英字新聞
読売、毎日、朝日各社英字新聞の主として社説を学習研究します

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Pursue scientific advancements that will facilitate life for future generations
科学技術計画　次代の暮らしに役立つ開発を

Efforts should be expedited to create and improve a structure in which the strength of Japan’s long-cultivated science and technology will flourish.
　日本が培ってきた科学技術の力を花開かせる体制整備を急ぎたい。

The government endorsed at a Cabinet meeting the 5th Science and Technology Basic Plan, a five-year program devised to lay down guidelines for the nation’s science and technology policy, effective next fiscal year.
　政府は、来年度から５年間の科学技術政策の指針となる「第５期科学技術基本計画」を閣議決定した。

One of its main pillars is to build what can be described as a “super-smart society” that will network such apparatuses as robots, artificial intelligence and information technology equipment.
　柱の一つが、ロボットや人工知能、ＩＴ機器などをネットワーク化させる「超スマート社会」の実現だ。

If widely spread, much of this technology, including nursing-care robots, will help enable people to live comfortably. It can be widely applied in such fields as transportation, medical and financial services.
介護ロボットなど、普及すれば快適な暮らしに役立つ技術が多い。交通や医療、金融といった分野での応用範囲は広い。

In the United States, various corporations are moving forward with projects that transcend their primary lines of work, as illustrated by Google Inc.’s ambitious efforts to build a self-driving car. Although Japan has a large number of information-related companies and researchers, there have been conspicuous delays in this respect due to such factors as their less-than-satisfactory financial strength.
　米国では、グーグルが自動運転車の開発に挑むなど、業種の壁を越えたプロジェクトが進む。日本にも情報関連企業や研究者は多いが、資金力が劣ることなどから、立ち遅れが目立つ。

The new basic plan has pointed to the necessity of building and improving facilities and an information infrastructure that can be shared by corporations. To survive international competition in this field, the public and private sectors need to make integrated efforts to achieve this goal.
　基本計画は、各社が共用できる施設や情報基盤の整備の必要性を指摘した。国際競争に勝ち残るために、官民一体となった取り組みが求められる。

Another feature of the latest basic program is that an independent heading has been given to national security for the first time. This is aimed at emphasizing the importance of reinforcing cooperation between the government, industry and academia in the field of defense, thereby further encouraging the private sector to join the desired endeavor.
　安全保障の項目を初めて設けたのも、今回の基本計画の特徴だ。防衛分野での産学官の連携強化を掲げることにより、一層の民間参入を促す狙いがある。

Increase researchers

With China’s increased maritime and space activities, acts of international terrorism and cyber-attacks in mind, the basic plan will also seek to promote necessary research and development from now on. Efforts should be made to successfully put into practical use such technology as drone control techniques, a field of study in which universities are already making progress, as well as ultrahigh-performance resin.
　中国の海洋・宇宙進出や国際テロ、サイバー攻撃などを念頭に、今後、研究開発を進める。大学で既に研究が進む無人飛行機の制御技術や、超高性能樹脂などの実用化を目指したい。

It is worrying to note the decline in the competence of Japan’s scientific research. The basic plan expresses a sense of urgency about the lack of a desired increase in the number of theses in the realm of natural science, as well as those authored jointly with foreign scientists.
　気がかりなのは、日本の研究力の低下である。基本計画も、自然科学系の論文数や国際的な共著論文数が、思うように伸びていないことに危機感を示している。

Being quoted by many scientists is proof of the excellence of a thesis. Since the beginning of this century, Japan has suffered a continued decline in the ranking of nations whose top-level theses are frequently quoted.
　論文が多くの研究者に引用されるのは、優れた内容であることの証しだ。引用数が多いトップレベルの論文の割合を国別に比較した調査で、日本の順位は、今世紀に入って低下を続けている。

A major task facing the country is how to increase the number of researchers who can actively work internationally. Extending long-term assistance to scientists, not just excessively emphasizing their immediate accomplishments, is essential for the pursuit of this goal.
　世界的に活躍できる研究者をいかに増やしていくかが、日本の大きな課題である。目先の成果を過度に重視するのでなく、息の長い支援が求められる。

In many cases, young researchers who have obtained doctorates end up with limited-term positions at universities and elsewhere. They cannot afford to spend sufficient time on research activities. The situation has been viewed as a matter of social concern.
　博士号取得後の若手研究者は、大学などで任期が限られたポストにしか就けないケースが多い。じっくりと研究に取り組めないことが問題となっている。

