地域別で旅行者数が最も多い韓国は28.2％、2番目に多い台湾は36.7％増え、全体を押し上げました。

また、前の月はマイナスだった香港も19.6％増えたほか、メキシコが42.8％、インドが22.7％それぞれ増えました。

観光庁長官 「イラン情勢の緊迫化 影響を注視」

外国人旅行者数が2か月ぶりに増加したことについて、観光庁の村田茂樹長官は「春節の時期は中国からの旅行者が通常より増える時期だがマイナスになった。しかし、全体では2月として過去最多の旅行者数となっていて好調な状況が続いている」と述べました。

そのうえで、イラン情勢の緊迫化による影響については「ヨーロッパからの訪日客が中東の空港を経由して来日する場合もあるが、大半は直行便を利用している。ただ航空燃料についても変化が見られることから、インバウンド市場全体にどのような影響があるか引き続き注視していく」と述べました。

Translation

February's Number of Foreign Tourists in Japan Reaches Record High for February, Despite Decline in Visitors from China

March 18, 2026, 5:58 PM

Tourism

Last month, over 3.46 million foreign tourists visited Japan, a 6.4% increase compared to the same month last year, marking a record high for February. While the number of tourists from China continued to decline, increases in visitors from South Korea and Taiwan boosted the overall figure.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, 3,466,700 foreign tourists visited Japan last month, a 6.4% increase compared to the same month last year, being a record high for February.

The number of foreign tourists in January was down for the first time since January 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to a significant decrease in tourists from China as a result of worsening Japan-China relations. However, it had now increased for the first time after two months.

By country/region, while the number of tourists from China would usually increase during the Lunar New Year, it decreased by 45.2% compared to the same month last year.

Meanwhile, South Korea, which had the highest number of tourists by country/region, saw a 28.2% increase, and Taiwan, the second highest, saw a 36.7% increase, boosting the overall figures.

In addition, Hong Kong, which had seen a decrease the previous month, increased by 19.6%, while Mexico increased by 42.8% and India by 22.7%.

Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner: "We are closely monitoring the impact of the escalating tensions in Iran"

Regarding the increase in the number of foreign tourists for the first time in two months, Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Shigeki Murata (村田茂樹) stated, "While the Lunar New Year period usually sees an increase in tourists from China, this time it was a decrease. However, overall, the number of tourists in February is the highest ever, and the situation remains strong."

He further added, regarding the impact of the escalating tensions in Iran, "While some visitors from Europe arrive via airports in the Middle East, the majority use direct flights. However, since we are seeing changes in aviation fuel, we will continue to closely monitor what impact this will have on the overall inbound tourism market."

So, last month, over 3.46 million foreign tourists visited Japan, a 6.4% increase compared to the same month last year. While the number of tourists from China continued to decline, increases in visitors from South Korea and Taiwan boosted the overall figure. Apparently, the “boycott” initiated by the China is not impacting tourism in Japan.

China Sends Second Letter to UN on Prime Minister's Response Regarding the "Taiwan Emergency" - Japan Refutes again

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

「台湾有事」めぐる首相答弁 中国 国連へ再び書簡 日本再反論

2025年12月5日午前9時06分

(2025年12月5日午前10時45分更新)

日中関係

中国が高市総理大臣のいわゆる「台湾有事」をめぐる国会答弁の撤回を求めて、国連の事務総長に2回目の書簡を送ったことを受け、日本は中国側の主張は事実に反すると改めて反論するとともに、「日本は冷静に対応する」とする書簡を事務総長に提出しました。

高市総理大臣のいわゆる「台湾有事」をめぐる国会答弁について、中国の傅聡国連大使は、答弁の撤回を求める書簡を11月21日、国連のグテーレス事務総長に送りました。

これに対し日本は11月24日に反論する書簡を提出しましたが、中国側は1日、「日本は責任転嫁を図っている」などと批判し、答弁の撤回を求める2回目の書簡を事務総長に送りました。

これを受けて日本の山崎国連大使は4日、「中国側の主張は事実に反し、根拠に欠けるものだ」と改めて反論する書簡をグテーレス事務総長に提出しました。

書簡は「日本は今後も平和を愛する国家」として国際社会に貢献していくと強調したうえで、「日本は引き続き対話を通じて冷静に対応していく方針だ」としています。

提出された書簡は国連の全加盟国に回覧されることになっています。

木原官房長官「わが国の立場は一貫している」

木原官房長官は閣議のあとの記者会見で「書簡を再度発出し、事実に反する中国側の主張に対して、日本政府としてしっかり反論、発信を行ったと報告を受けた。今般の国会でのやり取りを含めて、わが国の立場は一貫しており、中国に対しても繰り返し伝えている。引き続き適切に対応していく」と述べました。

Translation

China Sends Second Letter to UN on Prime Minister's Response Regarding the "Taiwan Emergency" - Japan Refutes

December 5, 2025, 9:06 AM

Japan, in connection with China's second letter to the UN Secretary-General demanding the retraction of Prime Minister Takaichi's Diet discussion regarding the so-called "Taiwan emergency”, once again refuted China's assertions, arguing that these assertions were factually incorrect, and submitted a letter to the Secretary-General stating that "Japan will respond calmly."

On November 21, China's UN Ambassador Fu Cong (傅聡) sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Guterres demanding the retraction of Prime Minister Takaichi's Diet answer regarding the so-called "Taiwan emergency."

As a response, Japan submitted a letter of rebuttal on November 24. However, China sent a second letter to the Secretary-General on the 1st, criticizing Japan for "attempting to shift the blame" and demanding that Japan to retract its Diet reply.

In response to China’s second letter, Japan's UN Ambassador Yamazaki (山崎) submitted a new letter to Secretary-General Guterres on the 4th, stating that "China’s assertions are contrary to the facts and lack of basis."

