Latest news with #Chou
Japan Forward
2 days ago
- Business
- Japan Forward
Trade Deal Puts Japan–US Alliance on a New Economic and Strategic Footing
Japan and the United States have finalized a sweeping new trade agreement. It aims to deepen cooperation across strategic industries, including energy infrastructure, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and shipbuilding. The deal also includes an ambitious $550 billion investment framework and expanded defense procurement on the Japanese side, marking a major step forward in the two countries' push to align economic and national security interests amid global instability. A standout feature of the deal is Japan's successful negotiation of a "safety clause" that effectively grants it most-favored-nation treatment for Section 232 tariffs. These US tariffs, imposed on national security grounds, have been applied to key sectors, including steel, and are expected to target high-tech goods such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals soon. According to William Chou, deputy director of the Hudson Institute, the clause represents a "significant development." In his response to an interview request from JAPAN Forward, Chou said the deal could secure Japan's competitive edge in sensitive industries. "It ensures Japan will always pay the lowest negotiated rate on (these) tariffs," Chou explained. That, he emphasized, is a big deal for industries like semiconductors and pharma, where even marginal cost differences affect global competitiveness. However, it remains unclear whether this clause will apply to future Section 232 actions, something both governments have yet to clarify. "This is worth clarifying," Chou said, cautioning that the scope and longevity of the clause may determine its strategic value. Another key component of the agreement is a massive $550 billion bilateral investment framework aimed at mobilizing public and private capital into critical infrastructure and industry projects in the US. But the mechanism behind the fund remains murky. "We don't have details on how it'll be operated and the timescale," Chou noted. "[US Commerce Secretary Howard] Lutnick has said that the US will decide on the projects. [Minister in Charge of Economic Revitalization Ryosei] Akazawa said NEXI [Nippon Export and Investment Insurance] and JBIC [Japan Bank for International Cooperation] will review the projects. So that still has to be worked out before we gauge feasibility." Minister Ryosei Akazawa leaves the meeting with Commerce Secretary Robert Lutnick on June 27 in Washington. (©Kyodo) A White House fact sheet highlighted projects in semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and shipbuilding, all areas that align with Japan's industrial strengths and previous offers of cooperation made during negotiations. Still, the timing of the agreement has sparked political backlash in Tokyo. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is facing mounting pressure from within the Liberal Democratic Party, which is reeling after losing its upper house majority. Opposition parties have seized on the lack of detail to question the government's transparency and competence. "The opposition parties are using the lack of details of the $550 billion investment fund as a way to criticize Ishiba," Chou explained. While these kinds of investment frameworks typically take time to design, that nuance doesn't always land in political messaging, he suggested. Chou also pointed to two major investment announcements, SoftBank's $100 billion commitment to the US tech sector and Nippon Steel's $26 billion expansion, as evidence of Japan's serious engagement with American industrial revitalization. However, he noted that the Japanese side missed an opportunity to highlight these moves more aggressively during negotiations. "It was surprising that Japan didn't publicize these investments more to demonstrate its FDI (foreign direct investment) leadership in the US," he said. Chou added that even if they don't end up being part of the $550 billion fund, they send a strong signal. The deal also expands Japan's military purchases from the US, with annual defense imports increasing from $14 billion to $17 billion. Although not explicitly linked to the trade agreement, the increase is seen as part of the broader trend toward integrating economic and military policy. "Now that the trade deal is done, it will be interesting to see how this might affect future dialogue regarding Japanese defense spending," Chou said. Beyond the bilateral context, Chou believes the agreement serves as a template for future US trade strategy. In particular, it may preview how Washington will approach trade relationships with partners such as the European Union and South Korea, especially those with significant trade surpluses with the US. "This Japan deal is a model," Chou argued. He tied this approach directly to broader strategic goals: "The Trump administration's aim is to collaborate with allies on greater American industrial production, economic security/supply chains, and dominance in both tech and energy." In that sense, the agreement is not just another trade deal. It is a redefinition of the economic architecture underpinning the Japan-US alliance, and perhaps a preview of how America will do business with the world in a new era of great power competition. The alignment also underscores what Chou describes as the "deep, layered, and self-reinforcing" nature of the Japan-US alliance. "Despite occasional differences, our 75-year-old alliance is more important than ever," he said. Author: Daniel Manning
