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

Press Conference by Minister for Foreign Affairs Seiji Maehara

Date: Friday, February 18, 2011, 3:28 p.m.
Place: MOFA Press Conference Room

Main topics:

Opening Remarks
- (1) Return of the Research Whaling Fleet to Japan
Cancellation of High-Speed Railway System Construction Project in Florida
Japan-Indonesia Relations
Whaling Issue
The Northern Territories Issue
Situation in North Korea (Completion of Missile Launch Pad)
Realignment of US Military Forces
Japan-China Relations
Domestic Political Situation (Omitted)

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Return of the Research Whaling Fleet to Japan

Foreign Minister Maehara: I have one announcement.
With regard to research whaling, the minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries issued a statement at a press conference held today that Japan had no choice but to call off the research whaling mission for the current period from the viewpoint of ensuring the safety of the research vessels and the lives and property of the crew members. While this is due to obstructive acts by the Sea Shepherd, such obstructive acts are dangerous illegal acts that threaten the lives and property of the crew members of our country and the safe navigation of our ships that have been conducting lawful research activities on the open sea, and as such, they cannot be tolerated. Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for its part, has continuously called on the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand, which are the flag states of Sea Shepherd's boats, or where the boats make port calls, to take effective measures to prevent acts of violence by Sea Shepherd, it is extremely regrettable that Sea Shepherd still has not been stopped from its obstructive acts. Today, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Banno summoned the ambassadors of the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand to convey our regrets, as well as firmly request that they implement effective measures so that Sea Shepherd does not carry out obstructive acts again.

2. Cancellation of High-Speed Railway System Construction Project in Florida

Suzuki, Jiji Press: With regard to the high-speed railway system construction project in the US state of Florida, Governor Scott rejected federal subsidies, and therefore the project has been canceled, for all practical purposes. Please tell us your view on this and how it may affect the marketing of high-speed railway systems in coming days.

Minister: When I visited the United States in January, I took the trouble to spend a whole day going to Tallahassee to meet Governor Scott trying to promote our railway system, so it is extremely regrettable. The governor announced that at the present, Florida was giving up the Shinkansen project itself. What this means is a loss of opportunity not only for Japan, but also for other countries and companies which planned to sell their high-speed railway systems. Therefore, all we can say is that it just could not be helped. In other words, it is not a story that there was a plan and we lost to another country -- it is not a matter at that level. It means that at the present, the project itself is disappearing, and I feel that it just could not be helped. Although, various developments may take place in coming days. US Secretary of Transportation LaHood himself has also expressed disappointment, saying that it was extremely regrettable and that Florida lost an opportunity for employment and economic development. In that sense, as President Obama made a reference to high-speed railway systems in his State of the Union address, if the project revives in some way, we would like to firmly continue to promote the Shinkansen system. Since Florida is not the only place with such a project and there are plans in various parts of the United States to introduce high-speed railway systems, we intend to continue this government-private sector collaboration in coming days to market Japan's Shinkansen system.

3. Japan-Indonesia Relations

Saito, Kyodo News: I would like to ask questions concerning Japan-Indonesia relations. I have two questions, and one is that as Indonesia, which currently serves as the chairing nation for ASEAN, has reportedly become very influential. How does Japan intend to strengthen its strategic relations in coming days with Indonesia and how will that bring strategic benefits to Japan? The second question is that as I believe that there are various matters of common interest in terms of security relations between Japan and Indonesia, and these could be, for example, such matters as sea lanes, maritime traffic, and issues related to the South China Sea, in what specific ways do you hope that progress can be achieved in cooperative relations and what does Japan intend to propose?

