Press Conference by the Press Secretary 10 September 1996

Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiroku Kajiyama on the Plebiscite in Okinawa Prefecture on 9 September 1996
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hiroshi Hashimoto: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to this Ministry of Foreign Affairs regular press conference. We distributed copies of the provisional translation of the statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiroku Kajiyama on the plebiscite in Okinawa Prefecture, which the Chief Cabinet Secretary made orally yesterday.

That is the announcement that I wanted to make, and I will be delighted to respond to any questions that you might have.
Repair of Takeshima Island building
Q: The Japanese right-wing political group, Seinensha -- they built a new lighthouse yesterday. So, I would like to ask what the Japanese Government's attitude is on this issue?

A: What the Ministry of Foreign Affairs knows about this is that yesterday, a civil, private group went over to Kitakojima Island and repaired the building which was damaged during the typhoon season. That is what we know about this.

Q: Since Hong Kong and Taiwan, also China, are really against this action, why is the Japanese Government still allowing this group to repair or rebuild it?

A: There are several elements to your question. If you ask about the Government's attitude toward the activities of the private group, I would like to say that the Government of Japan is not involved in the activities, and the Government of Japan does not support the activities. We sincerely hope that both the people of Japan and the People's Republic of China deal with the Senkaku Islands issues calmly, so that it will not affect the friendly relationship between Japan and China, which the Government of Japan regards as highly important.
Recent discussions between Japan and the People's Republic of China
Q: So far, any mutual understanding reached between the Beijing Government and the Japanese Government on the Senkaku Islands. By what means do you communicate?

A: The position of the Government of Japan, namely, that these islands are an inherent part of Japanese territory, has been long made public. This position has been known to the Government of China. At the same time, it is not our intention to jeopardize the friendly relationship between the two countries. We sincerely hope that it will not affect the friendly relationship. The other day, on another issue, two officials of the two governments met in Beijing. They talked about the future fishing relationship. At that time, the Government of China stated its stance on the Senkaku Islands, and the Japanese delegation also stated the position of the Government of Japan on this.

Q: When did it happen?

A: It was from 28-29 August. But, it was not an occasion for talking on the Senkaku Islands; it was an occasion for talking about the future fishing relationship between the countries.

Q: Fishing cooperation?

A: Yes. Japan and China now have a fishing agreement. Both Japan and China have now ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and both governments have already introduced relevant domestic laws and regulations. So, on the basis of this, we have to renew our agreement. Including the August meeting, we have met already twice informally. At the last meeting, the Government of China touched on the status of the Senkaku Islands. We also relayed our fundamental position on this. We hope that the difference between the position of the two countries will not hinder the development of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Q: How does the Japanese Government respond to the sentiment of the Asian people? They are protesting over there in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China.

A: On this island matter?

Q: The sentiment of the people. How do you respond?

A: We sincerely hope that they treat this matter calmly. As I said, the position of the Government of Japan has been made public for a long, long time. We did not just formulate it this year, particularly. We hope that the Chinese people understand that. In any case, the most important thing is that both nations should treat this matter calmly.

Q: The Chinese Government had asked the Japanese Government to destroy the lighthouse. Is there any possibility that the Japanese Government will do so? That is what the Chinese spokesman, Mr. Chen said.

A: We understand that Foreign Ministry Spokesman Shen Guofang of the People's Republic of China said so, but I cannot confirm whether it was said through diplomatic channels. However, what I would like to emphasize here is that the Government of Japan is not involved in their activities, and does not intend to support their activities. That is our stance. However, the position of the Government of Japan on the Senkaku Islands has long been made public.
Japan-China bilateral relations
Q: Would it be fair to say, then, that this issue has already damaged relations at all, or created any fears in the Japanese Government position -- fears about damaging relations with China?

A: We know that the Chinese people, especially in Hong Kong and Taiwan these days, engage in demonstration. But, again, I must say that the position of the Government of Japan on this issue has been made public, even to them, for a long, long time. We would simply ask them to deal with this matter calmly. That is what we want to emphasize.