South Wales Guardian
2 days ago
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Jalsa Salana: UK Muslim women ‘concerned' over negative attitudes toward hijab
Held annually at Oakland Farm in Alton, Hampshire, the Jalsa Salana attracts more than 40,000 participants in the Ahmadiyya Muslim community from across the world. As the event concluded on Sunday, a number of Muslim women in attendance reacted to the findings of a recent YouGov polling commissioned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community which found that 49% of respondents believe 'most British Muslim women who wear a hijab do so because they feel pressured by their family or community.' Total attendance at #JalsaUK Alhmadulillah — Jalsa Salana UK (@JalsaUK) July 27, 2025 'I was very disappointed, but maybe not all together surprised,' Munazzah Chou, 40, said. 'I think the scale was quite eye-opening, because it's quite a significant proportion.' Ms Chou, who works as an ophthalmologist in the NHS, added: 'The misconceptions about Muslim women in particular are slightly insulting toward the intellectual capacity of Muslim women. 'People make choices every day that we don't understand: as a doctor, I see patients and we offer them treatments, and they often make choices that we wouldn't recommend, but I never jump to the conclusion that they're being coerced. 'I know that my choice to wear hijab is just based on my religious belief.' Referring to the Jalsa Salana convention, she added: 'There are 20,000 women here who would have a different journey towards wearing their hijab, but I think every single one of them would tell you how this is not a coercive practice. 'They've done it out of personal choice, and all from possibly slightly different, nuanced reasons – but all out of free will.' Syeda Ahmad, 23, said the polling results made her feel as though Muslim women 'keep having to have the same conversations and make the same points over and over again'. A fundamental teaching of Islam, beautifully explained in the new book "In the Words of the Caliph." Fulfilling the rights of our neighbors is a "religious obligation." The Holy Qur'an provides a moral code that guides us on how to interact with all members of society.#JalsaUK — Jalsa Salana UK (@JalsaUK) July 27, 2025 'We do make our own choices, and we are fully thinking human beings who are able to do that ourselves,' she said. 'I feel like the results are maybe a reflection of a certain kind of attitude towards Muslim women that is more concerned with telling us how we feel and what we need, as opposed to asking us.' University student Unaizah Ahmad, 25, said she felt 'concerned' over the polling results. 'When there are calls made for hijab bans, I wonder if this is the mentality that is playing in the background and plays a role in people,' she said. 'And in my experience, it's the complete opposite. 'My hijab is completely my own choice. My religion, the way I practice it, is completely my own choice. 'I've never felt coerced or pressured to do with it. 'To people who hold that belief: I would encourage them to speak to Muslim women who wear a hijab, and hear it from them instead of giving in to preconceived biases.' In June, Reform deputy leader Richard Tice said there should be a 'national debate' on banning the burka. This came as former party chairman Zia Yusuf resigned following an internal row, in which he described a question asked to the Prime Minister by the party's newest MP, Sarah Pochin, about banning the burka as 'dumb'. 'His Holiness is the world leader for the cause of peace'. Sir Ed Davey sends a message of support to #JalsaUK — Jalsa Salana UK (@JalsaUK) July 27, 2025 Syeda Ahmad also further raised concerns over how these renewed calls for a ban on face-covering clothes will impact upon Muslim women and girls. 'If you're actually concerned about Muslim women and how we might be feeling, one of the worst things you can do is project your own prejudices and assumptions onto us,' she said. 'We've seen in other European countries that have introduced things like hijab bans or burka bans – we know from research that only serves to alienate Muslim women. 'It restricts them from places of education. It restricts them from places of work.' Wearing face-covering clothes is currently banned in seven European countries – France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria and Bulgaria – while other countries have enacted partial bans. 'A great thing about Britain is that there are no bans like that,' Ms Ahmad added. 'That's why you'll find Muslim women in this country working in all manner of professions, as confident people.' She added: 'Religion is personal to people. 'They decide what they want to do, what they want to follow, how far they want to follow it, and there's no punishment for not wearing a hijab in Islam. 'Crucially, Islam allows you to make a personal choice.' A spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said the survey's results 'highlight a persistent misunderstanding about Islamic teachings on modesty and women's choices'. The YouGov survey of 2,130 adults in Great Britain in mid-July asked people if they felt different groups of immigrants by religion generally have a positive or negative impact on the UK. While 41% said Muslim immigrants have a negative impact, the proportions feeling this way were much lower for other groups. Just under a quarter (24%) of respondents felt Muslim immigrants had a positive impact on the UK, lower than for any of the other religions stated.