The letter emphasized that "Japan will continue to contribute to the international community as a peace-loving nation," and stated that "Japan will continue to respond calmly through dialogue."

The submitted letter would be circulated to all UN member states.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara(木原): "Our country's position is consistent."

In a press conference following the Cabinet meeting, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara (木原) stated, "I was informed that the Japanese government has issued another letter and firmly refuted and communicated the factually unfounded claims made by the Chinese side. Including the recent exchanges in the Diet, our country's position has been consistent, and we have repeatedly conveyed this to China. We will continue to respond appropriately."

So, in connection with China's second letter to the UN Secretary-General demanding the retraction of Prime Minister Takaichi's Diet response about the so-called "Taiwan emergency" comments, Japan once again refuted China's assertions. Apparently, the argument between Japan and China will continue for some time.

日本貿易特使稱，日本堅持要求美國取消關稅

 Recently Yahoo News on-line picked up the following:

Japan is sticking to demand for US to eliminate tariffs, trade envoy says

Reuters -Leika Kihara

Mon, May 19, 2025 at 7:24 p.m. PDT·2 min read

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan's top trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, said on Tuesday there was no change to Tokyo's stance of demanding an elimination of U.S. tariffs in bilateral trade negotiations.

Tokyo will not rush into clinching a trade deal if doing so risked hurting the country's interests, he said.

"The slew of U.S. tariffs including reciprocal tariffs as well as those on automobiles, car parts, steel and aluminium, are regrettable. There's no change to our stance of seeking a review, which is to say an elimination, of them," Akazawa told a regular press conference.

Akazawa said the two countries held working-level trade talks in Washington on Monday. The schedule of a third round of ministerial-level negotiations was yet to be fixed, he added.

Japan's Kyodo news agency reported on Tuesday that Akazawa will travel to Washington this week to attend the third round of talks potentially starting on Friday.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is expected to attend the talks, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be absent, Kyodo reported without citing sources.

On April 2, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 10% tariffs on all countries except Canada, Mexico and China, along with higher tariff rates for many big trading partners, including Japan, which faces a 24% tariff rate starting in July unless it can negotiate a deal with Washington.

Japanese policymakers and ruling party lawmakers have said they see no merit in striking a deal with the United States unless a 25% tariff on automobile imports is lifted, given the industry's economic importance.

While Japan was the first major economy to start bilateral trade talks with Washington, Britain was the first to strike a deal with the Trump administration. China and the United States also agreed to a 90-day truce in their trade war that had threatened a global recession.

With initial hope of a quick deal failing, the Nikkei newspaper reported last week that Japan may water down its demand to a reduction, rather than an elimination, of U.S. tariffs.

A source with knowledge of the negotiations has told Reuters that Japan is considering a package of proposals to gain U.S. concessions that may include increased imports of U.S. corn and soy, technical cooperation in shipbuilding, and revision to inspection standards for imported automobiles.

(Reporting by Leika Kihara; Editing by Tom Hogue and Shri Navaratnam)

Translation

日本貿易特使稱，日本堅持要求美國取消關稅

東京（路透社）—日本首席貿易談判代表赤澤良聖 (Ryosei Akazawa) 週二表示，東京要求在雙邊貿易談判中取消美國關稅的立場沒有改變。

他說，如果貿易協議可能會損害日本的利益，東京就不會急於達成協議。

赤澤在例行新聞發布會上表示： “美國徵收的大量關稅，包括對等關稅以及針對汽車、汽車零件、鋼鐵和鋁的關稅，令人遺憾。我們尋求重新審視的立場沒有改變，也就是說, 要取消這些關稅。”

赤澤稱，兩國週一在華盛頓舉行了工作級別的貿易會談。他補充說，第三輪部長級談判的時間表尚未確定。

日本共同社週二報道稱，赤澤本週將前往華盛頓參加可能在週五開始的第三輪會談。

共同社在未引述消息來源之下稱，美國貿易代表 Jamieson Greer 預計將出席此次會談，而財政部長貝森特將缺席。

4月2日，美國總統特朗普對除加拿大、墨西哥和中國以外的所有國家徵收10%的關稅，同時對包括日本在內的許多主要貿易夥伴提高關稅稅率，即從7月開始面臨24%的關稅稅率, 除非能與華盛頓達成協議。

日本政策制定者和執政黨議員表示，鑑於汽車產業的經濟重要性，他們認為除非取消 25% 的汽車進口關稅，否則與美國達成協議毫無意義。

日本是第一個與華盛頓展開雙邊貿易談判的主要經濟體，而英國則是第一個與特朗普政府達成協議的國家。中國和美國也同意就威脅全球經濟衰退的貿易戰實行為期 90 天的休戰。

日本由於最初希望快速達成協議的願望落空，《日經新聞》上週報道稱，它可能會降低其要求，即是降低美國關稅而不是取消它。

一位了解談判情況的消息人士告訴路透社，日本正在考慮一攬子提議以獲得美國的讓步，其中可能包括增加美國玉米和大豆的進口、造船方面的技術合作以及修改檢驗進口汽車的標準。

So, while Japan's stance is to demand an elimination of U.S. tariffs in bilateral trade negotiations, a source with knowledge of the negotiations has said that Japan is considering a package of proposals to gain U.S. concessions that may include increased imports of U.S. agricultural products, technical cooperation in shipbuilding, and revision to inspection standards for imported automobiles. Apparently, Japan is an important US ally in Asia, I am interested in knowing how the future agreement will look like.