Q: But, admittedly, that has not happened so far.

A: Yes. For the time being, we just keep asking the Chinese people to be calm.
Interim Report of the Special Action Committee on Facilities and Areas in Okinawa (SACO)
Q: On the issue of the Okinawa Referendum, is there any suggestion that the Japanese Government will seek a further reduction in the U.S. presence in Okinawa beyond what was agreed with the Americans in April?

A: In April, the Interim Report was publicized. We are now doing our best to finalize the Report by the end of November. We have to implement what the Interim Report of the Special Action Committee on Facilities and Areas in Okinawa (SACO) in April said about the reduction of forces.

Q: But, you don't anticipate that the Japanese Government will seek further reductions beyond what was spelled out?

A: I cannot say whether it is virtually impossible or not to add more to the Interim Report. But, in any case, it is, for us, very important to implement what the two governments have decided to do. Therefore, we are now concentrating on the implementation of the SACO Interim Report. But, a final report will be publicized by the end of November. So, would you please be patient. Still, we cannot tell whether we can add something more to the Interim Report.

Q: How serious is the disagreement over finding a new location for the helicopter base out at Futenma?

A: Futenma Marine Corps Station is the crucially important issue for us. The Japanese side asked the United States side to give us their technical assessment of possible relocation plans for the Futenma base -- what sort of technical requirements should be met, and so on. After we receive the report from the United States side, we will we begin to know whether it can be relocated to a particular place or not. So, for the time being, there is much speculation about this, but we are simply waiting until the United States side gives us their technical report.

Q: Do you regard the referendum result as reflecting any broad concerns in the Japanese community about the Japan- U.S. Security Alliance?

A: I believe the documents already said what Chief Cabinet Secretary Kajiyama said about this. Already, the Government of Japan knows the sensitivities or the requirements of the Okinawan people on this issue. Therefore, together with the United States Government, we issued the Interim Report, and in line with the Interim Report, we continue to do our best to make a final report, so that the Okinawan people can accept the final offer from the two governments. Today, Governor Masahide Ota of Okinawa Prefecture will meet Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, and we sincerely hope that this meeting will be able to produce a meeting of the minds between the Central Government and Okinawa Prefecture, but we will have to wait and see what the results of the meeting will be.
Domestic Private ownership of Senkaku Islands
Q: You say that the Government is not involved in their activities, so people are free to go to the Senkaku Islands to build anything? Do you think it was a mistake to allow them to build a lighthouse in the first place, and do you wish they hadn't done that?

A: I do not know if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is entitled to answer your questions, because your questions are related to domestic policies. However, what I can explain to you is that first of all, those islands are privately owned. The Government does not have any land on them. Therefore the Government of Japan cannot be directly involved in the utilization of the privately owned land. Secondly, you talked about a lighthouse, but we consider this building as just a physical building. It is not a lighthouse in accordance with Japanese law. Therefore, the Government of Japan does not regard the building as a lighthouse. Therefore, I will once again tell you that the Government of Japan is not involved in the activities of the private group, and has no intention of supporting its activities either.

Q: So, you wish they hadn't built anything there?

A: They built something on private land. We have not approved the building of a lighthouse in accordance with a relevant law.
Research vessels of the People's Republic of China navigating Japanese territorial waters
Q: Do you have any comment on China's investigation ships? These days, there have been some investigating activities in the Senkaku Islands area. Has Japan taken any action on this case?

A: I do not have the documents here, but I recall that a Chinese research vessel entered the territories of the Senkaku Islands. A Japanese Maritime Safety Agency patrol boat spotted the ship. The Japanese patrol boat advised the crew of the Chinese research vessel to leave the area, and that ship eventually left the territory. After that, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through diplomatic channels, told its Chinese colleagues that if Chinese vessels want to engage in research in Japanese territories or in the Japanese EEZ, they must ask our permission to do so. This is what we have done.
Private ownership of Senkaku Islands under Okinawan jurisdiction
Q: I want to know whether the Government of Japan has ever issued any citizenship or any ID cards for people visiting the Senkaku Islands?