Minister: Since it sounds like you are asking me to talk in advance about the details of my meeting that I will be holding with Foreign Minister Marty today, there will be a press conference after the meeting, so I would like to talk about it at that time. In that case, there would be more reality. I think it would be better to talk about real things, rather than speaking in general terms.
Since Indonesia is an important country to Japan, we would like to firmly enhance such things as political dialogue, security dialogue, and economic dialogue in coming days. I have heard that Foreign Minister Marty toured a certain advanced Japanese coal-fired electric power plant today and that during talks with Prime Minister Kan, he invited the Prime Minister to pay a visit before his planned attendance at the upcoming ASEAN conference. The Prime Minister invited President Yudhoyono to visit Japan, so at any rate, we would like to strengthen the relations between the two countries in the process of firmly conducting high-level exchanges, such as those between the top leaders, foreign ministers, and cabinet ministers. I would like to talk about the rest during the joint press conference.

4. Whaling Issue

Nagai, Nihon Keizai Shimbun: Whaling involves traditional Japanese culture, and I am aware that the current scientific research whaling is legal. Meanwhile, however, it is a fact that the international community – especially Australia and Europe – is extremely critical of whaling. What kind of balance do you intend to strike between Japan's national interest, culture, and tradition, and the values of the international community?

Minister: I agree with you that the historical background and food culture in relation to whales differ from country to country. The current scientific research whaling, Although, is definitely legal, and is conducted in accordance with the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. No country has the right to impede our lawful activities. Much less the Sea Shepherd. I think it is extremely regrettable that they have continued to try to pressure us into halting scientific research whaling which has lasted more than 20 years, and I think that we must take thorough measures against this type of impediment to lawful activities. It defies logic that something that is legally permitted should be interrupted, and become impossible due to the illegal interferences. Although we made the heartrending decision to return home this time for the sake of the crew's safety, we will work on the diplomatic front and since we must not allow ourselves to be prevented from doing what is allowed by law, I think that the government must devise countermeasures so that Japan can continue to act resolutely in accordance with the law.

Ichihara, NHK: You stated that today, you summoned the Ambassadors of The Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand, and expressed regrets to them. How did each of the Ambassadors react to this? Will they cooperate with Japan's requests?

Minister: State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Banno met with the Ambassador from New Zealand from 1:45 to 2:00 PM; with the Australian Ambassador from 2:10 to 2:25 PM; and he will meet with the Dutch Ambassador from 4:15 to 4:30 PM; and I have not yet heard the details from him. I also intend to have my staff put up a press release.

Saito, Kyodo News: A similar identical to this one occurred last year. Needless to say, I think that this could have been foreseen. Although this question may be better suited to another Ministry or Agency than the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I would like to ask you, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, if the Government could have taken a few more measures if it could have foreseen this. Also, Mr. Watson, the suspect, has made a wide range of statements to the Japanese media, and since his location is also known, I would like to ask if you have requested or will request his extradition to Japan.

Minister: The Fisheries Agency is the central organization for considering countermeasures. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide them with our full cooperation if they so request. With regard to our handling of the suspect, this is something to be considered by the Japan Coast Guard, so we will provide them with solid support should they request it.

Kamide, Freelance: Although you said earlier that we must take specific measures, I think that many more countries than we suspect oppose this on emotional grounds. In a different sense from sovereignty issues, I think that working "resolutely" may not be effective in some aspects. Please tell us what specific improvements you intend to make, and your perception of the reactions of each country at this time.

Minister: I think that the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand, which I mentioned earlier, responded fairly sincerely to our explanations and approaches. For example, the Netherlands may strip the ships of the right to fly its flag, or create a law to that effect. Foreign Minister-level officials in Australia and New Zealand have also provided relatively detailed explanations, or prior discussions, including telephone conferences and direct meetings. In this sense, I think that we must somewhat consider activist groups like the Sea Shepherd separately from these three countries. Therefore, the Fisheries Agency will take specific measures against the Sea Shepherd for research whaling, and we will exert a diplomatic influence. Amid this, I think that the three countries have responded fairly attentively and sincerely, so I think that we must also actually consider collaborating with these three countries.
As mentioned earlier, however, it is a fact that views on whales differ. Nevertheless, we will respond to all issues based on the law and justice, so we intend to discuss rationally with these sovereign nations regarding the fact that we have the legitimate right to act in accordance with the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling.