Leader Live
2 days ago
- General
- Leader Live
Jalsa Salana: UK Muslim women ‘concerned' over negative attitudes toward hijab
Held annually at Oakland Farm in Alton, Hampshire, the Jalsa Salana attracts more than 40,000 participants in the Ahmadiyya Muslim community from across the world. As the event concluded on Sunday, a number of Muslim women in attendance reacted to the findings of a recent YouGov polling commissioned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community which found that 49% of respondents believe 'most British Muslim women who wear a hijab do so because they feel pressured by their family or community.' Total attendance at #JalsaUK Alhmadulillah — Jalsa Salana UK (@JalsaUK) July 27, 2025 'I was very disappointed, but maybe not all together surprised,' Munazzah Chou, 40, said. 'I think the scale was quite eye-opening, because it's quite a significant proportion.' Ms Chou, who works as an ophthalmologist in the NHS, added: 'The misconceptions about Muslim women in particular are slightly insulting toward the intellectual capacity of Muslim women. 'People make choices every day that we don't understand: as a doctor, I see patients and we offer them treatments, and they often make choices that we wouldn't recommend, but I never jump to the conclusion that they're being coerced. 'I know that my choice to wear hijab is just based on my religious belief.' Referring to the Jalsa Salana convention, she added: 'There are 20,000 women here who would have a different journey towards wearing their hijab, but I think every single one of them would tell you how this is not a coercive practice. 'They've done it out of personal choice, and all from possibly slightly different, nuanced reasons – but all out of free will.' Syeda Ahmad, 23, said the polling results made her feel as though Muslim women 'keep having to have the same conversations and make the same points over and over again'. A fundamental teaching of Islam, beautifully explained in the new book "In the Words of the Caliph." Fulfilling the rights of our neighbors is a "religious obligation." The Holy Qur'an provides a moral code that guides us on how to interact with all members of society.#JalsaUK — Jalsa Salana UK (@JalsaUK) July 27, 2025 'We do make our own choices, and we are fully thinking human beings who are able to do that ourselves,' she said. 'I feel like the results are maybe a reflection of a certain kind of attitude towards Muslim women that is more concerned with telling us how we feel and what we need, as opposed to asking us.' University student Unaizah Ahmad, 25, said she felt 'concerned' over the polling results. 'When there are calls made for hijab bans, I wonder if this is the mentality that is playing in the background and plays a role in people,' she said. 'And in my experience, it's the complete opposite. 'My hijab is completely my own choice. My religion, the way I practice it, is completely my own choice. 'I've never felt coerced or pressured to do with it. 'To people who hold that belief: I would encourage them to speak to Muslim women who wear a hijab, and hear it from them instead of giving in to preconceived biases.' In June, Reform deputy leader Richard Tice said there should be a 'national debate' on banning the burka. This came as former party chairman Zia Yusuf resigned following an internal row, in which he described a question asked to the Prime Minister by the party's newest MP, Sarah Pochin, about banning the burka as 'dumb'. 'His Holiness is the world leader for the cause of peace'. Sir Ed Davey sends a message of support to #JalsaUK — Jalsa Salana UK (@JalsaUK) July 27, 2025 Syeda Ahmad also further raised concerns over how these renewed calls for a ban on face-covering clothes will impact upon Muslim women and girls. 'If you're actually concerned about Muslim women and how we might be feeling, one of the worst things you can do is project your own prejudices and assumptions onto us,' she said. 'We've seen in other European countries that have introduced things like hijab bans or burka bans – we know from research that only serves to alienate Muslim women. 'It restricts them from places of education. It restricts them from places of work.' Wearing face-covering clothes is currently banned in seven European countries – France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria and Bulgaria – while other countries have enacted partial bans. 'A great thing about Britain is that there are no bans like that,' Ms Ahmad added. 'That's why you'll find Muslim women in this country working in all manner of professions, as confident people.' She added: 'Religion is personal to people. 'They decide what they want to do, what they want to follow, how far they want to follow it, and there's no punishment for not wearing a hijab in Islam. 'Crucially, Islam allows you to make a personal choice.' A spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said the survey's results 'highlight a persistent misunderstanding about Islamic teachings on modesty and women's choices'. The YouGov survey of 2,130 adults in Great Britain in mid-July asked people if they felt different groups of immigrants by religion generally have a positive or negative impact on the UK. While 41% said Muslim immigrants have a negative impact, the proportions feeling this way were much lower for other groups. Just under a quarter (24%) of respondents felt Muslim immigrants had a positive impact on the UK, lower than for any of the other religions stated.
