(* 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 Koichiro Gemba

Date: Friday, September 21, 2012, 11:50 a.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Opening Remarks
- (1) Attendance to the General Assembly of the United Nations
Deployment of the Osprey to Japan
Japan-China relations
Deployment of the Osprey to Japan
Japan-China relations

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Attendance to the General Assembly of the United Nations

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba: If the circumstances allow, I will take a trip next week to New York for the general debate of the UN General Assembly. I will deliver Japan’s resolve to make an even more active contribution to various issues faced by the international community.

I am talking about the UN General Assembly. For example, there are issues like development that the international community places unwavering, firm trust in Japan. In addition, there are also matters that Japan has so far taken the lead on, such as the issues of nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, and Security Council reform as well as the importance of international law in settling international disputes and in governing international relations. The honest exertion of our wisdom and hard working in the international arena on any of these issues will be the first step toward the strengthening of Japan’s international position.

Of course, I am also ready to firmly explain Japan’s position on our territory and seek the understanding of the international community through meetings with my counterparts in New York. I hope to proceed with preparations thoroughly so that my attendance at the UN General Assembly this time will be a significant opportunity for Japan to strengthen its international stand.

2. Deployment of the Osprey to Japan

Kikuchi, Nippon TV: Osprey test flights commenced today, while some local residents remain vocal in their opposition. Could you please share with us how you are going to respond to this matter, and how you are planning to address the concerns of the residents?

Minister Gemba: I had been informed that the Osprey would be put into operation sometime after September 21 in order to maintain the aircraft in functional condition, in terms of the operational aspects so to speak, and allow for pilot training. This is the first instance in which this specific aircraft model or equipment has been assessed in terms of safety in an unprecedented manner in the world; the Japanese Government took the initiative in assessing the safety of the aircraft as the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee formed a certain sufficient level of agreement on its operation. Today's commencement of the operations occurred after this process took place. I would like to once again repeat that the Osprey is indispensable in ensuring security of Japan and East Asia. The Osprey is indispensable because they will constitute a core equipment of the Marines. In comparison to the CH-46E, the new aircraft has twice the speed, three times the payload and four times the flight range. This will, without doubt, lead to greater deterrence capacity. From the safety perspective as well, I have always said this, but the CH-46E is an old model with production discontinued 20 year ago. Continuing to fly the aircraft is not desirable in the long run from the safety perspective. After all, the only model capable of replacing the aircraft is the Osprey. The Japanese Government has made every effort to assess and confirm the safety of Osprey operation and formed an agreement regarding its operation in Japan. Therefore it is my hope that we can somehow gain support.

3. Japan-China relations

Kikuchi, Nippon TV: I would like to ask a question in regards to the Senkaku Islands. You earlier expressed your desire to meet with foreign ministers of different countries; are you expecting to have talks with the Chinese Foreign Minister? Also, moving forward, how will you secure a channel for communication outside of the General Assembly of the United Nations?

Minister Gemba: Bilateral talks, including Japan-China talks are currently being arranged, so I'm not as yet sure of the details of the talks. I must say, however, that dialog is extremely important with regards to Japan-China relations. I believe that it is extremely important that we peacefully calm the current situation. To achieve this we have already been in communication with the Chinese side. We have always done this, but we are trying to further strengthen diplomatic communications. Additionally, I believe it is very possible that I myself will have talks with China in some form, if time permits or the situation presents itself. As the Prime Minister said, I also believe that communication via various channels, not only diplomatic ones, is important.

Kikuchi, Nippon TV: In relation to the Senkaku Islands issue, leading up to the election of the President of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP), some have voiced hard line opinions against China, suggesting the establishment of a Japanese marine corps. How do you view this development?

Minister Gemba: You mentioned hard line opinions regarding China, but I believe people have formed varying opinions. As I stated earlier, Japan and China have signed four basic treaties and agreements in the past and I believe that following the commitments of these documents is important. Furthermore, Japan-China relations are important bilateral relations. In fact, I believe that we can say that it is one of the most important and it is my hope that we can cooperate so that we can retain, as is always put, the mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests toward the development of both countries.

