英字新聞

中比対立激化 尖閣諸島でも警戒が必要だ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 25, 2012)
China-Philippine confrontation a warning for Senkakus
中比対立激化　尖閣諸島でも警戒が必要だ（5月24日付・読売社説）

A confrontation between China--which has been building up its military in recent years--and the Philippines is intensifying over marine interests in the South China Sea. We urge both countries to engage in dialogue to prevent the dispute from escalating into military conflict.
　南シナ海の海洋権益を巡り、軍事力を膨張させる中国とフィリピンとの対立が先鋭化してきた。対話を通じ、武力衝突を回避してもらいたい。

The confrontation started April 10 when a Philippine Navy warship inspected Chinese fishing vessels at Scarborough Shoal, which is called Huangyan Island in China. Beijing immediately responded by sending patrol ships to the area, and a standoff between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the waters has continued for more than one month.
　南シナ海のスカボロー礁（中国名・黄岩島）で４月１０日、中国漁船がフィリピン海軍艦艇の立ち入り検査を受けたのを端緒に、中国が巡視船を派遣した。双方の艦船がにらみ合う状況が、もう１か月以上続いている。

Beijing and Manila both claim sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal.
　スカボロー礁を巡っては、中比双方が領有権を主張している。

The Philippines has proposed that the territorial dispute be resolved through the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. It also has strengthened military ties with the United States--which recently unveiled a new defense strategy that places greater emphasis on Asia--through such measures as conducting joint military exercises. This appears to be an attempt to counter the huge military pressure from China.
　フィリピンは国際海洋法裁判所で領有権問題を解決するよう提案した。さらに、「アジア重視」の国防戦略を打ち出した米国と、合同軍事演習を行うなど軍事協力を緊密化した。中国の強大な軍事圧力に対抗するためだろう。

===

Beijing's overwhelming power

Beijing issued a strong warning against the recent moves by Manila: "The Chinese side has made all preparations to respond to any escalation of the situation by the Philippine side."
　これに対し中国は、「フィリピン側による事態の拡大に対応するための様々な準備ができている」と、強い警告を発した。

China's naval might is far superior to that of the Philippines and other nations near China. China even has a plan to deploy its first aircraft carrier soon. We urge China to refrain from taking a hard-line stance on the standoff.
　フィリピンなど周辺国に比べて中国の海軍力は圧倒的だ。近い将来、空母配備の計画まである。中国は強硬姿勢を自制すべきだ。

Overreactions to the dispute have already emerged in China--travel agencies have suspended tours to the Philippines, and the government has stepped up quarantine inspections on bananas grown in the Philippines. The government has justified these responses by citing an increase of anti-China protests in the Philippines and the detection of pests in bananas, but it is likely that Beijing is attempting to pressure Manila over the shoal dispute.
　中国の旅行会社がフィリピン観光を中止し、中国政府が比産バナナに対する検疫強化にまで出たのは過剰な反応だ。フィリピン国内での反中デモの高まりやバナナの害虫を理由としているが、フィリピンを圧迫する狙いがあろう。

China's reaction has shades of its response to the collisions between a Chinese fishing boat and Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels near the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea in autumn 2010. After this incident, Beijing piled pressure on Tokyo by restricting exports of rare earth minerals to Japan, for instance.
　一昨年秋、東シナ海の尖閣諸島沖で起きた中国漁船衝突事件の後、レアアース（希土類）の輸出規制などで対日圧力を強めた手法と似通っている。

===

Don't turn blind eye to dispute

Japan cannot afford to ignore the Scarborough Shoal dispute, as the nation faces similar friction with China, which claims sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands.
　尖閣諸島に対し領有権を主張する中国との摩擦を抱える日本にとっても、人ごとではない。

Chinese fisheries surveillance vessels routinely sail around the Senkaku Islands to make their presence felt. China's strategy of using fishing boats and fisheries patrol vessels to give the irreversible impression that the area belongs to China is identical to what is happening in the South China Sea. Japan must not let the situation in the East China Sea deteriorate to what is going on in the South China Sea.
　尖閣諸島周辺では、中国の漁業監視船の示威行動が常態化している。漁船と監視船を組み合わせた行動で「中国の海」の既成事実化を図る中国の作戦は、南シナ海と同じだ。日本は東シナ海の南シナ海化を警戒せねばならない。

Peace and stability in the South China Sea is not only crucial for nations in Southeast Asia. It also is in Japan's national interest to ensure that its sea lanes remain safe.
　南シナ海の平和と安定は、東南アジア諸国にとって不可欠であるだけでなく、シーレーン（海上交通路）の安全確保という観点から日本の国益でもある。

The Japanese government plans to use official development assistance to provide the Philippines with patrol vessels for its coast guard. This will help the Philippines strengthen its maritime security, and also be important in making China pause to think.
　日本は政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を活用して、フィリピンに巡視船を供与する方針だ。フィリピンの海上警備の一助となるし、中国をけん制する上でも重要だろう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 24, 2012)
（2012年5月24日01時31分 読売新聞）

ＮＡＴＯ会議 長期的アフガン支援が必要だ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 24, 2012)
Long-term assistance key to achieving Afghan peace
ＮＡＴＯ会議　長期的アフガン支援が必要だ（5月23日付・読売社説）

Leaders from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ended their meeting in Chicago on Monday after affirming the deadline for troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and pledging to provide long-term assistance for the troubled country.
　アフガニスタンからの撤収期限を確認し、同時にアフガンへの長期的な支援継続も約束した。

The Chicago Summit Declaration adopted at the meeting clearly states that the combat mission of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) "will be concluded at the end of 2014" and the public safety forces of the Afghan government will start leading the combat missions in the middle of next year.
　米国のシカゴで開かれた北大西洋条約機構（ＮＡＴＯ）首脳会議が、そんな成果を上げて閉幕した。
　採択されたシカゴ宣言は、国際治安支援部隊（ＩＳＡＦ）の戦闘任務は「２０１４年末に完了する」と明記し、来年半ば以降、アフガン政府の治安部隊が戦闘任務を主導する、とうたっている。

To make this possible, NATO must make greater efforts to bolster the training and equipment of the Afghan force.
　それを可能にするよう、ＮＡＴＯは、アフガン部隊の訓練や装備強化に一層努めるべきである。

Despite the presentation of a deadline for the pullout of ISAF combat units, there is no sign of combat with the Taliban coming to an end. To realize the withdrawal as scheduled, improvement of public safety is needed more than anything else.
　ＩＳＡＦ戦闘部隊の撤収期限は示されても、旧支配勢力タリバンとの戦闘が終わる気配はない。予定通り帰還するには、何より治安の改善が必要だ。

