Press Conference by the Press Secretary 17 September 1996

The policies of Japan on the 51st Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hiroshi Hashimoto: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regular press conference. The 51st Session of the United Nations General Assembly starts today. Therefore, I would like to very briefly explain to you the Government's policies toward this session. Japan has been supporting and contributing to United Nations activities. While United Nations reform is needed, the role of the United Nations will not diminish in the future. Think of the recent United Nations missile attacks on several military facilities in the Republic of Iraq as an example. The United States of America got support from many countries, including Japan, because their actions were compatible with the related United Nations resolutions. Japan continues to pursue the effective and legitimate activities of the United Nations. As for the non-permanent membership of the Security Council, Japan hopes to occupy a seat on the Security Council from January of next year. As for United Nations reforms, Japan is of the view that the Member States of the United Nations should seize the momentum generated by the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations last year, and make early progress toward reform. Japan's intention is to make every effort to realize the reforms of the United Nations as a whole, in a balanced manner, in the fields of peace and security, finance, and development. As for financial reform, particularly regarding the scales of assessment, it will be useful to introduce into the present system -- which is based on the principle of "capacity to pay" -- a concept that might be called "responsibility to pay." As for the United Nations development field, Japan advocates that the output-oriented development strategy should be established between developed and developing countries. As for the reform of the Security Council, Japan supports an increase in permanent and non-permanent seats of the Security Council, so as to enhance its legitimacy and effectiveness. Also, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was adopted in the United Nations General Assembly, with the support of many Member States. Japan strongly hopes that as many members as possible will sign this treaty, and that those countries that have expressed opposition to this treaty will reconsider their positions from the broader perspective of promoting disarmament, and that through early accessions to this treaty, it will be brought into effect at the earliest possible time. As you know, Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto of Japan will attend the General Assembly of the United Nations. On this coming Friday, on 20 September, after the regular press conference handled by Deputy Press Secretary Ken Shimanouchi, two directors who are responsible in United Nations activities will brief you thoroughly on the Japanese policies toward the 51st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. I would encourage you to come and listen to their briefing.

That is the announcement that I wanted to make, and I will be delighted to respond to any questions that you might have.
Japan's possible candidacy for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council
Q: So, for the permanent seat for Japan, do you know how many countries now support Japan?

A: We still do not know how many countries will support Japan's possible candidacy for a permanent seat. Very recently, a report of the study group on the reform of the Security Council was released, and there are a variety of opinions on this. So, we would like to maintain the momentum of the United Nations reform. It may be rather difficult for us to do so, but I am sure that Prime Minister Hashimoto will do his best when he actually addresses the General Assembly.

Q: Among the relevant countries on the United Nations Security Council, how many countries support Japan?

A: Non-permanent members?

Q: The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

A: The United States has been supporting Japan's possible candidacy, but apart from that, I am not aware of the details. I should not say anything that I do not know for sure, but I understand that the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China have not expressed their full support for this idea, if I remember rightly.

Q: Regarding United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, does Japan support him?

A: Japan has not yet taken up a position on this issue. The Government of Japan has been establishing a very good working relationship with United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali. At the same time, we know that the Administration of President William Clinton of the United States is opposed to his reelection. Based on those facts, we will take up a position on this in the future; but, it is a bit premature for us to do so, because this issue has not yet been taken up at the Security Council debates. So, we will wait, and continue to exchange views with various countries, and in due course we will formulate our position.
Visit to Japan by Prime Minister John Howard of Australia
Q: The Australian Prime Minister Mr. Howard, who will be arriving here on Thursday for talks with Prime Minister Hashimoto -- what areas of discussion do you think will be raised by the Japanese side?

A: I apologize, but I do not have the relevant documents here. My colleagues will check on this and inform you later regarding the main purpose for the visit.

A: Prime Minister John Howard will come to Japan between 18-21 September. During his stay he will talk to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Hashimoto and Prime Minister Howard will talk about the bilateral relationship, and regional issues -- specifically in the Asia-Pacific region. Apart from that, within the time permitting, they will exchange views on other points of international relations, too. That is basically what we know about Prime Minister Howard's visit to Japan.

Q: On that specifically, with Australia being critical of Japan's position in terms of APEC and its agenda -- that it's not confirmed -- do you expect this to be discussed?

A: I am sure that the APEC issue will be raised between the two Governments. At the last Senior Officials Meeting, 18 members submitted their first drafts of their National Action Agenda. By the time of the Ministerial Meeting and Leaders Meeting in Manila and Subic respectively, the 18 members should be further encouraged to brush up and improve the content of their proposals on the Action Agendas. I believe that Prime Minister Hashimoto and Prime Minister Howard will exchange views on this, but I am not personally aware that the Government of Australia has been so critical of the Japanese offer on the Action Agenda.

Q: When Mr. Downer was here, the Foreign Minister of Australia, he made several public statements saying that Australia was dissatisfied with the first draft of the Japanese proposal.

A: I understand that several members have given substantial proposals; however, there are several members who have not given substantial offers yet. So, it is necessary for all 18 members to improve the content of the plan, and I am sure that Prime Minister Hashimoto will exchange views on this with Prime Minister Howard.