A: Japanese citizens are not required to carry any official documents when they travel in Japan.

Q: I thought that they hold juminhyo issued by the Okinawa Government?

A: As far as juminhyo are concerned, it is necessary for each Japanese citizen to register where they live. That is a law. It is not necessary for any Japanese to always carry the juminhyo. I do not know what you have in mind on the juminhyo.

Q: I mean, do the Japanese people have the right to be citizens of the Senkaku Islands?

A: The Senkaku Islands are privately owned land.

Q: It's sold by the Government?

A: The Government does not own any land at all over there. For the time being, the Islands are uninhabited.

Q: Who owns the Islands?

A: I do not know who owns them, but I know that several people who live on Ishigaki Island own the land. But, those people, of course, should have their own juminhyo on Ishigaki Island.

Q: For foreigners holding visas, can they travel to the Senkaku Islands?

A: We are not required to take any documents when we travel in Japan.

Q: That means, then, that I could go there by myself if I hold a Japanese visa?

A: If you go? This is privately owned land. Do you think that without getting the permission of a private owner you can enter into a house? In any case, the Government of Japan simply regards those islands as privately owned.

Q: That means these islands are not governed by the Japanese Government. That's just how it feels.

A: Those islands are privately owned. That is what I can tell you.
Japanese policy on Senkaku Islands
Q: But, it is within the sovereignty of Japan, or not?

A: As I have said, the Government of Japan has long made public that the Senkaku Islands are an inherent part of Japanese territory.

Q: Can you tell me more about the sources of the heritage? As far as I know, it belonged to the colonial government of Taiwan during Japanese rule before the war. And, in 1971, Okinawa was returned to Japan by the U.S. But still, the Senkaku Islands are not clear. It could be, under international law, that it is unsettled territory.

A: Unfortunately, I do not have a document to refer to here, but what I can say today is that for a long, long time, the Government of Japan has made public that the Islands are an integral part of Japan. However, it does not necessarily mean that the Japanese side wants to have the bilateral relationship jeopardized by this matter. On the contrary, although the Government of China has a different attitude, we would like to strengthen our bilateral relationship, and we would hope that this will be the case in the future.

Q: From when were the Islands inhabited?

A: I do not have any documents to refer to. I should be very precise, but I do not know whether it is worth debating between you and me on the history. I am simply stating the position of the Government of Japan.
Private sector domain of Seinensha activities
Q: Since the Islands are privately owned, and as you say, it is a private group that put the structure there, does that mean that the Government is unwilling to intervene in that group's activities, even if they are directly requested to do so by the Government of China?

A: That's a very hard question, I should say. Probably, my answer has not satisfied you, but I would like to repeat it once again. The Government of Japan is not involved in their activities, and has no intention of supporting them. That is what we can say, because the Islands are privately owned. At the same time, what I can say is that both the Japanese and Chinese -- I repeat, Japanese and Chinese -- should deal with this matter calmly. If we take on this issue in a different way, it will simply hurt both nations. So, we simply appeal to both nations to deal with this matter calmly.
Seinensha application for building's approval as formal lighthouse
Q: I understand that the rightist group, Nihon Seinensha sent a team of men to repair the lighthouse -- a second lighthouse. They filed a formal application to make it a formal lighthouse, so it will be included in nautical charts. Is the Government going to accept their application? How likely is it that the Government will approve it?

A: When the rightist group at first built the so-called lighthouse, they sent an application to the Maritime Safety Agency to approve the building as a formal lighthouse. But, it was damaged by the typhoon. I understand that they have withdrawn the application. As I said, yesterday the group once again went over to the Island and repaired the building itself. I do not know whether it has been fully repaired or not. But at present, I am not aware of whether that group has applied once again for the approval.

Q: I talked to the head of the group yesterday. He said he will. So, I am curious if the new repaired lighthouse will meet all the requirements for approval.