===

Transition to self-reliance

Last year, the ISAF began a full transfer of security control to the Afghan side. We urge Afghan forces to enhance their capabilities and become able to stand on their own feet as soon as possible.
　ＩＳＡＦは昨年からアフガン側へ治安権限の本格的な移譲を進めている。アフガン部隊の能力向上と早期自立が求められよう。

Given the protracted hostilities and the growing number of victims, public opinion has grown louder among NATO member nations for the early withdrawal of their troops from Afghanistan.
　戦闘の長期化と犠牲者の増加に伴い、ＮＡＴＯ各国では自国軍部隊の早期撤収を求める世論が強まっている。

French President Francois Hollande pledged during his election campaign to advance the pullout of his country's troops by one year to "by the end of this year." He reaffirmed this commitment during the NATO meeting.
　オランド仏大統領は、選挙戦で、仏軍部隊の撤収を予定より１年前倒しして「年内」と公約し、首脳会議でも明言した。

But if France resorts to early withdrawal without taking into consideration the Afghan situation, there is concern other countries will follow suit. If NATO's solidarity is weakened by this, it will only embolden the Taliban.
　だが、現地情勢を勘案しないまま早急な撤収に走れば、追随する国が出る恐れもある。ＮＡＴＯの結束が緩むことになって、タリバンを勢いづかせるだけだ。

Afghanistan should never again be a hotbed for international terrorist organizations. Cooperation in the international community is indispensable in this regard.
　アフガンを再び国際テロ組織の温床に逆戻りさせてはならない。国際社会の連携が欠かせない。

The Taliban is deeply rooted in local tribal communities. Even if the country is brought under control militarily, it will not bring about real peace. The United States must continue exploring the possibility of holding dialogues with moderate elements of the Taliban, thereby laying the foundation for realizing national reconciliation in Afghanistan.
　タリバンは、地元部族社会に深く根を張っている。軍事的に制圧できたとしても、真の平和は訪れまい。米国は引き続き、タリバン穏健派との対話を探る努力を続け、アフガンの国民融和実現へ、環境整備を図らねばならない。

===

Manifestation of political will

NATO has decided to provide strong long-term assistance even beyond 2014. This decision is significant as the manifestation of its political will to help stabilize the Afghan situation.
　ＮＡＴＯは、１５年以降も「強力かつ長期的な支援」を提供することを決めた。アフガンの安定を後押しする政治的意思を表明したものとして意義は大きい。

In his talks with NATO officials after the summit meeting, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba expressed the Japanese government's policy of continuing assistance for the Afghan security forces. He sought NATO's cooperation in achieving a successful result in the International Conference on Economic Assistance to Afghanistan to be held in Tokyo in July.
　首脳会議後のＮＡＴＯとの会合で、玄葉外相は、日本としてもアフガン治安部隊への支援を継続する方針を表明した。７月に東京で開くアフガン支援国際会議の成功に向け、協力も求めた。

The Democratic Party of Japan-led government has been implementing a pledge it made after its inauguration in 2009 to provide about 5 billion dollars (about 400 billion yen) in assistance to Afghanistan over five years from that year. It is necessary to examine whether the assistance has been provided effectively.
　日本は、民主党政権になって、０９年から５年間で約５０億ドル（約４０００億円）の支援を約束し、実施中だ。実効ある支援になっているのか、検証が必要である。

The government should call on the Afghan government, which is suspected to be riddled with corruption, to become more transparent in revealing how it utilizes the aid it receives.
　汚職体質が問題視されるアフガン政府には、使途の透明性向上を求めていくべきだ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 23, 2012)
（2012年5月23日01時27分 読売新聞）

電力全面自由化 効果と副作用を冷静に考えよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 23, 2012)
Think carefully before liberalizing power business
電力全面自由化　効果と副作用を冷静に考えよ（5月22日付・読売社説）

The intended effects and the possible side effects that would be brought about through full liberalization of the electricity retail business must be carefully considered.
　電力小売りの全面自由化がもたらす効果と副作用を、慎重に見極める必要がある。

An expert panel of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has reached a broad agreement to liberalize the electricity retail business, including supplies to households.
　経済産業省の専門家委員会が、家庭向けを含め電力小売りを全面的に自由化する方向で大筋一致した。

The liberalization plan is aimed at encouraging the participation of new companies in the business to increase competition and lower utility rates. The plan also calls for abolishing the current system under which utility charges are decided by adding certain levels of profits to the personnel and fuel costs of power companies.
　電力事業への新規参入を促して競争原理を働かせ、電気料金を下げるのが狙いだろう。電力会社の人件費や燃料費に一定の利益を上乗せして電気料金を決める「総括原価方式」も撤廃する。

The government plans to submit a bill to the ordinary Diet session next year to revise the Electricity Business Law to fully liberalize the utility retail business as early as fiscal 2015.
　政府は、来年の通常国会に電気事業法改正案を提出し、２０１５年度にも実現したい考えだ。

Behind this move is the government's and the public's distrust in power companies that have neglected necessary corporate efforts, while remaining dependent on the current system that allows them to monopolize their respective service areas.
　背景には、「地域独占」に甘えて企業努力を怠ってきた電力会社への不信がある。

In connection with its plan to raise utility charges, an executive of Tokyo Electric Power Co. said, "It's our [vested] right to raise the rates." This insensitive statement drew harsh criticism.
東京電力の値上げ問題では、「値上げは権利だ」とする経営陣の無神経な発言が強い批判も招いた。

All power companies must realize that such a public outcry is the driving force behind the effort to liberalize utility rates.
　厳しい世論が自由化への動きを後押ししていることを、電力各社は自覚すべきだ。

But what effect total liberalization will have remains to be seen. In the domestic electricity market, liberalization of retail sales to large-lot users began in 2000. Liberalization has been expanded to users with a contracted electricity volume of 50 kilowatts or more, including small and midsize factories.
　ただし、全面自由化の効果は不透明だ。国内電力市場では２０００年から、大口契約の小売り自由化が始まった。自由化対象は中小工場など契約電力５０キロ・ワット以上の利用者まで広がった。

===

Few new participants

Under this system, users are allowed in principle to freely select their power suppliers and negotiate with power companies on rates. But the amount of electricity generated by new participants in the market is between 3 percent and 4 percent of the total. Existing power companies dominate the business in terms of capital and equipment.
　発電事業者を自由に選べて、料金も交渉できる建前だが、実際には新規参入組の発電量は全体の３％台に過ぎない。既存の電力会社が資本や設備で圧倒的な存在である状況に変わりはない。

If the power retail business is fully liberalized while leaving a situation in which there is no real competition, we fear the monopoly the power companies enjoy will allow them to raise power charges at will.
　実質的な競争のないまま電力小売りが全面自由化されれば、強大な電力会社が「規制なき独占」で野放しとなり、かえって値上げをしやすくなりはしないか。