East China Sea gas field: Ministry of Foreign Affairs protests after flames are confirmed in Chinese-built structures

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

東シナ海ガス田 中国建設の構造物から炎確認 外務省が抗議

2023年12月18日 21時43分

東シナ海のガス田開発をめぐり、外務省は、中国が建設した構造物から新たに炎が上がっていることが確認されたとして、中国側に対し一方的な開発をやめるよう抗議しました。

東シナ海のガス田開発をめぐっては、2008年に日中両政府が共同開発することで合意しましたが、関係する条約の締結交渉は中断したままで、中国側が一方的な開発を進めています。

外務省によりますと、今月15日、中国が日中中間線の中国側の海域に設置した構造物1基で、天然ガスを生産する過程で発生したとみられる炎が上がっているのを海上自衛隊が確認したということです。

中国が設置した構造物はこれまでに18基あり、今回を含めると合わせて14基で炎が確認されたことになるということです。

これを受けて、外務省の鯰アジア大洋州局長は、中国大使館の楊宇 次席公使に対し、一方的な開発の継続は極めて遺憾だとして、開発をやめるよう電話で抗議しました。

そして、条約の締結交渉の再開に早期に応じるよう改めて強く求めました。

Translation

Regarding the development of gas fields in the East China Sea, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had protested to the Chinese side asking stopping unilateral development of this gas field, saying that new flames had been confirmed to be coming from structures built there by China.

Regarding the development of gas fields in the East China Sea, the governments of Japan and China agreed in 2008 to jointly develop the gas fields, but negotiations to conclude related treaties had remained suspended, and China was proceeding with development unilaterally.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the 15th of this month, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force confirmed that, on the Chinese side of the Japan-China halfway line, at a structure installed by China, a flame that seemed to have originated in the process of producing natural gas was observed.

China had installed 18 structures so far, and including this one, flames were confirmed in 14 of them.

In response to this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Director-General for Asia and Oceania, Namazu (鯰), protested by phone to Yang Yu (楊宇), Deputy Chief Minister of the Chinese Embassy to state that the continuation of unilateral development was extremely regrettable and asked to stop the development.

He reiterated his strong request for the prompt resumption of negotiations to conclude a treaty.

So, Japan protests to China regarding the continuation of unilateral development at the gas fields, and asks China to stop the development as the present dividing line has not been mutually agreed.  It is interesting to know that arguments over the boundary of the gas fields which have died down for quite a while now appears again.

The arrest of male Japanese by China may further agitate fleeing among foreign companies

Recently CNN.co.jp reported the following:

中国当局の日本人男性逮捕、外国企業に一段の動揺走る可能性

2023.10.21 Sat posted at 12:30 JST

 Tweet

東京（ＣＮＮ） 中国当局が、３月に拘束していた日本人男性を正式に逮捕した。外務省と北京の日本大使館の当局者らが２１日までに明らかにした。

逮捕されたのは東京に拠点を置くアステラス製薬の５０代の社員と報じられている。これを受け、中国国内で事業展開する外国企業は一段の混乱に陥る可能性もある。

松野博一官房長官は、当該の日本人男性の逮捕を確認。中国側に早期の釈放を強く求めているとした。１９日の記者会見で述べた。男性が逮捕されたのは今月中旬だという。

ＮＨＫによると男性は３月、中国の治安機関に北京で拘束された。容疑は同国の刑法と反スパイ法に対する違反。男性は中国に合わせて２０年ほど住んでいたという。

ＣＮＮはこれらの情報を独自に確認できなかった。

外務省は男性の氏名や勤務先の企業、容疑の内容、拘束された場所の詳細について情報を公表していない。ＣＮＮはより多くの情報を求めたが、同省から返答はない。

アステラスの広報担当者は２０日、ＣＮＮの取材に答え、現在は外務省から一段の情報を求めているところであり、声明は発表できないと述べた。

７月、中国は既に広範囲に及んでいた反スパイ法の領域を拡大。専門家らは外国の企業やジャーナリスト、学者らにとって法律上のリスク並びに不透明性が一段と高まる恐れがあると警告していた。

Translation

Tokyo (CNN) Chinese authorities had officially arrested a Japanese man who was detained in March. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japanese Embassy in Beijing announced this on the 21st.

The person arrested was reported to be an employee in his 50s from the Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma (アステラス製薬). As a result, foreign companies operating in China might find themselves in further  confusion.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno (松野博一)confirmed the arrest of a Japanese male. He strongly urged the Chinese side to release him as soon as possible. He said this at a press conference on the 19th. The man was arrested in the middle of this month.

According to NHK, the man was detained in Beijing by Chinese security agencies in March. The charges were violations of the country's criminal law and anti-espionage law. The man reportedly lived in China up 20 years in total.

CNN was unable to independently verify this information.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not released information about the man's name, the company he works for, the nature of the charges, or details of where he was detained. CNN had requested more information, but the department did not respond.

Astellas spokesperson told CNN on the 20th that the company was currently seeking further information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and could make an announcement.

In July, China expanded its already far-reaching anti-espionage law. Experts had warned that this move could further increase legal risks and uncertainty for foreign companies, journalists, and academics.

              So, this arrest reflects China’s new focus on national security amid tightening relations with the West. It seems that Beijing is increasingly paranoid about the threat of espionage infiltration by other countries. My observation is that American company personnel are rarely arrested for espionage.

Note:

Astellas Pharma Inc. (アステラス製薬) is a Japanese multinational pharmaceutical company, formed on 1 April 2005 from the merger of Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Wikipedia)

Demining in Ukraine: Japanese government gives support through JICA

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

ウクライナの地雷除去 日本政府がJICAを通じて支援へ

2023年1月20日 18時32分

ロシアによる軍事侵攻が続くウクライナに残された地雷や不発弾の除去を支援しようと、日本政府はウクライナの担当者を招いた研修を実施するとともに、地雷探知機をウクライナに供与することになりました。

ウクライナでは、ロシアに占領された地域などに地雷や不発弾が数多く残され、ウクライナの国家地雷対策局によりますと、国土のおよそ4分の1に当たる16万平方キロメートルの土地が、地雷などによって汚染されているということです。