A: If the group decides to once again apply, I am sure that the Maritime Safety Agency will deal with this matter, but I do not know how they will do so.
Visit to Japan by Chairman of the Palestinian Interim Self Government Yasser Arafat
Q: Today, Chairman Arafat will arrive in Japan for a four- day visit. He would like to establish an independent Palestinian state. What is the Japanese Government's position regarding such an independent Palestinian state?

A: First of all, I would like to quickly explain that Chairman of the Palestinian Interim Self Government Yasser Arafat will visit Japan this time in response to the request of then-Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama to visit Japan. The other day, my boss, Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda, visited the Middle East and enjoyed talks with Chairman Arafat. Now, as all of us know, the peace process, especially the Palestinian track, is especially important. We would like all the relevant parties to make progress on this issue; therefore, we are delighted to have an opportunity once again to exchange views with Chairman Arafat. Especially when Foreign Minister Ikeda exchanged views with him, Chairman Arafat highly appreciated our assistance to the Palestinian people. The Government of Japan continues to extend appropriate assistance to the Palestinian people, and we hope that the talks will be very fruitful. That is what I can say for the time being.
Principles of private land ownership as they apply to the Senkaku Islands
Q: Back to the Senkaku Islands issue, has the private owner of the Islands paid any taxes to the Government?

A: I do not know these details. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not directly involved in domestic laws, so unfortunately, I cannot answer this.

Q: Do they own the Islands permanently?

A: Why do you ask permanently?

Q: I want to know, if there is any law --.

A: Unless the owners sell their properties, the properties belong to their original owners. I do not know the details of land transactions over there.
Continuation of fishing talks between Japan and Taiwan
Q: Is the Japanese Government worried about anti-Japanese sentiment?

A: We consider the bilateral relationship between Japan and China to be so important that we sincerely hope that the Chinese people will be calm on this issue, and at the same time, we sincerely hope that they understand the fundamental position of the Government of Japan. We understand that several Taiwanese fishermen have been engaging in fishing in the area. As far as that particular issue is concerned, several days ago, a Japanese private group visited Taiwan and exchanged views on this matter. We understand that Taiwan continues to talk about this issue, and although the time has not been settled, we understand that Taiwan wants to bring over representatives on fishing matters, to continue to talk on this issue. We just envisage that talks will continue to take place. By doing so, we hope that any anxiety that they may have over the Taiwanese fishermen issue will be lessened.
Possible establishment of an independent Palestinian state
Q: I was asking about the Japanese Government's position on the establishing of an independent Palestinian state.

A: As far as an independent Palestinian state is concerned, it is going to be discussed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the State of Israel and Chairman Arafat. This is probably the most important aspect of the next stage of the negotiations on the so-called Palestinian track. So, we hope that the two parties can find a meeting of the minds.

Q: Will Japan support such type of idea?

A: I do not have an official document to answer you correctly. We have been supporting the multilateral formula of the peace process. I am sure that the Government of Japan will continue to do so. As far as your particular question is concerned, if you give me time, my colleagues can answer you officially.
Maritime Safety Agency jurisdiction over lighthouse application
Q: About the lighthouse, am I correct to understand that the application was under consideration when the lighthouse was hit or fell?

A: No, the application just reached the Maritime Safety Agency. After that, it was withdrawn.

Q: Do you hope that they will reapply to the Maritime Agency, or do you hope that they will or won't approve it?

A: First of all, I still do not know whether the next application will be sent to the Maritime Safety Agency. If that is what the private group's intention is, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs just wants to know when it will be applied for at the Maritime Safety Agency. But, basically, it is completely up to the Maritime Safety Agency as to how they handle this matter.

Q: Does that mean that Japan's relationship with Beijing, and growing anti-Japanese sentiment about this issue in China, will have no effect whatsoever on the Japanese Government's decision on whether or not to approve this lighthouse?

A: This is difficult; unless we know of the application sent to the Maritime Safety Agency, it is a bit soon to answer your question. I am not sure whether I can answer your question correctly, but the Government of Japan wants to develop overall friendly bilateral relations with China on the basis of the Japan-China Communiqué, and the relevant documents. This stance has not changed at all. As far as the particular application is concerned, first of all, we have to confirm whether the application is really lodged by the group or not.