Q: There are two issues to raise. One is Indonesia's proposal to restrict shipping from Japan through its archipelago. Australia is pretty unhappy with this, and I think Japan is asking questions about this of the Indonesians. Would you expect this to be discussed between Mr. Howard and Mr. Hashimoto?

A: I apologize, but I do not have the answer to that. If I remember correctly, this issue is going to be, or has already been, taken up at the International Maritime Organization.

Q: It's not clear.

A: I see. Still I apologize, but I do not have an answer.
Yen loans to the Republic of Indonesia
Q: I saw in the Japanese press today that Japan is extending ODA to Bali, Indonesia, at ﾂｴ9.5 million for beaches over there. Can you confirm that? And, why is the Government doing that now?

A: My colleagues will check with the yen-loans division and get back to you on this. Just as background, I would like to explain to you that Japan has been extending soft loans to the Republic of Indonesia. Every now and then -- I am not actually talking about Indonesia -- we extend soft loans for improvement of infrastructure in tourist spots. Because of hygiene problems or because of the poor condition of transportation and roads, and so on, there are several countries which cannot attract tourists. In these cases, based on requests or based on necessity, every now and then, Japan extends soft loans for improvements to the basic infrastructure in tourist spots. But, as for the article you mentioned, yes, I read the article, but I thought it was not about a firm confirmation on this. I will ask my colleagues to check on this and get back to you later.
The fundamental position of the Government of Japan on the Senkaku Islands
Q: Japan has certainly come under increasing criticism over this Senkaku Islands dispute. How does Japan see this dispute getting resolved?

A: We are concerned about the rising sentiments of the Chinese people, especially in Hong Kong and Taiwan. I would just like to repeat the position of the Government of Japan, which my colleagues and I explained to you last week. It is that Japan wishes that both the Chinese and Japanese peoples approach this matter calmly, so as not to affect the bilateral relationship to which Japan attaches great importance. As for the fishermen in Taiwan who are concerned about their fishing rights in the future, already a Japanese mission from the private sector was sent to Taiwan and exchanged their views with the Taiwan authority. We know that Taiwan wants to continue the talks, but still the Government is not in a position to announce when the next round in the talks at the private level will be conducted. However, the Government of Japan knows that the talks on fishing will continue in the future.

Q: Have any mechanisms been established to discuss seabed mining rights?

A: Between Japan and Taiwan?

Q: Between Japan and China -- the exploitation of natural gas in the seabed.

A: We have been conducting formal talks on the fishing agreement with our Chinese colleagues. During that session, the Japanese side explained the new legislation of Japan on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Chinese side also explained their legislation. During the talks, the Chinese side raised the Senkaku Islands issue, and stated their position. The Japanese side also explained the fundamental position of the Government of Japan on this. However, during the talks, they did not specifically talk about the exploitation of the continental shelf between Japan and China.

Q: Under the Law of the Sea, they have to negotiate don't they?

A: That is right. Therefore, we have begun our informal talks on this matter. We have held the talks twice in the past.
The North Africa-Middle East Summit in Cairo
Q: There is a lot of debate in the lead-up to the economic summit coming up in Cairo in November. This summit will be held on the progress of the peace process. How does Japan look to this summit, and do you think that it is going to be held as planned before?

A: I am afraid that today I am a bit ill-prepared. There are many questions that I cannot answer directly today. Again, my colleagues will check on this and provide you with an answer shortly.
Japan-China relations as related to the Senkaku Islands
Q: Regarding the Senkaku Islands, today's Yomiuri Shimbun actually states that it is unlikely that Japan will give permission to recognize the lighthouse, due to the pressure from China. Can you confirm this information?

A: As far as the Government's position on the application for the construction of the lighthouse, the Government of Japan is now carefully studying how to respond to this application, but we have not reached a conclusion yet.

Q: Also, the New York Times says that the position of the United States is that they do not support any country's claims to the Islands. If China wanted to use military force, America will probably not support Japan, so what is the reaction of the Japanese Government toward this?

A: We know the position of the United States on the Senkaku Islands. It has been known for a considerable period already. But, as far as a possible use of force by China, I hope that it will never be the case. Japan has been repeatedly telling our colleagues in China that we would like to maintain a good relationship with them. Even the United States says that this kind of issue should be settled peacefully through talks. I do not think that the Government of China intends to use force on this issue.

Q: So, Japan is willing to talk about this issue of territory -- who actually owns the land -- with other countries then?

A: Japan has repeatedly made it clear that the Senkaku Islands are an integral part of Japan. As I said to your colleague today, regarding our chance to talk on the fishing matter, it was probably not a good expression to say, "raised the issue;" but, Chinese officials made their position known on the Senkaku Islands at the meeting. The Japanese side also stated our fundamental position. Basically, they were not meeting there to discuss Senkaku Island issues.
Fishing talks between Japanese private-sector interests and Taiwan
Q: Regarding Fishing rights between Japan and Taiwan, the first round of talks were held in Taiwan in October. Will the second round of talks be held in Taiwan or Japan?

A: According to the press report, it seems that Taiwan would like to bring its delegation to Japan next time. Unfortunately, we still cannot tell you when and where the second round of the talks will be held. But, we hope that in the not too distant future, the relevant organizations will be in the position to make an announcement on this matter. I apologize that I could not answer some of your questions today, but my colleagues will do some checking and provide you with answers. Thank you very much.

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