It is not easy to realize a sound electricity market in which a variety of companies compete freely. To help encourage new participation in the market, a plan is emerging to reexamine the current system.
　多様な事業者が競う健全な電力市場を実現するのは、容易なことではない。

The plan calls for establishing a nationwide independent organization to manage power transmission between power companies rather than have utilities undertake both generation and transmission of power.
新規参入を促すため、電力会社による発電・送電の一貫体制を改め、送電部門だけを担う独立機関を作る構想もある。

However, some people warn that if transmission is separated from power generation it will become difficult to supply electricity flexibly in response to changes in demand.
　だが、発送電分離は、電力需要に応じたきめ細かな供給を難しくするマイナス面も指摘される。

===

Stable supplies vital

Major blackouts have occurred in Europe, the United States and South Korea partly due to the separation of power generation and transmission. The government must investigate these overseas cases thoroughly before deciding to separate generation from transmission.
　実際に欧米や韓国では、発送電分離が一因とされる大停電が起きた。海外事例を十分検証し、導入の是非を判断すべきだ。

In the aftermath of the disaster at TEPCO's Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, no nuclear reactors have been restarted, causing a power supply shortage. If the electricity retail business is liberalized at a time when there is a supply shortage, power rates are almost certain to soar. A stable power supply must be in place before liberalization is implemented.
　東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故後、全国の原発は再稼働できず、電力不足に陥っている。供給不足の中で自由化すれば、電気料金は上がる可能性が高い。自由化よりも、電力安定供給の回復を優先させなければならない。

Another concern is whether liberalization will lead to supply cuts and rate spikes on remote islands and in depopulated areas, where power transmission costs are high. Calm discussions are needed before resorting to spur-of-the-moment liberalization.
　送電コストの高い離島や過疎地への電力供給打ち切りや料金高騰も懸念される。一時のムードで全面自由化に走らず、冷静に議論することが求められよう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 22, 2012)
（2012年5月22日01時20分 読売新聞）

東京スカイツリー 世界一の塔が日本を元気に

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 22, 2012)
World's tallest tower will invigorate Japan
東京スカイツリー　世界一の塔が日本を元気に（5月21日付・読売社説）

At long last, Tokyo Skytree will officially open on Tuesday.
　いよいよ、あす２２日、「東京スカイツリー」がオープンする。

Its height is 634 meters, nearly double that of Tokyo Tower. It is the world's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower. Views from the two observation decks, at 350 meters and 450 meters above the ground, must surely take every visitor's breath away. We would like to celebrate the opening of a structure that Japan can boast about to the world.
　高さ６３４メートル。東京タワーの２倍に近く、自立式電波塔では世界一となる。地上３５０メートルと４５０メートルの展望台から望む光景には、誰もが息をのむことだろう。世界に誇るべき建築物の開業を祝いたい。

While construction was still going on in March last year, the Great East Japan Earthquake rocked Tokyo Skytree, which had nearly attained its ultimate height. However, no workers were injured and there was no damage to the tower itself. Construction steadily continued, and the tree's height reached 634 meters a week later.
　ツリー工事中の昨年３月、最高点に達する直前に、東日本大震災の激しい揺れに見舞われた。だが、作業員にもツリーにも被害はなく、建設は着々と続けられ、１週間後に６３４メートルに到達した。

===

Symbol of overcoming ordeals

The incident demonstrated the reliability of Japan's earthquake-resistant construction technology. It also reinforced the image in many minds of Japan and the Japanese not yielding to difficulties.
　耐震建築技術の確かさを証明した出来事であると同時に、日本と日本人の、困難に屈しない姿を、そこに重ね見た人も多かったのではないか。

Just as many people remember Tokyo Tower as a symbol of the rapid economic growth period from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, so may Tokyo Skytree become a new symbol of the present period, when Japan and the Japanese are overcoming ordeals of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
　高度成長期の象徴として記憶された東京タワーのように、スカイツリーは、東日本大震災の試練を乗り越えていく、新たな時代の象徴となろう。

Tokyo Skytree embodies the best of Japan's construction technologies from the past to the present.
　過去から現在に至る、日本の建築技術の結晶でもある。

Materials made with cutting-edge technologies and fine techniques of craftsmanship, such as steel pipes that distort very little even if they are piled up sky-high, were chosen from all over the country in a strict selection process.
　天高く組み上げてもほとんどゆがみのない鋼管など、最新鋭の技術と職人技によって作られた建材が、全国から厳選された。

As the tower was constructed on a relatively small piece of land, its cross-sectional shape changes from an equilateral triangle at the base to a circle higher up. Here, shapes called "sori" and "mukuri," seen in temple and shrine construction and the design of Japanese swords, were utilized.
　限られた広さの敷地に建設するため、塔の横断面が足元の正三角形から、上に行くにつれて円形に変わる。そこに「反り」「むくり」といった、寺社建築や日本刀などの造形が生かされた。

The use of a "shimbashira" cylindrical central column to dampen earthquake vibrations is taken from the technique used in Japanese five-story pagodas.
　中心に「心柱」を通すという、地震の揺れを減じるための構造も五重塔の技法に学んでいる。

It has been reported that those who were involved in the construction of the Skytree engaged in the work with a zeal to surpass their engineering forebears who constructed Tokyo Tower. Their own efforts are now destined to become a similar target for engineers in the future.
　建設に携わった人たちは、東京タワーを作った先輩技術者を乗り越える意気込みで取り組んだという。その姿が今度は、未来の技術者の目標となるだろう。

Tokyo Skytree is scheduled to take over the role of transmitting TV and radio waves from Tokyo Tower as early as January next year.
　テレビ電波などを発信する役目は、来年初めにも東京タワーから引き継ぐ予定だ。

===

Big economic effect

Annual visitors to Tokyo Skytree and its related facilities are expected to number 32 million. The ward office of Sumida Ward, Tokyo, where the tree is located, estimates the economic ripple effect of the facilities will be 88 billion yen in the ward alone.
　ツリーと関連施設で年間３２００万人の集客を見込む。地元・墨田区は経済波及効果を区内だけで８８０億円と試算している。

Around the Skytree, new tourism spots have arisen one after another, including the Tokyo Gate Bridge. We think many foreign sightseers will be attracted by the synergy of the Skytree and the other facilities.
　周辺には東京ゲートブリッジなど、新たな観光スポットが相次いで誕生している。相乗効果によって、外国からの観光客を大勢呼び込めるのではないか。

However, although so many people are expected to visit Tokyo Skytree and its related facilities, infrastructure in the surrounding environment, such as sidewalks and train stations, has not been made fully ready for the opening.
　ただ、これほどの人が集まる新施設に対して、歩道や駅など周辺整備が十分に追いついているとは言えない。

The Tokyo metropolitan government, the Sumida Ward Office and Tokyo Skytree officials should make every effort to prevent accidents and turmoil from occurring.
東京都と墨田区、施設関係者は、事故や混乱が起きぬよう万全を尽くしてもらいたい。