We believe increasing the number of researchers with stable positions will be conducive to improving Japan’s research and development abilities.
　身分が安定した研究者を増やすことが、日本の研究開発力の向上につながるだろう。

Little progress is being made in increasing the percentage of female scientists. This is evident from one of the targets cited in the fourth basic plan, which sought to increase the percentage of women researchers to 30 percent of all newly employed scientists. This target remains unmet.
　女性研究者の割合も伸び悩んでいる。「新規採用で３割」という第４期計画の目標は未達成だ。

Advancing scientific technology that explores the unknown fields requires a diversity of human resources. It is also indispensable to facilitate an environment conducive to scientific work, so talented researchers can actively work to the fullest.
　未知の領域に挑む科学技術を発展させるためには、多様な人材が必要である。有能な研究者が存分に活躍できるよう、働きやすい環境の整備も欠かせない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 24, 2016)

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Amari must not avoid explaining about scandal involving political funds
甘利氏献金報道　疑惑解明へ説明から逃げるな

A politics-and-money scandal involving Akira Amari, state minister in charge of economic revitalization — who has been acting as a control tower of the economic policies of the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe — has emerged.
　安倍政権の経済政策の司令塔役である甘利経済再生相に、政治とカネを巡る疑惑が浮上した。

Amari must unravel the facts promptly and make full explanations.
　甘利氏は、早急に実態を解明し、きちんと説明せねばならない。

The scandal was reported by Shukan Bunshun, a weekly magazine. The magazine alleges that Amari and his secretaries received illegal donations from a construction company in Shiroi, Chiba Prefecture, in return for extending influence to resolve an issue of compensation over a land dispute involving road construction.
　疑惑は、週刊文春が報道した。甘利氏や秘書が、土地トラブルの補償を巡る口利きの見返りとして千葉県白井市の建設会社から違法献金を受けたというものだ。

His secretaries were allegedly involved in negotiations over compensation with the Urban Renaissance Agency. The value of the funds and entertainment that the construction company allegedly provided Amari and his close aides is said to total ¥12 million, including ¥500,000 in cash Amari reportedly received at his ministerial office in November 2013.
　都市再生機構（ＵＲ）との補償交渉には、秘書が関与したとされる。２０１３年１１月に甘利氏が大臣室で５０万円を受け取るなど、甘利氏側への資金提供や接待は計１２００万円に上るという。

If the allegations of influence-peddling and acceptance of cash prove true, it will have serious consequences. Amari and his secretaries may face charges of graft for influence-peddling and violation of such laws as the Political Funds Control Law.
　仮に口利きや現金授受が事実ならば、重大な問題だ。あっせん利得罪や政治資金規正法違反などに問われる可能性がある。

What kind of relationship did Amari’s office have with the construction company, and how were the secretaries involved in the negotiations for compensation? What actually happened in connection with the alleged donations? Amari must conduct detailed investigations into these matters and provide compelling explanations.
　甘利事務所と建設会社はどんな関係で、秘書は補償交渉にどう関わったのか。献金の実態はどうだったのか。これらについて、事実関係を詳しく調査し、納得のいく説明を行うべきである。

Concerning the allegations involving his secretaries, Amari said verification will be conducted by a team that includes specialists. Depending on the results of the probe, his supervisory responsibility for secretaries may be questioned.
　甘利氏は秘書の疑惑について、専門家を交えて検証する考えを示した。その内容次第では、秘書に対する監督責任も問われよう。

Minimize impact on TPP

Amari declared during a news conference that he “did nothing illegal.” But he acknowledged part of the magazine report, including meeting with officials of the construction company. He said, “There are some discrepancies between what was reported in the article and what I remember.” These explanations are not enough to dispel the suspicions.
　甘利氏は記者会見で、「法に反する行為はしていない」と明言した。ただ、建設会社関係者との面会は認め、「記事と私の記憶が違うところが何点かある」と語るなど、報道の一部は肯定している。これでは疑惑は払拭されない。

In regard to the allegation that he received cash, Amari said, “Within a week, I will check my memory and speak about it.” As he stated, he must hold himself accountable.
　自らの現金授受に関して「１週間以内に記憶を確認してお話しできる」と強調した。発言通り、説明責任を果たす必要がある。

