Calls for unity on US tariffs as ASEAN meeting beginsーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
The Assean foreign ministers clearly had Trump’s tariffs in mind on day one of their get together in the Malaysian capital Kalumpur. The opening ceremony saw host Prime Minister Anir Ibrahim calling for the block to unite and act with foresight. Tariffs, export restrictions and investment barriers have now become the sharpened instruments of geopolitical rivalry. Now, Assean must confront this reality with clarity and con conviction. The initial meeting was held behind closed doors, but diplomatic sources say multiple member states voiced concern over the impact of unilateral tariff measures on AEN’s economic growth and stability. The countries reportedly affirmed that they will continue to coordinate their response to the measures. The ASAN foreign ministers are scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday with tariffs likely on the agenda. For more, we’re now joined by NHK World Cecilia Cena Barba who’s covering the meeting in Koala Lumpur. Cecilia, the Asan nations are among many expecting to feel the impact of the US tariff policy. How did Wednesday’s discussion shape up? Well, while we have yet to see a joint statement, the representatives appear to be on the same page. We did get a look at the latest draft which describes unilateral tariff action as counterproductive. It continues saying the tactic risk exacerbating global economic fragmentation. The draft also says the tariff pose complex challenges to Azan’s economic stability and growth. However, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugano told reporters after the meeting that member states have agreed there should be no retaliation. In that case, what are the possible options for the block? This uncert uncertainty with the US clearly has Azan rushing to diversify its trading partners as this year’s year Malaysia and main fighted China and six Middle Eastern countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council to be to a meeting for the first time. The goal was to strengthen trade and economic collaboration. Azan is also continuing negotiations with the EU on a free trade agreement. Europe is the third largest export destination for Azan after the US and China. Each member country is also trying to expand its own trading partners. Thailand for example hopes to conclude a free trade agreement with the EU by the end of the year and Indonesia has agreed with Turkey to set a goal to increase the amount of thread between the pair by a factor of four. An export points out that uh moves are aimed at reducing risk while affirming economic and security ties with the US. We still consider the US as indispensable partner for the region. Uh that’s why we chose non- retaliatory measure. We also need to diversify our partnership. So not so much dependent on the US anymore even though like they are indispensable. There’s little doubt that Asan countries could be major losers amid the uncertain future for the global economy. The key to avoiding that lies in working together to plot a way forward. Thank you, Cecilia. And that was NHK World Cecilia Cena Barbara from Koala Lumpur. Women in Thailand report more than 15,000 cases of domestic violence by spouses or partners every year. Now, an online video addressing the problem has gone viral, sparking a conversation among a wide group of people. NHK World’s Tamarind Desa tells us more. [Music] This video was inspired by a victim of domestic violence. [Music] 19-year-old influencers to pitch Gigi dreamed of becoming an actor. An NGO that helps victims of domestic violence worked with an advertisement firm to created using generative AI. [Music] Gigi was shot dead two years ago After being subjected to repeated violence by her boyfriend, her family still regrets not being able to save her. I had warned her before about guns or being physically abused, but Gigi told me he had changed. So, since my daughter told me this, and because she loved him, I couldn’t stop her. As a mother, it’s heartbreaking. Naiasa works at the NGO that made the video. She’s been listening to the stories of victims and providing them with support for 15 years. She believes the idea of male dominance runs deep in Thai society, especially at home, making it hard for victims to speak out. She says the laws protecting women are also insufficient. Anana and other NGO members are focused on educating young people. They lecture at universities and try to instill a sense of zero tolerance for violence. Through our campaign work, we’re getting more phone calls from women asking for advice because they’re afraid that one day they will be killed or something like that. The things we’re doing have made people more aware of these issues. The NGO also works to prevent men from committing domestic violence by addressing their mindset. At this workshop in a local temple, the men talk about their experiences as well as drinking and drug problems that can be the root cause of the violence. It was violent, very violent. I saw the result of my wife and cried. It’s all because I was drunk and out of control when I did it. Her face was very swollen. I couldn’t look at her. Ankana says that by making them face up to the things they have done, the men will be more conscious of how not to repeat the same misdeeds. The NGO also invites residents to participate in workshops, which helps the group detect and prevent domestic violence in the community as it occurs in the home and tends to go unnoticed. Encourage your friends to stop drinking. I know they can do it. By bringing domestic violence into the light, people like Ankana are working hard to change the attitude that can lead to abuse and to ensure that victims don’t suffer in silence. Tamarind desa NHK World Bangkok. And that wraps up our bulletin. I’m Traan in Bangkok.
July 9 NEWSROOM TOKYO Bangkok Live Lineup:
00:00 Calls for unity on US tariffs as ASEAN meeting begins
01:05 ASEAN working against ‘global economic fragmentation’
03:50 Thai people fight to stop domestic violence
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