今後の復興に向けて地雷などの除去が課題となっている中、日本政府は、JICA＝国際協力機構を通じて、除去作業への支援を行うことになりました。

JICAは、これまでカンボジアやラオスなどに対して過去の内戦などで、設置された地雷の除去への支援を行ってきた経験があり、こうしたノウハウを生かしていくということです。

今月16日からは、地雷の除去作業を行うウクライナ非常事態庁の担当者をカンボジアに招いて、初めて研修を実施しました。

また、東北大学が開発した地雷探知機「ALIS」4台をウクライナ側に供与する予定です。

JICAの平和構築室の室谷龍太郎室長は「戦争が続いている中、急速に新しい地雷や不発弾が増えている状況だ。長く時間がかかる地雷対策をいかに効率的に、かつ人々の生活に被害を生まないような形で進めていくか、蓄積したノウハウを発揮したい」と話していました。

“日本の新技術で地雷除去を”

今回、ウクライナでの地雷除去の支援に乗り出すことになったのは、東北大学東北アジア研究センターの佐藤源之教授です。

長年、アフガニスタンやカンボジアなどで地雷除去のための支援を続けてきた、佐藤教授がみずから開発した最新の地雷探知機「ALIS」が、ウクライナで活用されることになっています。

「ALIS」は、地中レーダーと金属探知機の機能を組み合わせたのが特徴で、地中に埋まった物体を可視化し、効率的に地雷の除去活動を進められるということです。

NHKのインタビューに応じた佐藤教授は「ウクライナでは、カンボジアの農村部で実施してきたような、地中に埋まっている地雷などを撤去するだけでなく、人口が多い都市部で、どこにあるかもわからない爆発物も撤去しなければならない」と述べ、ウクライナでの地雷除去の難しさについて指摘しました。

そのうえで、「私たちが開発した探知機であれば、建物の裏にある地雷を見つけ出すことなどにも使えるのではないかと考えている。従来の金属探知機では対応できなかったところに日本の新しい技術を使い、ウクライナの人たちの安全のために地雷除去を進めたい」と抱負を述べました。

佐藤教授は、今年4月にはポーランドでも、ウクライナの地雷除去のためのフォローアップ研修を予定しているということです。

林外相「日本の経験と知見活用し貢献」

林外務大臣は記者会見で「ウクライナの復旧・復興を進めていく前提として、地雷や不発弾の処理は重要な課題だ。カンボジアなどで復興に協力してきた日本の経験と知見を活用しながら、引き続きウクライナの人々に寄り添った復旧・復興に貢献していく」と述べました。

Translation

 In order to support the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance left behind in Ukraine where Russia's military aggression was continuing, the Japanese government in addition to inviting Ukrainian officials in-charge for training, had decided to provide mine detectors to Ukraine.

In Ukraine, according to its national department dealing with landmines, many landmines and unexploded ordnance were left behind in areas occupied by Russia. About a quarter of the country's land which was equal to the 160,000 square kilometers were contaminated by landmines.

While the removal of landmines was among the issues for future reconstruction, the Japanese government had decided to support the removal work through JICA = Japan International Cooperation Agency.

JICA had the experience in assisting Cambodia and Laos in the removal of landmines that were set up during past civil wars, and such know-how could be made good use of.

From the 16th of this month, the person in charge of the Ukrainian Emergency Situations Agency that was responsible for clearing landmines were invited to Cambodia, and training were conducted for the first time.

In addition, it was planned to provide Ukraine with four ALIS mine detectors developed by Tohoku University.

Ryutaro Murotani (室谷龍太郎), head of JICA's Peacebuilding Office said, "While the war continues, the number of new landmines and unexploded ordnance is rapidly increasing. How to proceed in a way that can efficiently do the landmine countermeasures, which will take a long time to do, and not to cause damages to people's lives?  For that I want to make good use of the accumulated know-how."

“Remove mines with new Japanese technology”

This time the decision to support the removal of landmines in Ukraine was from Professor Motoyuki Sato (佐藤源之)of the Center for Northeast Asian Studies at Tohoku University

Professor Sato, who had been supporting landmine removal in Afghanistan and Cambodia for many years, would use the latest mine detector "ALIS" developed by him in Ukraine.

ALIS was characterized by combining the functions of ground penetrating radar and metal detectors, making it possible to visualize objects buried in the ground and to proceed efficiently with landmine removal activities.

In an interview with NHK, Professor Sato said "In Ukraine, we will not only remove landmines buried in the ground like we have done in Cambodia's rural areas, but also in urban areas with a large population. We have to remove explosives that we don't even know where they are”, and he pointed out the difficulties in clearing landmines in Ukraine.

On top of that, he said ``We think that the detector we developed can be used to find mines behind buildings. I would like to use new Japanese technology to remove mines for the safety of Ukrainian people where conventional metal detectors could not. I want to use technology to push ahead landmines clearing for the safety of the people of Ukraine".

Professor Sato was planning to hold a follow-up training in Poland in April this year for clearing landmines in Ukraine.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hayashi - “To contribute by utilizing Japan’s experience and knowledge”

At a press conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hayashi said, "As a premise for promoting the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, the disposal of landmines and unexploded ordnance is an important issue. Using Japan’s experience and knowledge in helping the reconstruction in Cambodia and other countries, we will continue to contribute to the recovery and reconstruction in close support for the Ukrainian people.”

So, in order to support the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance in Ukraine, the Japanese government in addition to inviting Ukrainian officials in-charge for training the removal of landmines, has decided to provide mine detectors to Ukraine. My salute goes to Japan.

Japan has resumed accepting tourists, why are foreigners not returning?