People's faces naturally turn upward when they approach the Skytree. We hope it will become a new strong base to invigorate the entire nation.
　東京スカイツリーに近づく人たちの顔は、おのずと上を向く。日本全体を元気づける、新たな拠点になることを期待したい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 21, 2012)
（2012年5月21日01時52分 読売新聞）

あす金環日食 天空のドラマを堪能したい

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 21, 2012)
Let's enjoy a rare astronomical spectacle!
あす金環日食　天空のドラマを堪能したい（5月20日付・読売社説）

An annular solar eclipse, a phenomenon in which the moon blocks out most of the sun, leaving a ring of light around its circumference, takes place on Monday morning, May 21. The annular eclipse will be visible along the Pacific side of the country, from southern Kyushu to the southeastern part of Fukushima Prefecture.
　太陽の中心部が月に隠され、周囲が金の輪のように輝く金環日食が２１日朝、九州南部から福島県南東部にかけての太平洋側で観測できる。

About two-thirds of the nation's population live in areas where the eclipse can be observed. It is said to be first time in 932 years--since the late Heian period (794-1192)--that such a large proportion of the population will be able to see an annular solar eclipse.
　観測が可能な地域に、日本の人口の３分の２が住む。これほど広範囲で観測できるのは、平安時代以来９３２年ぶりという。

Another annular solar eclipse can be observed in Japan in 18 years, but the area from which it can be viewed will be limited to Hokkaido.
　日本では１８年後にも金環日食が観測できる。だが、北海道だけと範囲は狭い。

This time is definitely a precious opportunity to view a heavenly spectacle. Why not take advantage of a wonderful astronomical show?
天空のドラマを楽しむ貴重な機会だ。堪能したい。

The eclipse begins from the top right side of the sun at about 6 a.m., evolving into a perfect, golden "ring of fire," at about 7:30 a.m. This state of "annularity" will last a maximum of five minutes or so.
　午前６時台から太陽の右上がかけ始め、同７時半ごろには、金色のリング状になる。この状態が最大５分間ほど続く。

===

Be careful of accident

The moment the edge of the moon overlaps that of the sun should not be missed. Sunlight appears to trickle out from the sun, creating gleaming beads, a phenomenon known as "Baily's beads."
　月と太陽の端が重なる瞬間も見逃せない。すき間から太陽光が漏れ出し数珠状に輝く。「ベイリービーズ」と呼ばれる現象だ。

Viewing parties and other events related to the eclipse are scheduled in many parts of the country.
　各地で観望会などが予定されている。

Given that the phenomenon occurs while people are commuting to school or workplaces, however, care must be taken not to fall while looking up at the sky while walking or cause an accident while driving.
だが、通勤通学の時間帯でもある。歩きながら空を見上げて転んだり、自動車運転中に事故を起こしたりするのは禁物だ。

Avoid observing the sun with the naked eye, which can harm your eyes. Injury of the retina can produce such symptoms as the appearance of black spots in your eyesight and distortion of objects.
　太陽の直視も避けよう。目を痛めかねない。網膜が傷つくと視野の中に黒い斑点が見えたり、物がゆがんで見えたりする。

These symptoms usually disappear in about a week, but more long-lasting serious eye injuries can happen.
１週間程度で回復する例が多いが、時に症状が長期化するので要注意だ。

Special eclipse sunglasses have been on sale for some time. Viewers can also enjoy the phenomenon by way of what is called the pinhole method, observing the sun's images that are projected onto a surface through a small hole made in a piece of paper. Sunshine filtering through leaves can also cast an image of the eclipsed sun onto the ground.
　観測専用めがねが販売されている。紙に小さな穴を開けて太陽光を通し、映し出された像を見るピンホール法もある。木漏れ日でも欠けた太陽が地面に映る。

The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and other expert organizations have introduced various observation methods, which can serve as a useful reference.
　国立天文台など専門機関がインターネットで観測法を紹介している。参考になるだろう。

The annular solar eclipse provides astronomical researchers with an excellent opportunity.
　研究者にも絶好の機会だ。

A project has been undertaken to gauge the size of the sun more exactly by recording precisely the scope of the full "ring of fire," or annularity.
　金環日食が見える範囲を精密に記録し、太陽の大きさを従来よりも正確に測定しようという研究プロジェクトも進められている。

===

Is Earth cooling?

The sun is an immensely huge lump of gases, and interaction between the gases yields the sun's energy.
　太陽は巨大なガスの塊だ。このガスが反応しエネルギーが生まれる。

Determining the size of the sun more accurately would allow a more detailed understanding of solar energy generation.
大きさがもっと正確に分かれば、エネルギーが発生する仕組みを、より詳しく理解できよう。

Currently, the sun is a focus of attention of experts around the world because of an anomaly: It's activity has been at a low level last seen about 200 years ago, when Earth was in the midst of a cooling trend, according to researchers.
　今、太陽は世界の専門家の関心の的でもある。異変が起きているためだ。約２００年前、地球が寒冷化していた時代と似た、活動の低い状態にあるという。

In addition to findings in studies by researchers in many foreign countries, data obtained in space by Hinode, the Japanese solar observation satellite, point to a steady decline in the sun's activities. Do these observations indicate Earth is again heading for a cooling phase?
　世界各国の研究に加え、日本の太陽観測衛星「ひので」が宇宙で得たデータも、太陽活動の一層の低下を示唆している。再び地球が寒冷化する兆候だろうか。

The importance of solar studies is taking on increasing importance.
　太陽を研究する意義は増している。

Although the designed lifetime of Hinode has ended, no plan has been discussed by the government about the wisdom of developing a successor, while budgetary appropriations for sun-related studies have been trimmed continually.
ところが、すでに寿命を超えている「ひので」の後継機は、政府内で検討もされず、太陽関連の研究予算も減る一方だ。

The government must continue to extend a certain amount of financial support to this field of research.
　政府は、この分野へ一定の支援を続けていくべきである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 20, 2012)
（2012年5月20日01時39分 読売新聞）

Ｈ２Ａ成功 宇宙産業の地歩を築く一歩に

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 20, 2012)
Japan's space industry shoud build on H-2A rocket success
Ｈ２Ａ成功　宇宙産業の地歩を築く一歩に（5月19日付・読売社説）

The 21st H-2A rocket was successfully launched Friday with four satellites aboard. One of them, from South Korea, was the first to be launched under a contract from overseas.
　初めて海外から受注した韓国の衛星など４基を載せたＨ２Ａロケット２１号機が、打ち上げに成功した。

