January 4, Tuesday, 2022 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline read by Ms. Yamamoto Miki

1. The Japanese government is seeing an increase in COVID-19 infections. On
Monday it confirmed more than 780 new cases, the first time since October that the daily count has surpassed 700. The Tokyo Government reported 103 new cases that day—the first time the figure has risen above 100 since October 8.
2. The world’s nuclear powers have begun the New Year with a pledge to avoid arms
races. The United States, Russia, China, France and Britain have affirmed the importance of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council issued their joint statement on preventing nuclear war on Monday.
3. Just one month before the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games, Chinese
authorities are busy implementing measures to prevent coronavirus outbreaks. This will be the first time that the Winter Olympics will be held in China. The event will start on February 4 in the capital Beijing, and the city of Zhangjiakou, in the neighboring province of Hebei.