Recently CNN.co.jp reported the following:

観光客受け入れ再開の日本、外国人が戻らない理由は？

2022.08.01 Mon posted at 14:19 JST

  （ＣＮＮ） アジア諸国が段階的に外国からの旅行者受け入れを再開している。だが観光客はなかなか戻らず、特に日本はその状況が際立っている。

日本は今年６月、夏の観光シーズンを前に受け入れ再開を大々的に発表した。入国管理局の統計によると、６月１０日～７月１０日の間に入国した観光客は約１５００人。コロナ禍の前の２０１９年に比べて９５％減った。

かつて観光地としてあれほど人気があった国に、なぜ観光客がなかなか戻らないのか。

日本が現時点で受け入れているのは個人ではなく団体の観光客のみ。欧米人は自由を好み、決まった日程に従って行動したがらない人が多いため、これは大きな問題だった。

「私たちにベビーシッターはいらない」。かつて日本を頻繁に訪れていた米ニューヨークのメリッサ・ミュジカーさんはそう言い切った。

夫とともに６回ほど東京を訪れたことがあるというミュジカーさん。２２年に受け入れが再開されたと聞いて早速再訪を計画したが、制限を理由に断念した。代わりに次の休暇は韓国で過ごすことにしたという。

「隔離は望まない。それは大きな要因だった。ただ行ってブラブラして買い物して、高いすしが食べたいだけ」とミュジカーさん。ビーチよりも都会が好きなこと、コロナ禍の間に韓国ドラマにはまったことも、ソウル旅行を決めた理由だった。

 完全解放に踏み切らない日本の政策の対象はビザだけではない。多くの場所で今もマスク着用が求められ、団体ツアーは料金が高く、入国時には隔離が義務付けられていることから、売り込みは難しい。

訪日客向けの会員制サービス「Ａｒｒｙ」創業者のケイティー・タム氏によると、コロナ禍の前までＡｒｒｙの会員は香港や台湾、韓国、シンガポールなどアジアからの旅行者が多数を占め、日本を年に何度も訪れたり、連休を利用して気軽に旅行したりしていたが、２０年から同サービスは休止状態を余儀なくされている。

Ａｒｒｙは米国のオバマ元大統領が訪れたすきやばし次郎や、最新のレストランランキングでアジア部門のトップになった傳（でん）など東京の人気レストランの予約も代行している。

現時点で予約の問い合わせがあるのは、商用目的のビザを取得できた少数の会員に限られている。非居住者が個人で日本に入国できる手段は現時点でそれしかない。ただ、混雑が少なくなったおかげで以前は予約が取れなかったレストランを予約できることもある。

それでも飲食店の多くは地元客でにぎわっているとタム氏は話す。つまり、外国人観光客が戻って来られるようになった時にも、そうした人気店は営業を続けているはずだ。

出入国在留管理庁によると、現時点で最も多いのはタイと韓国からの観光客で、６月以来、それぞれ約４００人が訪れた。米国からの観光客は１５０人にとどまった。

１９年、日本にとって最大の観光市場は９２５万人が訪れた中国だった。

しかし中国は今、実質的に世界から切り離された状態にあって、国民にも外国人にも厳格な隔離の手順が定められ、観光は停止状態にある。

その影響は日本だけにとどまらない。中国人観光客に人気があったオーストラリア、タイ、シンガポール、韓国も、多額の観光収入が失われている。

東京スカイツリーの広報によると、初めて外国人のツアー団体が展望デッキに戻って来たのは６月２７日だった。参加者は香港からの観光客だった。香港の住民も帰国の際にホテルでの隔離が義務付けられるが、それでも中国本土よりは海外旅行がしやすい。

いずれ日本が個人旅行客の受け入れを再開すれば、観光客が戻ってくる可能性は大きい。コロナ禍でためたお金を散財する「リベンジ旅行」の目的地として、日本は今も人気が高い。

Translation

  (CNN) Asian countries were gradually reopening to foreign tourists. However, tourists were not quite returning, and the situation was particularly obvious in Japan.

In June this year, Japan made a big announcement about its reopening ahead of the summer tourist season. According to Immigration Bureau statistics, about 1,500 tourists entered Japan between June 10 and July 10. It had decreased by 95% compared to 2019 before the corona pandemic.

Why was it so difficult for tourists to return to a country that was once so popular to the extent of becoming a tourist destination?

Japan currently only accepted groups of tourists, not individuals. This was a big problem because many Westerners preferred freedom and didn't want to follow a set schedule.

"We don't need a babysitter." Melissa Musicer from New York, who used to visit Japan frequently, said so.

Musicer had visited Tokyo six times with her husband. In 2022 she heard that it had been re-opened and she immediately planned a return visit, but she gave up because of restrictions. She said she decided to spend her next vacation in South Korea instead.

Musicer said “I don’t want quarantine. That is a big factor. I just want to go, hang out, shop, and eat expensive sushi". She liked the city more than the beach, and she was addicted to Korean dramas during the pandemic, which was another reason she decided to travel to Seoul.

Visas were not the only target of Japan's policy that would otherwise make restriction free totally. It was a hard sell because many places still required masks, expensive group tours and mandated quarantines when entering the country.

According to Katie Tam, the founder of ARRY, a membership service for visitors to Japan, the majority of ARRY members were travelers from Asia, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore, before the pandemic. Members used to visit Japan many times in a year and would readily travel during consecutive holidays, but since 2020 the service was forced to suspend inevitably.

Arry also made reservations for popular restaurants in Tokyo, such as Sukiyabashi Jiro which was visited by former US President Barack Obama, and Den which topped the Asian category in the latest restaurant rankings.

At the moment, booking inquiries were limited to a small number of members who had obtained business visas. At present, for non-residents this was the only way to enter the Japan individually. You might be able to make reservations at restaurants that were previously unavailable, due to less crowded environment now.

Still, many of the restaurants were still busy with locals, Tam said. In other words, at the time when foreign tourists were able to come back, those popular shops should still be open.

According to the Immigration Services Agency, the largest number of tourists at the moment were from Thailand and South Korea, with about 400 visitors from each country since June. There were only 150 tourists from the United States.