North Wales Chronicle
2 days ago
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Jalsa Salana: UK Muslim women ‘concerned' over negative attitudes toward hijab
Held annually at Oakland Farm in Alton, Hampshire, the Jalsa Salana attracts more than 40,000 participants in the Ahmadiyya Muslim community from across the world. As the event concluded on Sunday, a number of Muslim women in attendance reacted to the findings of a recent YouGov polling commissioned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community which found that 49% of respondents believe 'most British Muslim women who wear a hijab do so because they feel pressured by their family or community.' Total attendance at #JalsaUK Alhmadulillah — Jalsa Salana UK (@JalsaUK) July 27, 2025 'I was very disappointed, but maybe not all together surprised,' Munazzah Chou, 40, said. 'I think the scale was quite eye-opening, because it's quite a significant proportion.' Ms Chou, who works as an ophthalmologist in the NHS, added: 'The misconceptions about Muslim women in particular are slightly insulting toward the intellectual capacity of Muslim women. 'People make choices every day that we don't understand: as a doctor, I see patients and we offer them treatments, and they often make choices that we wouldn't recommend, but I never jump to the conclusion that they're being coerced. 'I know that my choice to wear hijab is just based on my religious belief.' Referring to the Jalsa Salana convention, she added: 'There are 20,000 women here who would have a different journey towards wearing their hijab, but I think every single one of them would tell you how this is not a coercive practice. 'They've done it out of personal choice, and all from possibly slightly different, nuanced reasons – but all out of free will.' Syeda Ahmad, 23, said the polling results made her feel as though Muslim women 'keep having to have the same conversations and make the same points over and over again'. A fundamental teaching of Islam, beautifully explained in the new book "In the Words of the Caliph." Fulfilling the rights of our neighbors is a "religious obligation." The Holy Qur'an provides a moral code that guides us on how to interact with all members of society.#JalsaUK — Jalsa Salana UK (@JalsaUK) July 27, 2025 'We do make our own choices, and we are fully thinking human beings who are able to do that ourselves,' she said. 'I feel like the results are maybe a reflection of a certain kind of attitude towards Muslim women that is more concerned with telling us how we feel and what we need, as opposed to asking us.' University student Unaizah Ahmad, 25, said she felt 'concerned' over the polling results. 'When there are calls made for hijab bans, I wonder if this is the mentality that is playing in the background and plays a role in people,' she said. 'And in my experience, it's the complete opposite. 'My hijab is completely my own choice. My religion, the way I practice it, is completely my own choice. 'I've never felt coerced or pressured to do with it. 'To people who hold that belief: I would encourage them to speak to Muslim women who wear a hijab, and hear it from them instead of giving in to preconceived biases.' In June, Reform deputy leader Richard Tice said there should be a 'national debate' on banning the burka. This came as former party chairman Zia Yusuf resigned following an internal row, in which he described a question asked to the Prime Minister by the party's newest MP, Sarah Pochin, about banning the burka as 'dumb'. 'His Holiness is the world leader for the cause of peace'. Sir Ed Davey sends a message of support to #JalsaUK — Jalsa Salana UK (@JalsaUK) July 27, 2025 Syeda Ahmad also further raised concerns over how these renewed calls for a ban on face-covering clothes will impact upon Muslim women and girls. 'If you're actually concerned about Muslim women and how we might be feeling, one of the worst things you can do is project your own prejudices and assumptions onto us,' she said. 'We've seen in other European countries that have introduced things like hijab bans or burka bans – we know from research that only serves to alienate Muslim women. 'It restricts them from places of education. It restricts them from places of work.' Wearing face-covering clothes is currently banned in seven European countries – France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria and Bulgaria – while other countries have enacted partial bans. 'A great thing about Britain is that there are no bans like that,' Ms Ahmad added. 'That's why you'll find Muslim women in this country working in all manner of professions, as confident people.' She added: 'Religion is personal to people. 'They decide what they want to do, what they want to follow, how far they want to follow it, and there's no punishment for not wearing a hijab in Islam. 'Crucially, Islam allows you to make a personal choice.' A spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said the survey's results 'highlight a persistent misunderstanding about Islamic teachings on modesty and women's choices'. The YouGov survey of 2,130 adults in Great Britain in mid-July asked people if they felt different groups of immigrants by religion generally have a positive or negative impact on the UK. While 41% said Muslim immigrants have a negative impact, the proportions feeling this way were much lower for other groups. Just under a quarter (24%) of respondents felt Muslim immigrants had a positive impact on the UK, lower than for any of the other religions stated.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Jalsa Salana: UK Muslim women ‘concerned' over negative attitudes toward hijab
