Thế giới toàn cảnh 29/12: Nhiều người Nhật Bản từ chối nhận thừa kế | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Waste-to-Energy (WtE): Converting waste materials into usable energy, primarily electricity.
• Akia (空き家): Vacant or abandoned houses in Japan, a growing problem due to demographic shifts.
• Inheritance Rejection (相続放棄): The increasing trend in Japan of individuals refusing to inherit assets, particularly property.
• US-Ukraine Conflict Mediation: Ongoing efforts by the US to facilitate a peaceful resolution between Ukraine and Russia.
• Thailand Rice Export Challenges: Declining rice exports due to a strong baht and increased competition.
• South Korea Childcare Services: Expansion of public childcare services to address safety concerns and parental needs.
• South Korea DUI Regulations: Stricter regulations and penalties for driving under the influence.
• Bank of Korea Monetary Policy: Commitment to stabilizing the foreign exchange market and managing inflation.
• China's Industrial Strategy: Focus on developing emerging and future industries to bolster economic growth.
• China's Foreign Trade Law Revision: Strengthening national interests and competitiveness in international trade.
• Hamas Leadership Election: Upcoming election to determine the future direction of the Palestinian movement.
• Malaysia Tourism Expansion: Plans to increase international flight connectivity to boost tourism in 2026.

Indonesia's Waste-to-Energy Initiative

Indonesia is prioritizing waste-to-energy (WtE) as a cornerstone of its green and circular economy strategy. The National Investment Coordinating Authority will provide funding, while the state-owned electricity company will be responsible for receiving and distributing the generated power. Indonesia produces approximately 35-60 million tons of waste annually. Each 1,000 tons of waste can generate around 15 MW of electricity. The country aims to produce a total of 453 MW of electricity from waste between now and 2034. Successful implementation is expected to boost economic productivity, increase state revenue, and improve the quality of life for citizens.

Japan's "Akia" Crisis and Inheritance Rejection

Japan is facing a growing crisis of vacant houses, known as Akia (空き家), with approximately 9 million currently abandoned nationwide. This is driven by a shrinking inheritance population and an aging demographic where inheritors, often elderly themselves, have diminishing interest in these assets. The process of inheriting real estate and other assets is also becoming increasingly complex and burdensome. A record 129 billion yen (approximately $833 million USD) in unclaimed assets reverted to the Japanese state treasury last year. This reflects the consequences of a declining population and increasing social isolation among the elderly. The number of people rejecting inheritance is rising, with the proportion of deceased individuals without spouses or direct relatives increasing. Low rates of will creation also contribute to the problem.

According to Channel News Asia, projections indicate that by 2038, one in three houses in Japan will be vacant, totaling over 23 million unoccupied properties. Akia are particularly prevalent in rural areas and small towns due to youth migration to larger cities.

Reasons for inheritance rejection include:

• High Inheritance Tax: Can reach up to 55% of the asset's value, paid by the inheritor, not the estate.
• Financial Burden: Inheritors may lack the funds to pay the tax, especially if the deceased had debts.
• Land Tax: Vacant land is taxed higher than land with buildings, increasing financial strain.
• Legal Complexity: Inheritance tax returns must be filed within 10 months of death, with penalties for delays.

Former Special Advisor to multiple Japanese Prime Ministers, Johara, stated that even reducing inheritance tax wouldn't solve the problem, citing the shrinking inheritance population and the complexity of the inheritance process. He proposed taxing foreign property purchases at 65% (similar to Singapore) to generate 10 trillion yen in revenue, which could be used to lower consumption tax from 10% to 1%. He emphasized that the asset inheritance issue isn't the most critical problem facing Japan.

Efforts to revitalize Akia are underway, with local governments supporting private investment in renovating abandoned houses for tourism purposes. The revised Private Lodging Business Act, effective June 2018, encourages private sector investment in vacant houses to create tourist accommodations. Increasingly, elderly individuals are also choosing to donate their assets to charities in their wills, reflecting a growing trend of altruism.