All four satellites entered their planned orbits.
　いずれの衛星も予定軌道に乗った。

Everything went flawlessly and on schedule.
　すべてスケジュール通りで、極めて順調だった。

One of the four, the Arirang-3 satellite developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute was the focus of special attention. The South Korean satellite is equipped with a high-resolution camera capable of photographing small objects on the ground.
　注目された衛星は、韓国航空宇宙研究院の「アリラン３号」だ。高解像度のカメラを搭載し、地上を精密撮影できる。

The successful liftoff marked Japan's entry into the commercial launch business for non-Japanese payloads, a goal people involved in the nation's space development programs have longed for. The success should be used to broaden opportunities for the nation's commercial satellite launch business.
　日本の宇宙関係者が悲願としてきた、海外衛星の打ち上げビジネスへの参入に一歩をしるした。成功を商機拡大につなげたい。

The success this time was the 15th consecutive successful launch of the H-2A rocket since the explosion of the sixth H-2A in 2003. The H-2A program's 95.2 percent success rate makes it comparable to the best in the world.
　Ｈ２Ａの打ち上げも、２００３年の６号機失敗後、１５回続けての成功となった。成功率９５・２％は世界のトップクラスだ。

===

More extensive record needed

The European Ariane rocket, a formidable rival for Japan in the space business competition, also has a success rate of about 95 percent--but it is based on a more extensive record of about 200 successful launches. The H-2A's corresponding figure of 21 launches leaves it far from truly catching up with the world's best.
　ただし、打ち上げ回数では、日本の強力なライバルである欧州のロケット「アリアン」が約２００回に達している。成功率も約９５％だ。２１回のＨ２Ａは、世界水準には、まだまだ遠い。

Under the circumstances, Japan's commercial launch business faces a thorny and arduous path.
　それだけに、日本の打ち上げビジネスの前途は険しい。

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., the H-2A rocket manufacturer, began to seek contracts to launch commercial satellites around 2007. The company has had more than 100 inquiries from potential clients, but only one, the South Korean entity, actually signed on.
　Ｈ２Ａを製造している三菱重工業は、０７年ごろから打ち上げ契約獲得を目指してきた。打診は１００件を超えるが、成約に至ったのは、今回の衛星以外にない。

Further business efforts are needed for such purposes as cutting back on launch costs.
　打ち上げ費用を低減する取り組みを強化するなど、さらなる営業努力が必要だろう。

Explaining its choice of the H-2A rocket, South Korea cited the "inexpensiveness" of the latest launch.
　韓国側は、打ち上げにＨ２Ａを選択した理由として、費用の「安さ」を挙げている。

An H-2A launch usually costs about 10 billion yen. But the launch fee was reportedly reduced considerably due to the fact that the South Korean satellite blasted off together with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Shizuku, an observation satellite designed to scrutinize Earth's water environment.
　Ｈ２Ａの打ち上げには、通常１００億円前後かかるが、韓国の衛星は、地球の水環境を詳細に観測する日本の宇宙航空研究開発機構の衛星「しずく」と相乗りのため料金が軽減されたという。

Further cuts in the production costs for the rocket are also essential.
　ロケット製造コストの一層の削減も必要だ。

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has set the goal of halving costs through steps such as reviewing its procurement methods.
三菱重工業も部品調達の見直しなどで、将来の費用半減を目標に掲げている。

===

Launch new rocket R&D

The government must actively support the engagement of domestic industry in the rocket launching business.
　政府も、産業界の取り組みを積極的に後押しすべきだろう。

By launching a variety of government satellites, including ones for Earth observation and telecommunications, one after another with H-2A rockets, the government could help enhance its appeal to potential clients.
　地球観測や通信など様々な政府の衛星を、今後もＨ２Ａで切れ目なく打ち上げることで、実績作りにも貢献する必要がある。

We believe now is the time to start studies in earnest about the development of a next-generation Japanese rocket to succeed the H-2A.
　Ｈ２Ａの次の国産ロケット開発についても、本格的に検討を始めるべきではないか。

Without a new research and development project, this country will eventually lose excellent rocket technicians. In fact, the technicians who were involved in the development of the H-2A project have already begun to retire.
新規の研究開発がなければ、優秀な技術者はいなくなる。Ｈ２Ａに携わった技術陣はすでに引退し始めた。

In the United States, where rocket business start-ups have been set up at the initiative of private companies, launch costs are said to be about half those of the H-2A.
　米国では、民間企業主導で、打ち上げ費用がＨ２Ａの半額程度という安価なロケットも登場している。

Although they have made few commercial launches so far, the U.S. space business start-ups are likely to become strong new rivals for Japan's satellite launch business.
実績はまだ少ないが、新たなライバルになろう。

Given the situation, it is imperative for this country to bolster cooperation among the government, industry and academia to maintain and strengthen domestic rocket technology.
　国産ロケット技術の維持、強化へ産官学の協力が重要だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 19, 2012)
（2012年5月19日01時32分 読売新聞）

ＧＤＰ高成長 景気の本格回復につなげたい

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 19, 2012)
Devise effective strategy for robust economic recovery
ＧＤＰ高成長　景気の本格回復につなげたい（5月18日付・読売社説）

The nation's economy has finally begun to recover on the back of robust consumer spending and reconstruction projects launched after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
　堅調な個人消費と東日本大震災の復興事業をテコに、ようやく景気が回復してきた。

It is crucial that the government use this tailwind to put the Japanese economy on a solid growth track.
　追い風を生かし、日本経済を確かな成長軌道に乗せることが重要だ。

Japan's real gross domestic product for the January-March quarter of 2012 grew 1 percent from the previous quarter, marking positive growth for three consecutive quarters. GDP grew at a high rate of 4.1 percent on an annual basis.
　今年１～３月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は前期比１・０％増と、３四半期連続のプラス成長になった。年率換算で４・１％という高い成長率である。

Consumer spending, which accounts for 60 percent of GDP, marked its fourth straight quarterly increase. This was largely due to a surge in new car sales after a subsidy program for purchases of environmentally friendly vehicles was reinstated late last year. Consumption on entertainment, including amusement parks, also was brisk.
　ＧＤＰの６割を占める個人消費は、４四半期連続でプラスとなった。昨年末にエコカー補助金が復活し、新車販売が急増した影響が大きい。遊園地など娯楽関連の消費も順調だった。

More than one year has passed since the March 11, 2011, disaster. It seems consumer sentiment, which cooled due to a mood of self-restraint that enveloped the nation after the catastrophe, has started to pick up.
　震災から１年たち、自粛ムードで冷えた消費者心理が好転してきたようだ。

Also, public investment increased for the first time in three quarters. We think it is safe to say that economic growth is being led by domestic demand.
　公共投資も、３四半期ぶりに増加に転じた。内需主導の成長と言えるだろう。

