Quad to cooperate on energy, infrastructureーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Added: 2026-05-27

[00:00:01]India's top diplomat has hosted his counterparts from Japan, the US, and Australia in New Delhi. The four nations form the framework known as the Quad.

[00:00:09]The ministers agreed to establish a cooperation initiative for energy security in the Indo-Pacific region.

[00:00:16]We will be discussing and deciding our shared activities.

[00:00:22]Obviously, that will take into account the many challenges and opportunities in the world.

[00:00:30]India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar hosted the gathering in New Delhi on Tuesday. He was joined by Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

[00:00:45]The ministers announced the launch of the Quad initiative on Indo-Pacific energy security and agreed on the importance of critical mineral supplies.

[00:00:53]They also reaffirmed the importance of diplomatic efforts to stabilize the Middle East, including securing free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

[00:01:02]And they opposed any attempt to exact tolls on ships using the waterway.

[00:01:06]Another development to come out of the gathering was an announcement that the four nations will work together on port infrastructure in Fiji.

[00:01:15]No no harm potent this will be to that country. It's a practical demonstration of our collective ability to deliver high-quality resilient infrastructure in partnership with the region and in response to Pacific priorities.

[00:01:30]Foster innovation The move comes as China increases its influence in the South Pacific through infrastructure projects and economic aid.

[00:01:39]Cambodia's former opposition leader Kem Sokha has received a royal pardon from a 27-year jail sentence for treason. The decision comes just weeks after he lost an appeal against the conviction.

[00:01:52]The co-founder of the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party was accused of conspiring with foreign powers to carry out hostile acts. He was convicted in 2023 and appeals court upheld the ruling in April.

[00:02:05]Kem Sokha's pardon was announced on Monday by Senate President Hun Sen. He's serving as acting head of the state while King Norodom Sihamoni receives medical treatment in China.

[00:02:16]The pardon applies only to Kem Sokha's prison sentence.

[00:02:20]Restrictions imposed by the court, including a 5-year ban on overseas travel, remain in place.

[00:02:26]Prime Minister Hun Manet says the move is one more step in strengthening national unity.

[00:02:32]The case has previously drawn criticism from Western governments and rights groups.

[00:02:36]Responding to the royal pardon, Human Rights Watch said opposition politicians and parties in Cambodia are still under constant threat of arbitrary arrest, arbitrary arrest, and restrictions. It called on the government to respect political rights.

[00:02:52]Malaysia's preparing to join a growing list of countries restricting young people from using social media. The move is part of a push to protect children from harmful online content.

[00:03:04]The change will take effect on June 1st, but operators of affected platforms will have a grace period to comply.

[00:03:10]The new system will restrict anyone under the age of 16 from creating social media accounts.

[00:03:16]Operators will have to implement effective age verification processes, including checks of passports or other official official documents.

[00:03:25]The new rule will also require licensed operators to have systems to detect and remove harmful content and mechanisms allowing users to report such content.

[00:03:34]The shift comes after the Malaysian government last year obliged operators of major social media platforms and messaging services to secure licenses.

[00:03:44]In Kuala Lumpur, parents and children are reacting differently to the change.

[00:03:49]Uh actually, below 16 >> Actually, people under 16 yet to differentiate between what is good or bad when looking at content on social media.

[00:03:59]So, I completely agree with this. I support it 100%.

[00:04:06]It's not fair for kids under 16.

[00:04:09]They want to watch things, too.

[00:04:16]Australia and Indonesia have already introduced youth restrictions for social media. Some European countries are taking similar steps.

[00:04:24]And that wraps up our bulletin. I'm Chalaphan Sonruengla in Bangkok.