1. A New York grand jury has indicted former US President Donald Trump, making him the first former president to face criminal charges. The charges remained under seal on Thursday, but the investigation centered on Trump’s alleged hush-money payments to a porn star who claims she had an affair with him. 2. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stressed the need to focus on “de-risking” relations with China, rather than decoupling from the Asian nation. In a speech in Brussels on Thursday, von der Leyen noted that China is strengthening its ties with Russia as Moscow continues its invasion of Ukraine.
3. Leaders in Finland and Sweden saw Russian troops roll into Ukraine and decided to end decades of neutrality. They promised the countries would join NATO together. Now, the Finns are set to join the alliance on their own. All 30 NATO nations have to approve any new members. However, leaders in Turkey raised objections. They argued both countries were soft on terrorism. They held months of talks, then cleared the way for Finland. On Thursday, Turkish lawmakers added their approval.
日: 2023年3月31日
March 30, Thursday, 2023 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline read by Mr. Yamaguchi Hiroaki
1. Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen started a tour of two Central American countries on Wednesday. The trip includes two transit stops in the United States, where she will likely meet House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Tsai is due to visit Guatemala and Belize via New York. The two Central American nations have diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Before returning home on April 7, she will stop in Los Angeles. 2. Mount Fuji has not erupted in more than 300 years, but Japan has a new strategy in case an eruption is imminent. A major blowup could prove catastrophic for neighboring communities and also paralyze daily life in Tokyo and beyond. The evacuation plan was unveiled on Wednesday. It was developed by three prefectures along with the central government.
3. The 11 members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Tans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP, including Japan, are expected to reach broad agreement with the United Kingdom on its membership. The CPTTP took effect in 2018. The UK will be the first country to be approved other than the original 11 members, which include Australia, Canada and countries of the Asia-Pacific.