(* This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only. The original text is in Japanese.)

Stand-up Interview by Minister for Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba

Date: Tuesday, November 8, 2011, 8:30 a.m.
Place: In the Diet

Main topics:

TPP
Seizure of Chinese Fishing Boat

1. TPP

Question: As many as 150 Diet members opposing the TPP held a meeting yesterday with the aim of putting forward a Diet resolution. What response, if any, would you like to give to them?

Minister: I think it is time we determine an optimum way forward focusing on the future of Japan. We should come to a conclusion subject to the final decision of the Prime Minister. As I have been reiterating, I personally think that the TPP has enormous significance as a means of passing on our wealth to our children’s or grandchildren’s generation.Furtherrmore, while the population of Japan is decreasing significantly, I think it is important to share in the dynamism of the entire Asia-Pacific region, not only through the TPP but also in other ways including the so-called ASEAN Plus Three, that is Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea, and ASEAN Plus Six, which includes Australia, New Zealand, and India in addition.

2. Seizure of Chinese Fishing Boat

Question: The captain of a Chinese fishing boat was arrested off the coast of Torishima Island. Please tell us the Japanese Government’s view of and response to the matter.

Minister: I heard that the case is under investigation, and we reported the matter through a diplomatic channel. We have not received any protest from China, because the case happened in Japanese territorial waters.

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