(* This is a provisional translation by "WIP ジャパン" for reference purpose only. The original text is in Japanese.)

Press Conference by Foreign Minister Taro Aso

Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2006, 9:20 a.m.
Place: In front of the Ministers' Room in the House

Main topics:

Japan-China Relations
Realignment of U.S. Forces

1. Japan-China Relations

Question:
A meeting is expected this week about the gas fields in the East China Sea. Last time, China made some proposals, so how are you going to try to find common ground with China this time?

Minister:
Nothing will get underway without first setting a date, so we will be setting a date for the meeting this week. The rest will follow.

Question:
Last time, China made two proposals, one regarding the area around the Senkaku Islands and other regarding the area to the north of them. Many are of the opinion that China and Japan may find a point of agreement over the proposal regarding the northern area. What is your opinion on the matter?

Minister:
From the beginning the issue of the northern area has been considered one of possible consensus, therefore could well be possible.

Question:
Is the Japan side thinking of making new proposals about any other issues besides these ones at the next meeting?

Minister:
I think a variety of things will be discussed.

2. Realignment of U.S. Forces

Question:
At present, discussions are taking place on the detail of the various legal matters relating to the realignment of U.S. forces. Will it be necessary to amend the law concerning JBIC in order to enable the financing of contributions for the transfer to Guam?

Minister:
That's not something I'm directly in charge of, but I somehow think that going ahead with the law as it is would be difficult.

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