In 2019, China was Japan's largest tourist market, with 9.25 million visitors.

But China was now effectively cut off from the rest of the world, with strict quarantine protocols in place for both citizens and foreigners, and tourism was put on hold.

Such impact was not limited to Japan. Australia, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea, which were popular with Chinese tourists, were also losing large amounts of tourism revenue.

According to the publicity of Tokyo Skytree, the first foreign tour group returned to its observation deck on June 27, participants were tourists from Hong Kong. Hong Kong residents were also required to have quarantine in hotels when returning to their home country, but it was still easier to travel abroad than those in mainland China.

By the time Japan eventually resumed accepting individual tourists, it was highly likely that tourists could return. Japan was still popular as a destination for “revenge trips” to spend the money saved during the coronavirus pandemic.

              So, Asian countries are gradually reopening to foreign tourists. However, in Japan tourists are not quite returning. At present mostly only group tours are permitted. It seems that Japan has to relax further its restrictions in order to attract more overseas tourists.

Acceptance of foreign tourists: Prime Minister Kishida announced its resumption from 10th next month

Recently CNN.co.jp reported the following:

外国人観光客の受け入れ 来月10日から再開へ 岸田首相が表明

2022年5月26日 19時34分

新型コロナの水際対策をめぐって、岸田総理大臣は、外国人観光客の受け入れを来月10日から再開することを表明しました。

観光目的での入国の再開は、およそ2年ぶりです。

岸田総理大臣は、26日夜、東京都内で講演し、水際対策をめぐって「来月1日から1日の入国者総数を2万人に引き上げるとともに、入国時の検査実績で陽性率が低い国については入国時検査を行わずに入国を認めることにする」と述べました。

そのうえで「現在実施している実証事業とガイドラインの策定を受けて、来月10日から添乗員付きのパッケージツアーでの観光客受け入れを再開する」と述べ、外国人観光客の受け入れを来月10日から再開することを表明しました。

外国人の観光目的での入国の再開は、およそ2年ぶりです。

さらに「来月中に新千歳空港と那覇空港で国際線受け入れを再開できるよう準備を進める。感染が落ち着いている国や地域については、きょう、海外へ渡航する際の『感染症危険情報』のレベルを引き下げた」と述べました。

一方、岸田総理大臣は、ロシアの軍事侵攻や中国の覇権主義的行動などを念頭に、現在の国際秩序が揺らいでいると指摘したうえで「いまわれわれはアジア発の新たな国際秩序を必要としている。来年に友好協力50周年を迎える日・ASEANの新たな関係の方向性と協力のビジョンを打ち出すことを目指す」と述べました。

Translation

Regarding the border measures for the new Corona, Prime Minister Kishida announced that he would resume accepting foreign tourists starting from the 10th of next month.

It was the first time in about two years to resume tourist entry for sightseeing purposes.

Prime Minister Kishida gave a lecture in Tokyo on the night of the 26th, regarding border control he said that "We will raise the total number of people entering to 20,000 starting from on the 1st of next month, and at the time of entry, for those countries with a low positive rate in inspection records in the past, their tourists will allow entry without conducting an entry inspection. "

On top of that, he said, "Through complying with the current ongoing verification procedures and guidelines decisions, we will resume accepting tourists on package tours with tour guides starting from the 10th next month"; expressing the acceptance of foreign tourists staring from the 10^th next month.

It was the first time in about two years to resume foreign tourist entry for sightseeing purposes.

In addition, it was said that "We will prepare to resume accepting international flights at New Chitose Airport and Naha Airport next month. For countries and regions where infection has calmed down, in traveling overseas, today the level of ‘Infectious Disease Danger Information’ on them had been lowered.”

On the other hand, Prime Minister Kishida pointed out that the current international order was being shaken in view of Russia's military invasion and China's hegemonism, and added that "Now we need a new international order originating in Asia. We aim to set out a new direction in relations and cooperation between Japan and ASEAN, which will celebrate the 50th anniversary of friendship and cooperation next year."

              So, for the first time in about two years Japan will allow foreign tourist entry for sightseeing purposes.

日本稱受爭議島嶼“被俄羅斯非法佔領”

Recently Yahoo News on-line reported the following:

Japan says disputed islands 'illegally occupied by Russia'

MARI YAMAGUCHI

Fri, April 22, 2022, 4:17 AM

TOKYO (AP) — Japan describes four islands whose ownership it disputes with Moscow as “illegally occupied by Russia” in the latest version of a diplomatic report released Friday, using stronger language to describe the territorial flap than other recent versions and underscoring the chilled relations between the two sides amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The description in the 2022 Diplomatic Bluebook, an annual report on Japan's foreign policy issued by the Foreign Ministry, uses that phrasing for the first time in nearly two decades. Japan, which is struggling to improve ties with Moscow to regain control of the Kurils, which Tokyo calls the Northern Territories, had previously described the dispute in a softer tone.

“The Northern Territories are a group of islands Japan has sovereignty over and an integral part of Japan’s territory, but currently they are illegally occupied by Russia,” the ministry said in the report.

The dispute over the Russian-held islands, which the former Soviet Union seized from Japan at the end of World War II, has prevented the two countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending their war hostilities.

The report last used a similar expression in 2003 but had toned down its phrasing until last year, when it described the dispute as “the greatest concern between Japan and Russia” and noted that “Japan has sovereignty” over the islands.

In another territorial dispute, the ministry said the island that Japan calls Takeshima is “illegally occupied” by Seoul, which calls it Dokdo.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry protested Japan’s “repeated inclusion of unjust sovereignty claims over Dokdo,” calling the island an integral part of South Korean territory. It said Tokyo’s repeated claims are in “no way conducive to efforts to establish a future-oriented relationship between the two sides.” Japan-South Korea ties have been also badly strained by historical issues.