5. The Northern Territories Issue

Lee, Hong Kong Phoenix TV: I have a question about Chinese companies expanding to the Northern Territories. Please tell us again about the position of the Government of Japan on expansion there by Chinese or Korean companies. Additionally, an official from China's Ministry of Commerce has stated that it supports overseas expansion by Chinese companies; has the Government of Japan lodged any protests or taken countermeasures against these actions? Also, please tell us if you think that these actions will adversely affect the relations between Japan and China, or between Japan and South Korea.

Minister: I think that Chinese and Korean companies are free to do business in cooperation with a wide range of countries. However, the Northern Territories are the inherent territory of Japan, and our legal position is inconsistent with holding cooperative relations with Russian companies.
Having said that, we have not yet been able to confirm the facts. Although I am aware of media reports that Chinese and Korean companies have cooperated, we have not confirmed it concretely. In any case, I think that we can have both China and South Korea consider the fact that it is inconsistent with our legal position with a broad perspective.

6. Situation in North Korea (Completion of Missile Launch Pad)

Takeuchi, TBS: I have a question regarding North Korea. It has been reported in the media that North Korea has built a new large-scale missile launch pad at a place called Tongchang-ri, near the border between China and North Korea. This was reported by the US Voice of America. How much information does the Government of Japan have with this information? Alternatively, how far has confirmation work progressed? Please respond on these two points.

Minister: I am aware of such media reports. However, making statements about it could create impediments to Japan's intelligence analysis or intelligence collection. I will refrain from answering this question.

7. Realignment of US Military Forces

Deguchi, Kyodo News: At a meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services, US Secretary of Defense Gates announced that the United States is aiming at a resolution to the Futenma Air Station replacement facility issue by around spring. You and Prime Minister Kan have continuously said that the Japanese Government did not intend to negotiate with Okinawa by setting a deadline because that would be impolite. How do you intend to coordinate the views of the Japanese Government with the hopes and requests of the US side?

Minister: We have no intention to resolve this issue by setting a deadline, and I believe that the United States understands that. At the same time, however, we must work on having Futenma Air Station returned and its dangers removed. Therefore, we believe that we need to simultaneously proceed with the work to the extent that is possible. Since Japan and the United States, including Secretary Gates, have been maintaining close collaboration, there are no discrepancies between the two countries over this matter.

Deguchi, Kyodo News: While I believe that you are looking into holding a 2+2 meeting before Prime Minister Kan's visit to the United States in the first half of this year, if you read the agreement of last May straightforwardly, it can be interpreted that during the next 2+2 meeting, decisions are to be made on such matters as the method of constructing the replacement facility. May I understand that not making decisions on the construction method and other matters is an option even if a 2+2 meeting are to be held?

Minister: Japan and the United States are discussing that right now.

Ichihara, NHK: As Defense Secretary Gates has stated that based on the interactions that took place during his visit to Japan last month, he hoped that the matter would be settled by late spring, does that not mean that at the time of his visit, the Government of Japan indicated an outlook with regard to the timing of settling the matter? Does it not mean that there is poor communication between Japan and the United States in that respect?

Minister: I looked through the entire so-called Secretary Gates' statement at a meeting of the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, and I got the impression that there is good communication between Japan and the United States and that there are no discrepancies at all between the two countries. I also felt that his statement gave due consideration to the position of the Japanese side.

8. Japan-China Relations

Hashimoto, Kyodo News: While the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced the other day that two pandas will be coming to Ueno Zoo from China, do you think that Japan-China relations that turned sour due to the trawler collision incident off the Senkaku Islands will improve as a result of China's panda diplomacy? Moreover, do you think that it is good news for the Kan administration, which seeks to improve relations with China?

Minister: I think that it is good. We hope that with the pandas coming to Japan, their gaining popularity here, and many Japanese people going to watch them, the Japanese public will have a better impression of China. Although the lease charges are quite high, I feel that it is all right. We also would like to make various efforts to further improve Japan-China relations.

9. Domestic Political Situation (Omitted)

(Omitted)

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