Yokota, Mainichi Shimbun: It has been reported that yesterday China informed some Japanese companies of its intention to strengthen customs inspections. I would like to ask if you have been informed of this development. If so, how are you going to address the matter, and also do you view this as a reaction relating to the Senkaku Islands?

Minister Gemba: Firstly, there is no doubt that we must be prepared for all sorts of eventualities. On the other hand, the economy depends on interdependent relationships. As you all know, China is Japan's most significant trading partner. If I am right, the U.S. is China's largest trading partner but Japan is still its second largest. Additionally, Japan is China's largest source of foreign investment. I also believe that Japan is the country from which the largest number of companies have been entering China. Therefore, in light of these facts, anything is possible, but because our interdependency is very important to the economy, I believe that good communication is vital to ensure that the issues regarding the Senkaku Islands do not result in these kinds of economic measures that interfere with the stable development of Japan-China relations. Yet we must be prepared for all kinds of eventualities.

Yokota, Mainichi Shimbun: Am I right to understand that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been officially informed that China has taken these measures?

Minister Gemba: I have received varying reports, so I am unable to comment at the moment.

Matsuura, Yomiuri Shimbun: My question regards the Senkaku Islands. It has been reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a protest against the acts of Chinese fishing patrol vessels exercising authority over Chinese fishing boats within the Japanese EEZ. Could you please inform us of the facts and how you are to address this matter?

Minister Gemba: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs did lodge a protest.

Kamide, Freelance: In the past few days you have made a number of comments to the effect that China's approach has improved, and that China is a very important country. Could you give us some specific examples of sign of improvement or efforts Japan has made?

Minister Gemba: Firstly, I have always emphasized that violence cannot be tolerated, regardless of the reason. We need to remain vigilant against continuing anti-Japan demonstrations and be wary of those that can turn violent. However, it appears that the situation is somewhat calming down, although we cannot predict the future. However, as I said earlier, I understand that unfortunately the broader underlying issues are not problems that can be easily resolved. Therefore, I would like to make every effort to peacefully keep the situation under control.

4. Deployment of the Osprey to Japan

Toiyama, Ryuku Shimpo: Today the Osprey test flights were commenced, but I believe that the local situation in Okinawa is not at all positive. Will local consent be a prerequisite for the deployment and commencement of full operations of the Osprey? Or, even if Okinawa remains opposed to the Osprey, will you still move the Osprey to Futenma Air Station?

Minister Gemba: In Iwakuni, for instance, if you asked me if there had been clear consent, I would rather answer that there was no clear consent. However, I understand that Iwakuni people supported the test flights in the understanding that these tests were for the benefit of national security. Moving forward I would like to continue to make efforts to gain this kind of support from Okinawan residents as much as possible.

5. Japan-China relations

Takenaka, Reuters: There have been a number of media reports on the recent activities of the Chinese navy in the East China Sea. Is there anything that the Japanese Government is aware of, or anything that you can share with us as to how you are going to address this situation?

Minister Gemba: No, there is nothing I can share now; however, we have an interest in the situation and are keeping an eye on it.

Yokota, Mainichi Shimbun: Earlier, you mentioned the importance of peacefully calming the situation and I would like to ask about measures the Government will take to resolve the issue. I believe that the Government's stance is that there are no territorial issues, but you did state the other day that there is a diplomatic issue. How do you view the possibility of utilizing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as a means to achieve peaceful resolution? Is it possible that Japan will institute proceedings, or if China initiateds, would Japan be willing to participate?

Minister Gemba: I would like to emphasize the significance of the rule of law, and as the Japanese Government has made a contribution to the enhancement of the rule of law. I also believe that the UN Charter is important. In short, when a conflict arises, it should be peacefully resolved in line with international law. I believe that in principle this is very important. You raised the topic of the Senkaku Islands, and as I have always said, there is no doubt that the Senkaku Islands are clearly an inherent territory of Japan, in light of historical facts and based upon international law. In light of this, I do not presently see any necessity to initiate proceedings with the ICJ.

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