Amari represented Japan in the negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement, which will be signed in a ceremony scheduled for Feb. 4. He will take charge of answering interpellations during the current Diet sessions on TPP-related bills.
　甘利氏は、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉の責任者で、２月４日にはＴＰＰ署名式が予定される。今国会でのＴＰＰ関連法案の審議でも、専ら答弁に立つ。

It is necessary to minimize the impact of the scandal on deliberations on TPP bills.
　今回の献金疑惑がＴＰＰ法案の審議に影響を与えることは最小限にとどめる必要がある。

Three ministers — including Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yuko Obuchi — have resigned over scandals involving politics and money since the second Abe Cabinet was inaugurated in December 2012.
　「政治とカネ」の問題では、１２年１２月の第２次安倍内閣の発足以来、小渕優子経済産業相ら閣僚３人が辞任している。

In charge of promoting Abenomics economic policies, Amari is a principal minister of the Abe Cabinet along with other Cabinet members including Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga. The latest scandal is considered more serious than the past cases and may shake the backbone of the Abe administration, depending on how it evolves.
　甘利氏は、経済政策「アベノミクス」を担当し、菅官房長官らとともに、内閣の中核を担う主要閣僚である。今回の疑惑は、過去の「政治とカネ」の問題と比べても重く、展開次第では安倍政権の屋台骨を揺るがしかねない。

Entrusting Amari with how to deal with the matter, Abe said he believes “Amari will be accountable.” Ahead of the House of Councillors election set for this summer, Abe must realize the stern fact that dark clouds have started forming over his administration and remain alert.
　安倍首相は、甘利氏に対応を任せ、「説明責任を果たしてくれると確信している」と語った。夏に参院選を控えて、安倍政権に暗雲が漂い始めているとの厳しい自覚と緊張感を持つ必要がある。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 23, 2016)

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Jakarta terrorist attacks show threat posed by ISIL has reached Asia
ジャカルタテロ　「イスラム国」の脅威アジアに

It has become clear that the threat of terrorism, influenced by radical ideology, has spread from the Middle East, Europe and the United States to Southeast Asia.
　過激思想の影響を受けたテロの脅威が、中東、欧米から、東南アジアにまで浸透していることが鮮明になった。

A group of men exploded bombs and exchanged gunfire with police in central Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, the nation with the world’s largest Muslim population. Eight people, including four perpetrators, died and more than 20 others were injured.
　世界最大のイスラム人口を抱えるインドネシアの首都ジャカルタの中心部で、男らが爆弾を爆発させ、警官隊と銃撃戦を繰り広げた。犯行グループ４人を含む８人が死亡し、２０人以上が負傷した。

The scene of the attacks was in a downtown area where a large commercial facility is located. The Japanese Embassy is also nearby. As in the case of simultaneous terrorist attacks carried out in Paris in November last year, the latest attacks were made against “soft targets” such as a coffee shop, where security is relatively light.
　現場は、大型商業施設などがある繁華街で、日本大使館にも近い。狙われたのは、昨年１１月のパリ同時テロと同様に、コーヒーショップなど警備が比較的手薄な「ソフトターゲット」である。

The authorities are investigating the incident as terrorism masterminded by an Indonesian militant who joined the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militant group and is now living in Syria. ISIL claimed responsibility for the attacks.
　当局は、過激派組織「イスラム国」に加わったシリア滞在中のインドネシア人戦闘員が主導したテロと見て、捜査している。「イスラム国」も犯行声明を出した。

Such despicable brutality that indiscriminately attacks ordinary citizens and foreigners is intolerable. The international community must urgently strengthen cooperation in antiterrorism measures.
　一般市民や外国人を無差別に襲う卑劣な蛮行は許されない。国際社会が改めてテロ対策で連携を強めることが急務だ。

It was reported that the mastermind of the Jakarta attacks has been attempting to establish a Southeast Asian branch of ISIL and may have tried to expand ISIL’s influence in the region by waging terrorist attacks using Indonesian collaborators.
　この首謀者は、「イスラム国」の東南アジア支部の設立を企て、インドネシアの仲間を使ってテロを起こすことで影響力を拡大しようとした可能性があるという。

Promote unity

If this is true, it is a serious problem. The authorities must strive to uncover the whole truth of the latest incident and restore order.
　事実とすれば、深刻な問題である。当局には、事件の全容解明と治安回復に努めてもらいたい。