Q: You just said that the decision to approve or not approve would reside mainly with the MSA. Does that mean that the Foreign Ministry is not contacting the MSA to make any input on the decision, as far as diplomatic concerns with China are concerned?

A: Although I can not respond directly to your question -- of course the Maritime Safety Agency is an organ of the Government of Japan -- the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is always in a position to know how adjacent countries react, and so on. We keep providing the reactions of other countries to the relevant organization.

Q: So, are you saying that diplomatic considerations will play a role in this lighthouse situation?

A: I cannot tell you anything at all on this. This can be a very technical matter. I do not know whether the Maritime Safety Agency will eventually receive an application or not. In any case, past history says that it was applied for, but even after that it was withdrawn.

Q: But ordinarily, would reactions from other countries play a role in decisions similar to this one?

A: I cannot tell you anything on this.

Q: You said clearly earlier that the Japanese Government is not willing to support them. So, can I say that the Japanese Government will recognize this as a formal lighthouse? If I report it that way, would it be right?

A: What I mean is that one group goes over to the Islands, sets up a building, and goes once again over there to make repairs, and so on -- we do not support this, we are not engaged in these activities. But, at the same time, if they apply for something in accordance with the relevant Japanese law, it is completely up to the responsible organizations as to how they will handle the application. So, I cannot, unfortunately, nor can the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, prejudge what another organ of the Government of Japan will do.

Q: Actually, as far as I know, the Seinensha's people do not own the land. The owner is -- I don't know the name of the owner -- but, I am sure Seinensha's people did not own the land there. So, how could they go there to build the lighthouse if it was not their own land?

A: I cannot confirm this, but presumably with the understanding and permission of the owners.

Q: But, the Government of Japan would just let somebody go in to build a lighthouse on private land and not check if they got permission? You just said that you don't know if they got the permission or not.

A: Nobody argued in Japan that the activities of the Seinensha went against laws on the usage of private land.

Q: It is very ironical, because the patrol boat from the Maritime Safety Agency will not allow any fishing boats to go in the area, but Seinensha's boat is ok? If that's what you said, why?

A: As I said, the position of the Government of Japan on the Islands has been clear.

Q: It is private land. If I go there, as long as the owner didn't say anything, there's nobody against it, right?

A: Yes, of course. If you get permission from the owner, of course you can go. But, the Government cannot be involved, unfortunately.

Q: In previous cases, applications were made under the name of the fishermen in the particular islands --.

A: I am sorry, I do not now the details of the application. Probably Seinensha. I should not say anything which I cannot confirm.

Q: Has Japan approved, as official lighthouses, any other structures that have been built by this rightist group?

A: If you are talking about the Senkaku Islands, no.

Q: I mean in any other place in Japan?

A: As far as I understand, no. I have not heard of that.

Q: If a foreigner wants to go to the Islands, can they get approval from the Government? How do I contact the owner?

A: I am sorry, but I do not have information on this.

Q: I want to know if I can go there.

A: I do not know what you are saying about this, but in any case, what I can say is that I do not have any information about who actually owns the land.

Q: You don't check it out, or don't make any effort to go there?

A: Because the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has nothing to do with those kinds of domestic activities. They are handled by other organizations.

Q: Are you saying then, that the Foreign Ministry would be willing to allow this lighthouse approval to go through, even at the risk of offending or causing deeper resentment?

A: I did not say so.

Q: I am trying to get a sense as to whether you regard this as having any diplomatic significance, and so far my impression is that you're saying that it is mainly a technical matter that has only to do with the marine authorities.

A: What I want to say is that I do not want to prejudge anything -- that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not enjoy authority. At the same time, I would like to say that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in a position to provide information in relation to, for example, the sensitivities of other nations, and so on. So, I have just explained to you the function of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rather than commenting on the particular issue. I am explaining to you the overall activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the other agencies. Thank you very much.

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