International Relations and Conflict Resolution

• US-Ukraine Negotiations: US President Donald Trump held a nearly three-hour meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Malago, aiming to mediate an end to the conflict with Russia. Trump described the meeting as "excellent," stating that both sides are close to a peace agreement, with only one or two contentious issues remaining, notably the future of the Donbas region. He estimated that a deal was 95% complete, while Zelenskyy stated that a 20-point peace plan was 90% agreed upon, with full consensus on security guarantees from the US. Trump believes the conflict could end within weeks and is open to a trilateral meeting with the US, Russia, and Ukraine. He also reported a 2.5-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing cooperation on reopening the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
• China's Role in Cambodia-Thailand Conflict: China has called for a phased approach to consolidating the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, restoring normal relations, rebuilding trust, and maintaining regional stability. Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized China's commitment to promoting peace through dialogue and supports the role of ASEAN, offering assistance to its observer mission. Cambodia expressed willingness to cooperate with Bangkok to implement the agreement and resolve border issues.
• China's Industrial Strategy: China has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to promote emerging and future industries, including advanced materials, aerospace, low-altitude economy, and biomedicine, while supporting breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and commercializing new services like satellite internet.

Economic Updates

• Thailand Rice Exports: Thailand's rice exports are projected to decline to 7 million tons in the coming year, compared to approximately 8 million tons this year, due to a strong baht and increased competition from India. Thailand plans to target new markets in Germany, Switzerland, and the US, promoting its rice as a cultural product with unique flavor and value.
• South Korea Childcare Expansion: South Korea will launch a new public service from January 1st, allowing parents to leave their children (ages 6-12) at childcare facilities until midnight. This follows recent fatal apartment fires where children were left unsupervised. The service will be available at 360 after-school care centers nationwide, costing 5,000 won (approximately 90,000 VND) per day, with free access for low-income families.
• South Korea DUI Regulations: From October of next year, South Korea will implement a conditional driver's license system. Repeat DUI offenders will only be re-licensed if they install an ignition interlock device. Non-compliance could result in up to one year in prison or a fine of 3 million won, and license revocation.
• Bank of Korea Monetary Policy: The Bank of Korea (BOK) has committed to actively intervening to stabilize the foreign exchange market, given pressure on the won and imbalances in supply and demand. The BOK will enhance market monitoring, stabilize exchange rates when fluctuations exceed acceptable levels, and coordinate with the government to address structural imbalances. Measures include 24/7 foreign exchange market access, revised regulations for non-resident investors, and improved access to foreign capital. The BOK emphasizes that exchange rate developments will be a key factor in future interest rate decisions.
• US Stock Market: US stocks experienced a slight adjustment on Friday but maintained a positive trend for the week. The S&P 500 rose 1.4% (its fourth consecutive weekly gain), while the Dow Jones and NASDAQ both increased by 1.2%. Technology stocks continue to drive market gains, with a broadening trend into cyclical sectors like finance and materials.
• China's Industrial Profits: China's industrial profits declined at the fastest pace in over a year in November, falling by over 13% year-on-year, bringing year-to-date growth down to 0.1%. This is occurring as China attempts to address overcapacity and low consumer confidence.
• China's Foreign Trade Law: China has officially adopted a revised Foreign Trade Law to protect national interests and enhance its economic competitiveness. The law, effective January 1st, strengthens provisions safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests.

Concluding Synthesis

The report highlights a diverse range of global developments, from economic challenges and policy shifts to geopolitical tensions and demographic crises. Key themes include the increasing importance of sustainable practices (Indonesia's WtE initiative), the consequences of aging populations (Japan's Akia crisis), and the ongoing efforts to resolve international conflicts (US-Ukraine mediation). China's continued economic and strategic maneuvering, alongside South Korea's proactive policy adjustments, demonstrate a dynamic global landscape requiring adaptability and strategic foresight. The report underscores the interconnectedness of these issues and the need for comprehensive, long-term solutions.