It is also necessary to counter ISIL’s propaganda campaign by promoting unity among moderate Muslims.
　穏健なイスラム教徒の結束を図り、「イスラム国」の宣伝戦に対抗することも求められる。

Activities of terrorist organizations have been abating in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries in recent years since the authorities tightened their crackdown on such groups.
　インドネシアなど東南アジア各国では近年、当局の取り締まりが強まったため、国内のテロ組織の活動が下火になっていた。

But these countries must stay alert against a possible revival of domestic terrorist organizations at the instigation of ISIL and the possibility that a united front between ISIL and those organizations will become more active.
　「イスラム国」の扇動によって国内のテロ組織が息を吹き返し、両者の「共闘」が活発化する事態を警戒せねばならない。

It is said that about 380 people from Indonesia have joined ISIL. From Southeast Asia as a whole, about 600 people are said to have joined ISIL and other militant groups.
　「イスラム国」には、インドネシアから約３８０人が参加したとされる。東南アジア全体では、「イスラム国」などに約６００人が加わっているともいわれる。

It is worrisome that there is an increasing risk that well-trained militants may return to their countries and commit large-scale terrorism.
　心配なのは、訓練を積んだ戦闘員が帰国し、大規模なテロに及ぶ危険性が高まっていることだ。

In connection with this, the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations must strictly implement immigration controls and other measures.
　東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）各国は、出入国管理などを厳格に実施する必要がある。

ISIL has clearly said that Japan is one of its targets. Terrorism that has reached Southeast Asia is not someone else’s problem. In December, the government established Counterterrorism Unit-Japan (CTU-J), which is tasked with consolidating information regarding terrorism overseas.
　「イスラム国」は、日本も標的だと明言している。東南アジアまで迫ったテロは対岸の火事ではない。政府は昨年１２月、海外のテロ情報を集約する「国際テロ情報収集ユニット」を新設した。

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida stressed, “By utilizing the unit and other resources, we want to take steps to thoroughly ensure the safety of Japanese nationals overseas.” To this end, it is essential to share terrorist information with ASEAN countries.
　岸田外相は「ユニットなども活用しつつ、海外の邦人の安全対策に万全を期したい」と強調している。ＡＳＥＡＮとテロリスト情報の共有を進めることが大切だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 20, 2016)

毎日新聞は英訳版を出版するのだったら、もっと正確に翻訳してもらいたいなと感じました。
読売のような逐語訳的な翻訳も息が詰まりますが、英訳版では、やはり逐語訳が基本でしょう。
事件が安倍政権にとって大打撃となるのは必至です。
自民党の暗い体質（＝建設業者との癒着）を暴き出した週刊文春の取材力には恐れ入りました。

January 21, 2016 (Mainichi Japan)
Amari says memories of meet where he allegedly took 500,000 yen payment 'vague'
甘利氏疑惑 「記憶あいまい。きちんと整理し説明したい」

参院決算委員会　第三者交えた調査の意向を明らかに

Cabinet minister Akira Amari said on Jan. 21 that he can't remember what happened during a visit to his office when, a weekly magazine alleges in its latest issue, he personally accepted 500,000 yen from a Chiba Prefecture-based construction company.
"I remember accepting visitors, but my memories of what happened are vague," Amari, minister in charge of economic revitalization, said during a House of Councillors Audit Committee meeting. He also stated that "a thorough investigation will be conducted so that I can fulfill my responsibility to explain the situation." Amari furthermore indicated he intended to include third parties in the probe.
The weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun carried an article in its Jan. 21 issue stating that Amari had accepted money from the construction firm in return for dispute mediation services provided by the minister and his aides.
　甘利明経済再生担当相は２１日午前の参院決算委員会で、千葉県の建設会社から自身や秘書が口利きの依頼を受け、見返りに現金を受け取ったとの週刊文春（２１日発売）の報道について、「しっかり調査して説明責任を果たしたい」と述べ、第三者を交えた調査を行う意向を明らかにした。大臣室で自ら現金５０万円を受け取ったとの指摘には、「訪問を受けたのは事実だが、何をしたのかは記憶があいまいだ。整理して説明したい」と述べるにとどめ、否定しなかった。