Japan has joined other Group of Seven countries in imposing a series of sanctions against Russia. Tokyo is taking a greater role in the international effort against Russia because of its concerns about the impact of the invasion in East Asia, where China’s military has grown increasingly assertive.

Japan has already faced reprisals from Russia, which recently announced the suspension of talks on a peace treaty with Tokyo that included negotiations over the disputed islands.

Japan also seeks to bolster its defense capability and budget as part of a key revision to Japan’s national security strategy expected later this year.

Translation

東京（美聯社）- 日本在周五發布的最新版外交報告中, 將與莫斯科有爭議的四個島嶼描述為“被俄羅斯非法佔領”，使用比其他近期版本更強烈的語言來描述領土爭端變動，凸顯了在俄羅斯入侵烏克蘭期間雙方之間冷淡的關係。

外務省發布的日本外交政策年度報告《2022年外交藍皮書》中的描述是近二十年來首次使用該措辭。日本在努力改善與莫斯科的關係以重新控制千島群島，東京稱其為北部領土，此前曾以較溫和的語氣描述了這場爭端。

該省在報告中說: “北方領土是日本擁有主權的一組島嶼，是日本領土不可分割的一部分，但目前它們被俄羅斯非法佔領” 。

前蘇聯在二戰結束時從日本手中奪取了俄羅斯現控制的島嶼，導致兩國無法簽署和平條約，正式結束戰爭敵對行動。

該報告上一次使用類似的表述是在 2003 年，但直到去年才緩和了措辭，當時將爭端描述為“日本和俄羅斯之間最大的擔憂”，並指出“日本對這些島嶼擁有主權”。

在另一項領土爭端中，該省表示，日本稱之為竹島的島嶼被首爾 “非法佔領”，首爾稱其為獨島。

韓國外交部抗議日本“一再加入對獨島的不公正主權主張”，稱該島是韓國領土不可分割的一部分。聲明稱，東京方面的一再主張“無助於雙方建立面向未來的關係”。日韓關係也因歷史問題而嚴重緊張。

日本與其他七國集團國家一起，對俄羅斯實施了一系列制裁。東京在針對俄羅斯的國際行動中擔任了較大角色，它擔心這入侵对東亞的影響，因為中國的軍隊在東亞變得越來越自信。

日本已經面臨來自俄羅斯的報復，俄羅斯最近宣布暫停與東京的和平條約談判，其中包括就爭議島嶼進行談判。

日本還尋求加強其國防能力和預算，作為預計今年晚些時候對日本國家安全戰略進行重大修訂的一部分。

       So, regarding Russia’s recent announcement on the suspension of talks on the negotiations over the disputed islands, all along I have doubt on whether Russia has any motivation in negotiating with Japan. In the mind of the Russian, territorial gain is above everything. This is a contrast to the US whose interest is in spreading political and cultural influence globally.

G7 leaders – adopt a joint declaration that writes about "Taiwan Strait" for the first time

Recently Nihon Keizai Shimbun Electronic Edition reported the following:

G7首脳、共同宣言を採択　「台湾海峡」初の明記

G7首脳会議

2021年6月13日 22:20 (2021年6月14日 2:20更新) [有料会員限定]

【コーンウォール（英南西部）=三木理恵子】主要7カ国首脳会議（G7サミット）は13日午後（日本時間同日夜）、閉幕した。共同宣言で「台湾海峡の平和と安定の重要性を強調し、両岸問題の平和的解決を促す」と言及した。「自由や平等、人権の保護などの力を使って挑戦に打ち勝つ」と記し、民主主義諸国の結束を訴えた。

日本の外務省によるとG7首脳の共同宣言で台湾海峡に関する文言が入るのは初めて。5月上旬のG7外相会合と同様の表現を盛り込んだ。

菅義偉首相は討議終了後、記者団に「自由で開かれた国際秩序の確立に努めることを方向付けできた」と語った。議長国のジョンソン英首相は記者会見で「G7がすべきなのは民主主義と自由と人権の利点を世界に示すことだ」と総括した。

今回のサミットは覇権主義的な行動を強める中国にG7がどのようなメッセージを出すかに注目が集まった。

共同宣言は中国の海洋進出を念頭に「自由で開かれたインド太平洋の維持の重要性」を指摘した。東・南シナ海の状況についても「深刻な懸念を抱いており、現状を変更し、緊張を高めるいかなる一方的な試みに強く反対する」と言明した。

新疆ウイグル自治区の人権問題や香港の統制強化にも触れた。「中国に人権と基本的自由を尊重するよう求めるなど、我々の価値観を推進していく」と唱えた。

経済面でも中国を名指しし「世界経済の公正性や透明性を傷つける慣行や市場をゆがめる政策に対し（G7が）集団的に対応する」と明記した。

具体策として新疆ウイグル自治区などで指摘される強制労働の根絶のため、各国の貿易相に供給網の分析を指示した。

中国の広域経済圏構想「一帯一路」への対抗も意識し、上質で透明性の高いインフラ投資に取り組む方針を示した。G7で作業部会を立ち上げ秋までに具体策を報告する。5G分野など通信機器の供給網の協力も含めた。

サミットの共同宣言に中国に関する内容をここまで書き込むのは異例だ。

米政府は「バイデン大統領が世界の民主主義諸国に要請した主要な取り組みだ」と説明した。バイデン氏はサミット後の記者会見で「世界の脅威に立ち向かう唯一の方法は協力することだ」と述べた。

新型コロナウイルス対策で途上国への10億回分のワクチン提供に合意した。米英両政府はG7がコロナ危機当初から20億回分の供与を手掛けたことになると指摘した。

コロナの発生源について「中国も含めてタイムリーで透明性の高い専門家主導の研究を求める」と提起した。

気候変動問題も重要議題になった。宣言で温暖化ガスの排出削減対策が施されていない石炭火力発電への公的な国際支援を21年末までに停止すると書き込んだ。

東京五輪・パラリンピックは「新型コロナ克服に向けた世界の団結の象徴」と位置付けた。G7として「安全、安心な方法での開催の支持」を表明した。

菅首相は13日、記者団に「何としても成功させないといけないとの思いだ。しっかり開会し成功に導かないといけないと決意を新たにした」と発言した。サミットで各首脳へ感染対策などを説明し「全首脳から大変力強い支持をいただいた」と話した。

Translation

[Cornwall (Southwestern England) = Rieko Miki] The Group of Seven Summit (G7 Summit) ended on the afternoon of the 13th (the same night of Japan time). In a joint declaration it said "We emphasize the importance of peace and stability in the Straits of Taiwan and promote a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues". It called for the unity of democracies, stating that “they would use their powers to overcome the challenges in freedom, equality and protection of human rights etc.”