===

Recovery at crucial stage

Implementation of the almost 20 trillion yen reconstruction budget will soon enter a crucial stage. The government expects the economy will continue to log positive growth in the April-June quarter, supported by demand created by reconstruction projects.
　総額２０兆円近い復興予算の執行は、これから本番を迎える。政府は４～６月期も復興需要を支えにプラス成長が続くと見ている。

However, the ability of public expenditures to prop up the economy is limited. There is concern that the economy could lose steam in summer and beyond.
　ただし、財政支出による景気の押し上げ効果には限りがある。夏以降の息切れが心配だ。

The subsidy program for eco-friendly car purchases is scheduled to expire at the end of January next year, but its budget--which totals about 300 billion yen--could run out as early as this summer. If the subsidies end earlier than planned, car sales will inevitably drop sharply after the initial surge.
　エコカー補助金の制度は来年１月末までだが、約３０００億円の予算は夏ごろにも底をつく可能性がある。支給が早めに打ち切りになれば、自動車販売の反動減は避けられまい。

Reconstruction projects also will end up sitting idle if rebuilding plans for disaster-hit areas do not progress smoothly.
　復興事業も、被災地の復興計画作りが順調に進まないと停滞を余儀なくされる。

A looming electricity shortage this summer also could put a brake on production and further accelerate the hollowing-out of domestic industries.
　夏の電力不足が、生産にブレーキをかけ、産業空洞化を一段と加速させる恐れもある。

The government should steadily implement policies, including reconstruction support and the reactivation of idled nuclear reactors after confirming they are safe.
　政府は、復興支援や安全を確認した原子力発電所の再稼働など、政策を着実に進めるべきだ。

Upward pressure on the yen has intensified as concern mounts that the European financial crisis may flare up again due to recent political turmoil in Greece. This could drag down Japan's exports, which had only just started to recover.
　ギリシャの混迷で欧州危機再燃への懸念が広がり、円高圧力が強まっている。持ち直してきた輸出の足を引っ張りかねない。

The government and the Bank of Japan need to muster the resolve to intervene in foreign exchange markets and take additional monetary-easing measures--if necessary--to prevent the yen from appreciating excessively.
　政府・日銀は過度な円高の阻止へ、為替介入や追加金融緩和も辞さない決意が必要だ。

===

Focus on quality not quantity

A strategy for growth led by private-sector demand must be accelerated while reconstruction projects and other measures are having an effect.
　復興事業などの効果があるうちに、民需主導の成長戦略を加速させることが求められる。

The growth strategy mapped out under the administration of former Prime Minister Naoto Kan two years ago incorporated about 400 measures. A government check of how these measures had been implemented found less than 10 percent had produced favorable results. The Kan administration's growth strategy was merely an empty slogan.
　菅前政権が２年前に策定した新成長戦略は、約４００の施策が盛り込まれた。その実施状況を政府が点検したところ、成果が見られたのは１割弱にとどまった。全くの看板倒れである。

The Cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is discussing a strategy for Japan's revitalization at the government's Council on National Strategy and Policy, which comprises cabinet ministers and representatives from business circles.
　野田内閣は閣僚や経済界の代表による国家戦略会議で、「日本再生戦略」を検討している。

We urge the government to formulate an effective strategy by carefully selecting policies, rather than including every scheme in a bid to try to please everyone.
　総花的にならないよう政策を厳選し、効果的な内容に仕上げてもらいたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 18, 2012)
（2012年5月18日01時38分 読売新聞）

混迷ギリシャ 独仏は協調し危機封じ込めを

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 18, 2012)
Hollande, Merkel should bridge gap to contain Greek crisis
混迷ギリシャ　独仏は協調し危機封じ込めを（5月17日付・読売社説）

The political turmoil in Greece has deepened after negotiations to form a coalition government fell apart following a general election in which no party secured a majority in parliament. A new election will take place next month.
　ギリシャで、総選挙後の連立交渉が失敗して再選挙が決まり、混迷が深まっている。

The international community is now casting anxious eyes on whether the eurozone economies can unite anew to prevent the debt crisis from flaring up again on the continent.
　危機再燃を防ぐため、改めて欧州の結束が問われよう。

Parties that oppose Greece's austerity measures, such as the Radical Left Coalition (Syriza), may significantly increase the number of their seats in the next general election scheduled for mid-June. Such a situation could severely hinder Greece from compiling the necessary support for further spending cuts, a precondition for receiving financial support from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.
　６月中旬に実施されるギリシャ再選挙では、急進左派連合など財政緊縮策に反対する勢力が大きく伸長する可能性がある。欧州連合（ＥＵ）などから支援を受ける前提となる歳出削減策の取りまとめが、頓挫しかねない事態だ。

After the collapse of the power-sharing talks, stock prices dropped across the board in global markets, including those in Europe, the United States and Japan, and the euro plunged. The markets' reactions reflect growing awareness that Greece's exit from the eurozone has become a real possibility.
　欧米、日本など世界の株式市場の株価が全面安となり、ユーロが急落した。ギリシャのユーロ圏離脱が現実味を増したと市場が危機感を強めた影響と言える。

If the Greek crisis once again spills over to Spain and Italy, both of whom are rebuilding their finances, it would then spread to other eurozone economies and jeopardize the foundation of the European economy.
　ギリシャ危機が、財政再建途上のスペインやイタリアなどに再び飛び火すれば、欧州経済は揺らぎ、危機が拡大する。

Exports from China and other emerging economies to Europe will inevitably slow down if the financial crisis in Europe worsens, which would have a huge impact on the global economy. Europe is China's biggest market.
　欧州を最大の市場とする中国など新興国の輸出も鈍化し、世界経済に大打撃を与えるだろう。

===

Efforts to deter market fears

Newly elected French President Francois Hollande flew to Berlin shortly after taking office to hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The meeting was apparently meant to defuse market fears regarding the Greek crisis by emphasizing the willingness of the two countries to take the initiative in resolving it.
　フランスのオランド新大統領が就任直後にベルリンへ飛び、メルケル独首相と会談した。独仏主導で危機対応に取り組む姿勢を改めてアピールし、市場の不安を打ち消す狙いがあったと見られる。

Hollande and Merkel stressed they want Greece to stay in the eurozone. Regarding growth strategy for Europe, which has become the focal point in dealing with the financial crisis, Merkel expressed her plan to prepare specific proposals with France by an EU summit meeting scheduled for late June.
　両首脳は、「ギリシャがユーロ圏にとどまることを望む」と強調した。焦点の成長戦略について、メルケル首相は、６月下旬のＥＵ首脳会議までに独仏共同の具体案をまとめる方針を表明した。

It is meaningful that the two leaders have agreed that Europe should not only focus on austerity measures, and acknowledged the necessity of a new growth strategy. We ask Germany and France to do their best to contain the financial crisis.
　独仏両首脳が、欧州は財政緊縮一本やりでなく、新たな成長戦略を必要としている、との認識で一致した意義は大きい。危機封じ込めに全力を挙げてもらいたい。