"I will fulfill my duties with all my energy," Amari said, denying any intent to resign over the allegations. Regarding his aides' involvement, however, Amari said that "I first heard of it in media reports, and I'm now trying to confirm the details." Amari is the Abe government's point man on the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade deal, and the minister said he would do his utmost to prevent the money scandal allegations from affecting Diet deliberations on the treaty.
　甘利氏は「託された職務を全力で全うする」と辞任を否定。罪に問われるような事実も「一切ない」と述べたが、秘書の疑惑については「報道で初めて知った。確認中だ」と語った。また、甘利氏が担当する環太平洋パートナーシップ協定（ＴＰＰ）の国会審議への影響は「出ないよう全力を尽くす」と述べた。

In response to a question from opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lawmaker Misako Yasui, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said of Amari, "I believe that he will fulfill his responsibility to explain the situation."
　安倍晋三首相は甘利氏について「説明責任を果たしてくれるものと確信している」と述べた。民主党の安井美沙子氏への答弁。

Meanwhile, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that "of course we are setting up Mr. Amari's scheduled appearance" at the planned Feb. 4 TPP signing ceremony in New Zealand. Suga also revealed that the government is setting up Amari's trip to the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
　これと関連し、菅義偉官房長官は記者会見で、ニュージーランドで来月４日に行われるＴＰＰ署名式に関し「甘利氏の出席で当然調整していく」と言及。スイスでの世界経済フォーラム年次総会（ダボス会議）も甘利氏を派遣することで調整していることを明らかにした。

Opposition parties intend to use Diet deliberations to question Amari thoroughly over the possible money scandal. DPJ Diet affairs chief Yoshiaki Takaki stated, "Even as (Mr. Amari) pushes major changes to the lives and livelihoods of farming families, these allegations surface. This is an enormous problem." Takaki also said his party would "naturally be looking into" the prime minister's responsibility.
　野党は今後の国会審議で徹底追及する方針だ。民主党の高木義明国対委員長は「農家に大きな生活の変化を強いる立場にありながら、こうした疑惑が出てきた。極めて問題は大きい」と指摘。首相の任命責任も「当然問われてくる」と語った。

Japan Innovation Party Diet affairs head Takashi Ishizeki added to the chorus of opposition party dismay over the possible scandal, saying, "From the perspective of the Japanese people, from the true feelings of the masses, I condemn this. The (ruling) Liberal Democratic Party is returning to its roots."
維新の党の石関貴史国対委員長も「国民の視線、庶民の実感から糾弾する。古い体質の自民党に戻っている」と批判した。

(no english part observed)
　ＴＰＰは安倍政権の成長戦略の柱で、２０１６年度予算案に関連経費も盛り込まれている。経団連の榊原定征会長は２１日、記者団に「透明性、公正性、説明責任をしっかり果たしていただきたい」と語った。

The Yomiuri Shimbun
China needs structural reforms to achieve stable economic growth
中国ＧＤＰ減速　安定成長へ構造改革が急務だ

How can China’s economy shift onto a track of stable growth, while preventing itself from stalling?
　景気の腰折れを防ぎながら、いかに安定した成長軌道へ移行するか。

Steering China’s economy as its growth continues to slow down has become an ever more difficult task.
　減速が続く中国経済の舵かじ取りは、一段と難度を高めている。

China’s real gross domestic product grew 6.9 percent year on year in 2015, the lowest growth in 25 years.
　中国の２０１５年の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）が前年比６・９％増と、２５年ぶりの低い伸びとなった。

The sluggish growth primarily stems from slackened investment and production activities, as efforts to get rid of excessive production capacity and real property inventory have made little progress.
過剰な生産設備や不動産在庫の解消が進まず、投資や生産活動が鈍ったのが主因だ。

Exports also declined 2.8 percent from the previous year. As the country’s price competitiveness weakened due to rising labor costs, its status as “the world’s factory,” exporting and selling low-priced products in great volume, has lost much of its luster.
　輸出も前年より２・８％減少した。人件費の上昇で価格競争力が弱まり、安価な製品を大量に輸出・販売する「世界の工場」の地位が色あせてきた。

China had set its full-year growth target at “around 7 percent.” The National Bureau of Statistics of China emphasized that “the 6.9 percent growth is still in line with the government target.” But the country’s high growth model led by investment and exports is already approaching its limits.
　中国は成長目標を「７％前後」としてきた。国家統計局は「６・９％の成長率は政府の目標に符合している」と強調したが、投資と輸出中心の高成長モデルはもはや限界に近づいている。

