Press Conference by the Press Secretary 14 February 1997

Adoption of legislation by Serbia
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ken Shimanouchi: On 11 February, the Serbian Parliament adopted a special law to accept the recommendations contained in the report of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mission regarding the results of local elections held on 17 November 1996. Japan welcomes the adoption of this legislation as a positive step toward the solution of the internal unrest since last November in Serbia. While carefully watching to see if this special law is fully implemented, Japan hopes that dialogue between the Government and the opposition parties will be promoted to establish democratic rule in the country. That is the announcement that I wanted to make, and I will be delighted to respond to any questions that you might have.
Defection of a high-ranking North Korean official
Q: I have a question about the defection of a high-ranking North Korean official. Some analysts are saying that in order to keep North Korea from collapsing because of this incident, neighboring countries should support North Korea in various ways. I would like to know the position of the Government of Japan on how it is willing to support North Korea?

A: Let me explain the basic position of the Government of Japan regarding this matter. We understand that this matter is now under consultation between the Governments of the Republic of Korea and the People's Republic of China. We have been in close contact with the Government of the Republic of Korea regarding this matter. We will continue to make efforts to gather information on this matter, and to watch developments closely, in particular the talks between the Republic of Korea and China. I do not have any further comment.

Q: Since there have been concerns raised around the region about how North Korea will respond to this incident, how concerned is the Government of Japan?

A: All I can say is that we will be watching developments very closely. In particular, we will be watching how the talks will go between the governments of the Republic of Korea and China. That is all I can say at this point.
Chinese illegal immigrants in Japan
Q: I have a question in regard to the recent announcement of statistics on Chinese illegal immigrants. I understand that you have been negotiating with China. Is there a plan to take some action?

A: Yes, we did take action. Yesterday, 13 February, Director-General Ryozo Kato of the Asian Affairs Bureau asked Minister Wu Dawei of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Japan to come to his office. With regard to this issue, he made a request to the Government of China along the following lines. First, he explained the very serious situation regarding the increased numbers of illegal immigrants from China. He told Minister Wu from the beginning of January this year to 4 February that the number of illegal immigrants had reached 330 -- the figure for the entire year in 1996 was a little over 500. He told Minister Wu that this has become a serious social problem for Japan, and he was concerned that this might have a negative impact on the relations between the two countries. He requested that the Chinese side take quick and effective steps. More specifically, he asked the Chinese side to enhance patrolling activities off the coast of China, including points close to ports of departure, and also to strengthen inspection at the ports of departure. He also asked the Chinese side to enhance law enforcement activities against brokers and potential illegal immigrants. He also asked the Chinese side to step up the public campaign against illegal immigration, particularly in the Province of Fujian. Those are some of the points that he conveyed to Minister Wu.
Mainland-related crime in Japan
Q: In light of this meeting with Chinese officials and the concern about immigration, and also last week's case involving the kidnapping, there has been some concern raised about mainland-related crime. Is the Government of Japan concerned about mainland-related crime as a by-product of these events?

A: In discussion with Minister Wu, Director-General Kato mentioned that this was becoming a serious social problem. As an example, he mentioned the recent kidnapping case. Does that answer your question?

Q: Could you quantify how concerned the Government is right now about mainland crime issues?

A: We are concerned about the sudden increase of illegal entrants coming from mainland China, and the serious social problem that this is becoming. I do not know if I can quantify this, but it is a very serious issue for us. That is why Director-General Kato asked Minister Wu to come to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday.
Food aid to North Korea
Q: Can you explain the state of negotiations between Japan and North Korea over the provision of food aid? Are these negotiations likely to be influenced in any way by Mr. Hwang's defection?

A: I believe you are referring to the request for assistance issued by the World Food Program (WFP) on 12 February. We received this request yesterday, 13 February. We will look at this request and study the details included therein. After that, we will be considering a response to this request. That is the point we are currently at.

Q: What is the Japanese view on the question of whether providing food aid may prop up a repressive regime which is on the brink of collapse? Is this an argument for not providing food aid to North Korea?

A: All that I can say is that the WFP issued a humanitarian appeal to the international community. Japan just received this request yesterday, and we are presently looking at this request. We have not decided where to go from here. Thank you very much.

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