===

Difference between 2 leaders

However, Merkel and Hollande differ fundamentally in their positions for dealing with the crisis, which could cast a shadow on their cooperation.
　問題は、両首脳の考えに根本的な部分で隔たりがあることだ。

Hollande has demanded renegotiation of the EU's new budget discipline treaty--which was spearheaded by his predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy--to include pro-growth elements in the pact. In domestic politics, Hollande has promised the French public to implement certain stimulus measures, such as hiring an additional 60,000 teachers.
　オランド大統領は、サルコジ前大統領が推進した財政規律強化のためのＥＵ新条約について、成長に関する項目を盛り込むよう再交渉を主張してきた。国内では、６万人の教員採用など、財政出動を伴う公約を打ち出している。

In contrast, Merkel has put her priority on fiscal discipline. She has not changed her position of rejecting renegotiation of the new treaty, which 25 EU members--all but Britain and the Czech Republic--have signed.
　メルケル首相は、財政規律を重視する立場だ。英国とチェコを除くＥＵ２５か国が署名済みの新条約を、再交渉することはできないという姿勢を崩していない。

Will Europe be able to devote sufficient attention to growth strategy while maintaining budget discipline? Germany and France should accelerate their efforts to build a consensus on devising a specific growth strategy and on whether to renegotiate the budget discipline treaty.
　財政規律を維持しつつ、成長戦略にどう目配りするのか。独仏は成長戦略の具体化や新条約の扱いを巡り合意形成を急ぐべきだ。

Europe's financial crisis is expected to top the agenda at a Group of Eight summit meeting scheduled for this weekend in the United States.
　今週末、米国で開かれる主要８か国（Ｇ８）首脳会議は、欧州危機が主要議題となる。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda should ask Europe to settle the financial crisis as soon as possible. It is essential for Japan, which has yet to experience a full-fledged economic recovery, to prevent the excessive strength of the yen from becoming the status quo due to the turmoil in the Europe.
　野田首相は、欧州に、危機の早期収束を重ねて求めるべきだ。本格的な景気回復が遅れている日本としては、欧州の混乱に伴う超円高の定着を防がねばならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 17, 2012)
（2012年5月17日01時10分 読売新聞）

混迷ギリシャ 独仏は協調し危機封じ込めを

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 18, 2012)
Hollande, Merkel should bridge gap to contain Greek crisis
混迷ギリシャ　独仏は協調し危機封じ込めを（5月17日付・読売社説）

The political turmoil in Greece has deepened after negotiations to form a coalition government fell apart following a general election in which no party secured a majority in parliament. A new election will take place next month.
　ギリシャで、総選挙後の連立交渉が失敗して再選挙が決まり、混迷が深まっている。

The international community is now casting anxious eyes on whether the eurozone economies can unite anew to prevent the debt crisis from flaring up again on the continent.
　危機再燃を防ぐため、改めて欧州の結束が問われよう。

Parties that oppose Greece's austerity measures, such as the Radical Left Coalition (Syriza), may significantly increase the number of their seats in the next general election scheduled for mid-June. Such a situation could severely hinder Greece from compiling the necessary support for further spending cuts, a precondition for receiving financial support from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.
　６月中旬に実施されるギリシャ再選挙では、急進左派連合など財政緊縮策に反対する勢力が大きく伸長する可能性がある。欧州連合（ＥＵ）などから支援を受ける前提となる歳出削減策の取りまとめが、頓挫しかねない事態だ。

After the collapse of the power-sharing talks, stock prices dropped across the board in global markets, including those in Europe, the United States and Japan, and the euro plunged. The markets' reactions reflect growing awareness that Greece's exit from the eurozone has become a real possibility.
　欧米、日本など世界の株式市場の株価が全面安となり、ユーロが急落した。ギリシャのユーロ圏離脱が現実味を増したと市場が危機感を強めた影響と言える。

If the Greek crisis once again spills over to Spain and Italy, both of whom are rebuilding their finances, it would then spread to other eurozone economies and jeopardize the foundation of the European economy.
　ギリシャ危機が、財政再建途上のスペインやイタリアなどに再び飛び火すれば、欧州経済は揺らぎ、危機が拡大する。

Exports from China and other emerging economies to Europe will inevitably slow down if the financial crisis in Europe worsens, which would have a huge impact on the global economy. Europe is China's biggest market.
　欧州を最大の市場とする中国など新興国の輸出も鈍化し、世界経済に大打撃を与えるだろう。

===

Efforts to deter market fears

Newly elected French President Francois Hollande flew to Berlin shortly after taking office to hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The meeting was apparently meant to defuse market fears regarding the Greek crisis by emphasizing the willingness of the two countries to take the initiative in resolving it.
　フランスのオランド新大統領が就任直後にベルリンへ飛び、メルケル独首相と会談した。独仏主導で危機対応に取り組む姿勢を改めてアピールし、市場の不安を打ち消す狙いがあったと見られる。

Hollande and Merkel stressed they want Greece to stay in the eurozone. Regarding growth strategy for Europe, which has become the focal point in dealing with the financial crisis, Merkel expressed her plan to prepare specific proposals with France by an EU summit meeting scheduled for late June.
　両首脳は、「ギリシャがユーロ圏にとどまることを望む」と強調した。焦点の成長戦略について、メルケル首相は、６月下旬のＥＵ首脳会議までに独仏共同の具体案をまとめる方針を表明した。

It is meaningful that the two leaders have agreed that Europe should not only focus on austerity measures, and acknowledged the necessity of a new growth strategy. We ask Germany and France to do their best to contain the financial crisis.
　独仏両首脳が、欧州は財政緊縮一本やりでなく、新たな成長戦略を必要としている、との認識で一致した意義は大きい。危機封じ込めに全力を挙げてもらいたい。

===

Difference between 2 leaders

However, Merkel and Hollande differ fundamentally in their positions for dealing with the crisis, which could cast a shadow on their cooperation.
　問題は、両首脳の考えに根本的な部分で隔たりがあることだ。

Hollande has demanded renegotiation of the EU's new budget discipline treaty--which was spearheaded by his predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy--to include pro-growth elements in the pact. In domestic politics, Hollande has promised the French public to implement certain stimulus measures, such as hiring an additional 60,000 teachers.
　オランド大統領は、サルコジ前大統領が推進した財政規律強化のためのＥＵ新条約について、成長に関する項目を盛り込むよう再交渉を主張してきた。国内では、６万人の教員採用など、財政出動を伴う公約を打ち出している。

In contrast, Merkel has put her priority on fiscal discipline. She has not changed her position of rejecting renegotiation of the new treaty, which 25 EU members--all but Britain and the Czech Republic--have signed.
　メルケル首相は、財政規律を重視する立場だ。英国とチェコを除くＥＵ２５か国が署名済みの新条約を、再交渉することはできないという姿勢を崩していない。

