January 20, Thursday, 2022 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline read by Mr. Yamaguchi Hiroaki

1.Japan’s Defense Ministry will dispatch two aircraft as early as Thursday to transport drinking water to Tonga after Saturday’s huge undersea volcanic eruption. Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo ordered the Self-Defense Forces to carry out international emergency relief operations in Tonga. He said he expects the SDF to provide support for the people of Tonga, based on its vast experience in disaster relief at home and abroad.
2.US President Joe Biden has reflected on his first year in office by stressing his achievements in the coronavirus vaccination effort, while acknowledging that challenges remain in achieving national unity.
3.US Secretary of State Antony Blinken travelled to Kiyev on Wednesday to try to defuse the crisis in Ukraine. He met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Blinken warned that Russian forces could attack on “very short notice.” About 100 thousand Russian soldiers have massed along the border. But their commanders have said they have no plans to invade.