Held annually at Oakland Farm in Alton, Hampshire, the Jalsa Salana attracts more than 40,000 participants in the Ahmadiyya Muslim community from across the world. As the event concluded on Sunday, a number of Muslim women in attendance reacted to the findings of a recent YouGov polling commissioned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community which found that 49% of respondents believe 'most British Muslim women who wear a hijab do so because they feel pressured by their family or community.' 'I was very disappointed, but maybe not all together surprised,' Munazzah Chou, 40, said. 'I think the scale was quite eye-opening, because it's quite a significant proportion.' Ms Chou, who works as an ophthalmologist in the NHS, added: 'The misconceptions about Muslim women in particular are slightly insulting toward the intellectual capacity of Muslim women. 'People make choices every day that we don't understand: as a doctor, I see patients and we offer them treatments, and they often make choices that we wouldn't recommend, but I never jump to the conclusion that they're being coerced. 'I know that my choice to wear hijab is just based on my religious belief.' Referring to the Jalsa Salana convention, she added: 'There are 20,000 women here who would have a different journey towards wearing their hijab, but I think every single one of them would tell you how this is not a coercive practice. 'They've done it out of personal choice, and all from possibly slightly different, nuanced reasons – but all out of free will.' Syeda Ahmad, 23, said the polling results made her feel as though Muslim women 'keep having to have the same conversations and make the same points over and over again'. A fundamental teaching of Islam, beautifully explained in the new book "In the Words of the Caliph." Fulfilling the rights of our neighbors is a "religious obligation." The Holy Qur'an provides a moral code that guides us on how to interact with all members of society.#JalsaUK — Jalsa Salana UK (@JalsaUK) July 27, 2025 'We do make our own choices, and we are fully thinking human beings who are able to do that ourselves,' she said. 'I feel like the results are maybe a reflection of a certain kind of attitude towards Muslim women that is more concerned with telling us how we feel and what we need, as opposed to asking us.' University student Unaizah Ahmad, 25, said she felt 'concerned' over the polling results. 'When there are calls made for hijab bans, I wonder if this is the mentality that is playing in the background and plays a role in people,' she said. 'And in my experience, it's the complete opposite. 'My hijab is completely my own choice. My religion, the way I practice it, is completely my own choice. 'I've never felt coerced or pressured to do with it. 'To people who hold that belief: I would encourage them to speak to Muslim women who wear a hijab, and hear it from them instead of giving in to preconceived biases.' In June, Reform deputy leader Richard Tice said there should be a 'national debate' on banning the burka. This came as former party chairman Zia Yusuf resigned following an internal row, in which he described a question asked to the Prime Minister by the party's newest MP, Sarah Pochin, about banning the burka as 'dumb'. 'His Holiness is the world leader for the cause of peace'. Sir Ed Davey sends a message of support to #JalsaUK — Jalsa Salana UK (@JalsaUK) July 27, 2025 Syeda Ahmad also further raised concerns over how these renewed calls for a ban on face-covering clothes will impact upon Muslim women and girls. 'If you're actually concerned about Muslim women and how we might be feeling, one of the worst things you can do is project your own prejudices and assumptions onto us,' she said. 'We've seen in other European countries that have introduced things like hijab bans or burka bans – we know from research that only serves to alienate Muslim women. 'It restricts them from places of education. It restricts them from places of work.' Wearing face-covering clothes is currently banned in seven European countries – France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria and Bulgaria – while other countries have enacted partial bans. 'A great thing about Britain is that there are no bans like that,' Ms Ahmad added. 'That's why you'll find Muslim women in this country working in all manner of professions, as confident people.' She added: 'Religion is personal to people. 'They decide what they want to do, what they want to follow, how far they want to follow it, and there's no punishment for not wearing a hijab in Islam. 'Crucially, Islam allows you to make a personal choice.' A spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said the survey's results 'highlight a persistent misunderstanding about Islamic teachings on modesty and women's choices'. The YouGov survey of 2,130 adults in Great Britain in mid-July asked people if they felt different groups of immigrants by religion generally have a positive or negative impact on the UK. While 41% said Muslim immigrants have a negative impact, the proportions feeling this way were much lower for other groups. Just under a quarter (24%) of respondents felt Muslim immigrants had a positive impact on the UK, lower than for any of the other religions stated.