It is a matter of urgency for China to shift to a consumption-driven growth model, as advocated by the administration of President Xi Jinping.
　習近平政権の掲げる消費主導の成長モデルへの転換が急務だ。

The Chinese authorities said they will promote structural reforms, such as reducing the systemic oversupply of steel and coal. Temporary stimulus measures alone, such as increasing public spending, will not be sufficient. It may be necessary to force through reforms while overcoming resistance from state-owned enterprises and local governments stubbornly hanging on to their vested interests.
　当局は、鉄鋼や石炭の過剰供給体制の縮小など、構造改革を進めるという。財政出動などの一時的な景気刺激策だけでは不十分だ。既得権益に固執する国有企業や地方政府の抵抗を抑えて、改革を断行する必要があるだろう。

Better numbers needed

In stimulating consumption, developing new products and new services sought by consumers would be effective. In order to bring out the vigor of the private sector, which would serve as a pillar of innovation, it is essential to reorganize and shrink state-owned enterprises.
　消費喚起には、顧客の望む新製品や新たなサービスの開発が有効だ。イノベーション（技術革新）の担い手となる民間の活力を引き出すためにも、国有企業の再編・縮小が欠かせない。

It is worrisome that China’s economic statistics lack credibility. There is strong suspicion that the Chinese authorities calculate statistics on the high side to make the nation’s economy look better than it really is. They should not relax their reform efforts, while patching things up for the time being with make-believe figures.
　気がかりなのは、中国の経済統計が信頼性を欠いていることだ。経済を実際より良く見せるため、当局が統計を高めに算出しているとの疑念は根強い。見せかけの数字で当座を取り繕って、改革の手を緩めてはなるまい。

Concerns over the uncertain outlook of the Chinese economy and the yuan’s fall have brought about a vicious cycle in the international flow of money, becoming a serious risk factor for the global economy.
　中国経済の先行き懸念と人民元安は、国際的な資金の流れに悪循環を引き起こし、世界経済の深刻なリスク要因になっている。

The projected decline in China’s oil demand, in line with its economic slowdown, has further dampened crude oil prices. Drops in crude oil prices are driving the “oil money” of the oil-producing countries in the Middle East, whose fiscal conditions have deteriorated, to return to their domestic markets, which is said to be a factor behind a worldwide decline in stock prices.
　景気減速に伴う中国の石油需要の減退予測は、原油価格の低迷に拍車をかけた。原油安は、財政が悪化した中東産油国の「オイルマネー」を国内へと回帰させ、世界株安の一因とされる。

Further decline in the value of the yuan has accelerated an exodus of capital out of the country. Fears are rising that the performance of Chinese companies, burdened with debts denominated in foreign currencies, will deteriorate.
　人民元安の進行は、資本の国外流出を加速させた。外貨建ての負債を抱える中国企業の業績を悪化させる恐れが高まっている。

Also, in order to keep the yuan from weakening further, it is important to create an environment for foreign investment funds to go back to China again, by promoting financial system reforms, including easing regulations on currency trading and liberalization of interest rates.
　人民元安に歯止めをかけるためにも、為替取引の規制緩和や金利自由化などの金融制度改革を進めて、中国に再び投資資金が向かう環境を整えることが肝要だ。

Grasping the structural change in China’s economy, Japanese businesses also have to review their business plans so that they can meet the new needs of consumers and businesses in China.
　日本企業も中国経済の構造変化を捉え、中国の消費者や企業の新しいニーズに応えられるよう、ビジネスを見直さねばならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 20, 2016)

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Use implementation of Iran N-deal to build stability in Middle East
イラン制裁解除　合意履行を中東安定へ生かせ

How to draw Iran into the world community and bring stability to the Middle East, which has been thrown into an increasing state of confusion? A crucial moment lies ahead to tackle this challenge.
　イランを国際社会にいかに引き込み、混迷を深める中東情勢の安定につなげるか。これからが正念場である。

Iran and six other countries — the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China — have announced the implementation of a nuclear deal reached last July that called for lifting sanctions by the United States, the European Union and the U.N. Security Council in return for Iran’s downsizing of its nuclear facilities.
　米英仏独露中の６か国とイランは、イラン核施設の縮小と引き換えに、米国や欧州連合（ＥＵ）、国連安全保障理事会の制裁を解除する昨年７月の核合意の履行を発表した。