According to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this was the first time that the G7 leaders' joint declaration included wording about the Taiwan Strait. It included the same expressions as used in the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in early May.

After the discussion, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters, "We were able to direct our efforts to establish a free and open international order." British Prime Minister Johnson summed up at a press conference that "What the G7 should do is to show the world the benefits of democracy, freedom and human rights."

At this summit, attention was focused on what kind of message the G7 should send to China which was strengthening its hegemonic behavior.

The Joint Declaration pointed out, with China's advance into the ocean in mind, "the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific". It also stated that, about the situation in the East and South China Seas, they "have serious concerns and strongly oppose any one-sided attempts to change the status quo and increase tensions."

It also touched on human rights issues in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the tightening of control in Hong Kong. It said "We will promote our values, such as by asking China to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms".

In terms of economy, it named China and stated that "(G7) will collectively respond to practices that undermine the fairness and transparency of the world economy and policies that distort markets."

As a concrete measure, in order to eradicate forced labor pointed out in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, they instructed the trade ministers of each country to analyze the supply network.

It also stated that they would work on high-quality and highly transparent infrastructure investment, conscious of the opposition to China's wide-area economic zone concept "One Belt, One Road." A working group would be set up at the G7 to report concrete measures by autumn. It also included cooperation in the supply network of communication equipment such as in the 5G field.

It was unusual to write so much about China in a joint declaration of the summit.

The US government said, "It's a major initiative of President Biden to ask the democratic countries around the world". Biden said at a press conference after the summit that, "The only way to tackle global threats is to work together.”

It was agreed to provide 1 billion vaccines to developing countries as a countermeasure against the new coronavirus. The US and UK governments  pointed out that the G7 had already provided 2 billion doses since the beginning of the corona crisis.

Regarding the origin of corona, it was mentioned that, "We seek a timely and highly transparent expert-led research, including in China."

Climate change issues had also become an important agenda item. The declaration stated that public international support for coal-fired power generation would be suspended by the end of 2021 for those which have not taken measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics had been positioned as "a symbol of world unity to overcome the new corona." As for the G7, it announced "supports for holding the event in a safe and secure manner."

Prime Minister Suga told reporters on the 13^th that, "I think I have to succeed at all costs. I have renewed my determination to open the meeting firmly and lead to success." At the summit, he explained to each leader about infection control measures and said, "We received very strong support from all the leaders."

              So, it seems that some kind of united front is being formed among these seven countries in their stance towards China regarding the importance of peace and stability in the Straits of Taiwan and promoting a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues. Also, an understanding has been achieved on what the G7 should do is to show the world the benefits of democracy, freedom and human rights. They also express serious concerns and strongly oppose any one-sided attempts to change the status quo of the Taiwan Strait.

Government policy - to provide AstraZeneca vaccine to Taiwan tomorrow

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

政府 あすにも台湾にアストラゼネカのワクチン提供する方針

2021年6月3日 18時57分

政府は新型コロナウイルスの感染が急拡大している台湾に対し、4日にもアストラゼネカのワクチン、およそ120万回分を提供する方針を固めました。

新型コロナウイルスワクチンをめぐり、政府は国内で必要な数量を上回る分をほかの国や地域に供給する方針で、菅総理大臣は2日開かれた「ワクチン・サミット」で3000万回分を供給する考えを表明しました。

こうした中、政府は5月中旬から感染が急拡大し接種の加速が課題となっている台湾に対し、4日にもワクチンを提供する方針を固めました。

提供されるのは国内では当面、公的な接種に使わない方針のアストラゼネカのワクチンで、およそ120万回分を輸送する方向で最終調整を進めています。

政府は中国が各国への積極的な供給を通じた「ワクチン外交」を展開していることも踏まえ、今後もワクチン供給を推進するとともに「コールドチェーン」と呼ばれる低温での輸送網を途上国に整備する支援にも取り組み、国際社会での存在感を示していきたい考えです。

Translation

The [Japanese] government had decided to provide about 1.2 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Taiwan on the 4th where the infection of the new coronavirus was spreading rapidly.

Regarding the new coronavirus vaccine, the government planned to supply to other countries and regions its vaccine that was more than was needed domestically, and Prime Minister Suga expressed his thoughts at the "Vaccine Summit" held on the 2^nd that he might supply 30 million doses.

As such, the government decided to provide some vaccine to Taiwan on the 4th, where the infection had spread rapidly since mid-May and  accelerated inoculation had become an issue.

About the offer for the time being in Japan, AstraZeneca's vaccine, which would not be used for public inoculation could be shipped out, and final adjustments were underway to deliver approximately 1.2 million doses.

Noting that China was developing "vaccine diplomacy" through making active supply to individual countries, the government would continue to promote vaccine supply and establish a low-temperature transportation network called "cold chain" as an effort to support the developing countries; and to show its presence in the international community.

              So, Japan is giving away its surplus vaccine to Taiwan. Although it is merely  1.2 million doses, it reflects a co-operating spirit between these two governments.