Will Europe be able to devote sufficient attention to growth strategy while maintaining budget discipline? Germany and France should accelerate their efforts to build a consensus on devising a specific growth strategy and on whether to renegotiate the budget discipline treaty.
　財政規律を維持しつつ、成長戦略にどう目配りするのか。独仏は成長戦略の具体化や新条約の扱いを巡り合意形成を急ぐべきだ。

Europe's financial crisis is expected to top the agenda at a Group of Eight summit meeting scheduled for this weekend in the United States.
　今週末、米国で開かれる主要８か国（Ｇ８）首脳会議は、欧州危機が主要議題となる。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda should ask Europe to settle the financial crisis as soon as possible. It is essential for Japan, which has yet to experience a full-fledged economic recovery, to prevent the excessive strength of the yen from becoming the status quo due to the turmoil in the Europe.
　野田首相は、欧州に、危機の早期収束を重ねて求めるべきだ。本格的な景気回復が遅れている日本としては、欧州の混乱に伴う超円高の定着を防がねばならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 17, 2012)
（2012年5月17日01時10分 読売新聞）

温首相尖閣発言 「核心的利益」は穏やかでない

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 17, 2012)
Wen's 'core interests' remark over Senkakus a cause for concern
温首相尖閣発言　「核心的利益」は穏やかでない（5月16日付・読売社説）

China is reinforcing its hard-line stance over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture against a backdrop of swelling military strength and economic wealth.
　沖縄県の尖閣諸島を巡り、膨張する軍事力と経済力を背景に中国の強硬姿勢が目立ってきた。

During a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in Beijing on Sunday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao reportedly mentioned the issues of the island chain, along with the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where there is an ongoing separatist movement. Wen reportedly stressed that it is important for Japan to respect "China's core interests and major concerns."
　北京で行われた日中首脳会談で温家宝首相は、分離独立運動が続く新疆ウイグル自治区とともに尖閣諸島に言及し、「中国の核心的利益と重大な関心事項を尊重するということが大事だ」と強調した。

China uses "core interests" to describe national sovereignty, maintenance of territorial integrity and other areas over which it will make no compromise at any price. Beijing has applied the expression to Taiwan, Tibet and the Uygur region before, but in recent years, it has reportedly used the term in regard to the South China Sea.
　「核心的利益」とは中国が絶対に譲歩できない国家主権や領土保全などに用いる言葉だ。これまで台湾やチベット、ウイグルなどに使ってきたが、近年は南シナ海にも使用しているとされる。

The Chinese government has never officially used the expression for the Senkaku Islands. However, the People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, used "core interests" in connection with the islands for the first time in January this year.
　中国政府は、この表現を尖閣諸島に公式に使った例はない。だが、今年１月、共産党機関紙「人民日報」が、初めて使用した。

===

Semantic tactic

Wen is thought to have used "core interests" and "major concerns" together in referring to the Senkaku Islands so that his remark could be taken to mean the islets are part of China's core interests.
　温首相の今回の発言は、「核心的利益」と「重大な関心事項」をひとくくりにすることで、尖閣諸島が「核心的利益」とも読み取れるように意図したものだろう。

In making the remark, the Chinese premier seems to have been thinking of the Chinese public's negative reaction to recent developments over the Senkakus--Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's announcement that his government plans to purchase part of the islands and the Japanese government's decision to give names to four uninhabited islets of the chain.
　尖閣諸島に関し、東京都の石原慎太郎知事の買い取り構想や日本政府による無人島命名に、中国国内で反発が広がった。そのことが念頭にあるようだ。

Wen's remark can be seen as a reflection of the Chinese government's increasingly assertive stance in claiming sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands as Beijing tries to expand its maritime interests.
　海洋権益の拡大を図る中国政府が、従来以上に領有権を主張する方針を鮮明にしたと言える。

China demonstrates its presence by sending fishery patrol vessels to waters near the islands almost every month. Japan should further reinforce its surveillance arrangements for the nation's remote islands and territorial waters.
　中国の監視船は毎月のように尖閣諸島周辺で示威行動に出ている。日本は離島と領海の監視体制を一段と強化する必要がある。

It is natural for Noda to remind Wen that the Senkaku Islands are part of Japan's sovereign territory and call for self-restraint on China's part, saying, "China's stepped-up activities [around the islands] are upsetting the Japanese public."
　野田首相が温首相に、尖閣諸島が日本固有の領土であると主張し、「中国の活動の活発化が日本国民の感情を刺激している」と、自制を求めたのは当然である。

At the same time, it is regrettable that China refused Japan's request for a one-on-one meeting between Noda and Chinese President Hu Jintao. The rebuff was apparently a signal of China's dissatisfaction over not only the Senkaku issue, but also Japan's issuance of visas to Uygurs exiled from the autonomous region to attend an international assembly being held in Tokyo.
　中国側の意向で、胡錦濤国家主席と野田首相との個別会談が見送られたのも問題だ。尖閣に加え、東京での国際会議に出席する亡命ウイグル人にビザを発給したことへの不満の表明とみられる。

===

Many pending issues

Japan and China, which mark the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations this year, face a pile of pending issues.
　国交正常化４０周年を迎えた日中間に懸案は山積している。

Despite Japan's repeated requests, China has not agreed to resume negotiations on joint development of gas fields in the East China Sea since the 2010 collision of a Chinese trawler with Japan Coast Guard vessels off the Senkaku Islands.
東シナ海のガス田開発に関する交渉は一昨年の尖閣諸島沖の中国漁船衝突事件以来、日本の再三の要請にもかかわらず、開かれていない。

Also dubious was China's stance over North Korea's nuclear activities when the leaders of Japan, China and South Korea held summit talks Sunday. A joint declaration was initially scheduled to be released in tandem with the meeting, but it was not unveiled until the following day--and then it did not refer to North Korea at all.
　北朝鮮の核問題でも、中国の対応には疑問が残った。日中韓首脳会談に合わせ発表される予定だった共同宣言は、１日遅れの発表となり、肝心の北朝鮮については一切言及しなかった。

The delay was reportedly caused by China, which seemed reluctant to produce a document that would urge North Korea to exercise the self-restraint not to carry out a new nuclear test or other provocative actions because it wanted to avoid angering Pyongyang.
　北朝鮮を刺激したくない中国が、核実験などの自制を促す内容を盛り込むことに反対する姿勢を崩さなかったのが原因だ。

Considering such a stance, it is only natural to question whether China has a will to prevent North Korea from conducting a nuclear test.
　これでは、中国に北朝鮮の核実験を阻止する意思があるのかと疑われても仕方あるまい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 16, 2012)
（2012年5月16日01時28分 読売新聞）