Iran has already transferred most of its stored low-enriched uranium to Russia and removed two-thirds of 19,000 centrifugal separators for enrichment. The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed this in an on-site inspection.
　イランは既に、貯蔵していた低濃縮ウランの大半をロシアに搬出し、濃縮用の遠心分離器約１万９０００基の３分の２を撤去した。国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）の査察官が現地で確認した。

This would extend the period needed for Iran to complete the production of nuclear weapons from a range of “two to three months” to a range of “one year or more” if the country undertakes it. The IAEA maintains surveillance, and sanctions will be reimposed if violations are found. This can be lauded as a measure to put the brakes on nuclear development to a certain degree.
　イランが核兵器製造に着手しても、完成までの期間は「２～３か月」から「１年以上」に延びた。ＩＡＥＡが監視し、違反があれば制裁は再発動される。核開発への一定の歯止めと評価できよう。

U.S. President Barack Obama said the world would be “more secure.” To prevent Iran from moving to become a nuclear power after the 15-year period for implementation of the deal ends, it is essential for the United States and other related countries to support Iran’s moderate reform policy line.
　オバマ米大統領は「世界はより安全になった」と強調した。１５年間の合意履行期間終了後、イランが核保有に動き出さないよう、米国など関係国が穏健改革路線を後押しすることが欠かせない。

Given the release of U.S. citizens, including a reporter, who had been held by Iran, the channel between the two countries with no diplomatic relations has strengthened.
　イランが拘束していた米国人記者らが解放され、国交のない米国とイランのパイプは一層太くなった。

How to use this to end the civil war in Syria and wipe out the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militant group is now the question.
シリア内戦の終結や過激派組織「イスラム国」の掃討などにどう生かすかが問われる。

Rebuild alliance

Iran, a major Shiite-dominated Muslim country, supports the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad and has been intensifying its confrontation with Saudi Arabia, a leading country of Sunni Muslims, which calls for the ouster of Assad. Israel is also nervous about ballistic missile development by Iran, a country which is hostile to it.
　イスラム教シーア派大国のイランはシリアのアサド政権を支援し、「アサド退陣」を求めるスンニ派の盟主サウジアラビアとの対立が先鋭化している。イスラエルは、敵対するイランの弾道ミサイル開発にも神経をとがらせる。

Washington has announced additional sanctions against Iran over its missile development, but Saudi Arabia and Israel have become deeply distrustful of the United States. Obama must push ahead with reestablishing the alliance with the two countries.
　米国はミサイル関連で対イラン追加制裁を発表したが、サウジとイスラエルの対米不信は根深い。オバマ氏は、両国との同盟関係の再構築も進めねばならない。

Iran will resume crude oil exports and expand transactions significantly with foreign financial institutions and businesses, which had been subject to a de facto ban due to sanctions imposed by the United States. Crude oil bills said to total $100 billion and other funds, which have been frozen in bank accounts of foreign countries, will become accessible.
　イランは原油輸出を再開し、米国の制裁で事実上禁じられていた外国金融機関、企業との取引が大幅に拡大する。計１０００億ドルとされる原油代金などの外国口座の資金も凍結が解除される。

Iran’s crude oil reserves rank fourth in the world, and its natural gas reserves rank first. Other countries place high expectations on the country’s market, sustained by its rich natural resources and population of nearly 80 million people.
　原油埋蔵量が世界４位、天然ガスは１位という豊富な資源と、８０００万人近い人口を抱える市場に対する各国の期待は大きい。

Japan, which has concluded an investment agreement with Iran, expects diversification of its sources for crude oil procurement, an increase in automobile exports and an entry into plant facilities construction and management. Efforts must be made to promote information gathering and realize participation in the Iranian market.
　投資協定締結で合意している日本は、原油調達先の多角化や自動車などの輸出増加、プラント進出を見込む。情報収集を進め、市場参入に結びつけたい。

Of concern is a scenario in which crude oil prices drop further with Iran producing more, thereby causing the worsening of economic conditions in oil-producing countries and global declines in stock prices. If Saudi Arabia and Iran are engaged in a continued struggle for hegemony in the Middle East, neither the abatement of regional tensions nor the stability of the world economy can be expected.
　懸念されるのは、イランの増産で原油安が進み、産油国の経済悪化と世界的な株安を招く事態である。サウジとイランが覇権争いを続ければ、中東情勢の沈静化も、世界経済の安定も望めまい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 19, 2016)