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Press Conference 20 June 2000

1. Announcement on the funeral ceremony of Her Majesty The Empress Dowager
2. Announcement on the start of "Overseas Travel Safety Week"
3. Debriefing on the North-South Korea Summit Meeting by the Republic of Korea's Special Envoy
4. The 7th Japan-China Security Dialogue Meeting
5. Vice-Ministerial Subcommittee Meeting of the Japanese-Russian Joint Committee on the Conclusion of a Peace Treaty
6. Comment on the Ministerial level Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Council Meeting
7. The World Summit for Social Development and Beyond: achieving social development for all in a globalizing world
8. Follow-up questions to the 7th Japan-China Security Dialogue Meeting
9. Follow-up questions on the North-South Korea Summit
10. Other issues

1. Announcement on the funeral ceremony of Her Majesty The Empress Dowager

   Press Secretary Ryuichiro Yamazaki: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I have several announcements to make. My first announcement is on the funeral ceremony of Her Majesty The Empress Dowager.

   It was decided at this morning's Cabinet Meeting to hold the funeral ceremony on 25 July and that the Imperial Household would be in charge of the various preparations for this event.

   In this connection I have two additional announcements. One is that Their Imperial Highnesses, Prince and Princess Akishino, who were scheduled to visit Mongolia from late June to early July, have now canceled their visit due to the passing away and the period of mourning for Her Majesty The Empress Dowager.

   Secondly, on 20 July, His Majesty The Emperor was scheduled to host a banquet in honor of the leaders who would be in Tokyo at that time to attend the G8 Kyushu-Okinawa Summit. However, against the background of the passing away of and the period of mourning for Her Majesty The Empress Dowager, this banquet has been canceled.

2. Announcement on the start of "Overseas Travel Safety Week"

   Mr. Yamazaki: This week, 19 June to 25 June, has been designated "Overseas Travel Safety Week." More than 16 million Japanese traveled overseas last year, and with the summer vacation travel period not so far away, we thought it timely to increase the conscientiousness and awareness of Japanese nationals intending to travel overseas.

   We have five levels of risk, starting from the lowest, number one, to the highest, number five. The highest risk level, number five, means that all Japanese should evacuate that country or the region within that country concerned. As of 15 June, there were ten cases which fitted this description.

3. Debriefing on the North-South Korea Summit Meeting by the Republic of Korea's Special Envoy

   Mr. Yamazaki: My next announcement concerns the debriefing by Special Envoy, Senior Secretary for Diplomacy and Security to the President, Hwang Won Tak, who was sent to Japan by President Kim Dae Jung of the Republic of Korea. Senior Secretary for Diplomacy and Security Hwang met with Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono for approximately one hour yesterday, during which time he debriefed us in detail on the recent events that took place between the two leaders in Pyongyang.

   At the outset of this debriefing meeting, Foreign Minister Kono congratulated the Republic of Korea for the very successful summit meeting that had just been concluded. He further noted that the very fact that the two leaders were able to sign the agreed document showed how successful this trip by President Kim Dae Jung to Pyongyang was. Foreign Minister Kono hoped that further dialogue would proceed between South Korea and North Korea, and that tensions would be further eased on the Korean Peninsula.

   In response to this remark, Senior Secretary Hwang thanked both Japan and the United States for their help in the process toward realizing this important summit meeting. At the same time, on behalf of President Kim Dae Jung, he expressed their condolences for the passing of Her Majesty The Empress Dowager and that of former Prime Minister Noboru Takeshita.

   Senior Secretary Hwang touched upon several points during this summit meeing. One was in regard to the message Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori had asked President Kim Dae Jung to convey to Secretary-General Kim Jong Il of North Korea about his (Prime Minister Mori's) strong will and eagerness to normalize relations with North Korea. According to Senior Secretary Hwang, President Kim Dae Jung did certainly convey this message, and Secretary-General Kim Jong Il took the message with gratitude and asked President Kim Dae Jung to convey this reaction to the Japanese side.

   Concerning the question of missiles and the nuclear issue, President Kim Dae Jung did talk at length with Secretary-General Kim Jong Il, telling him that these two problems were a common concern among Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States. President Kim Dae Jung stated that it was very important to solve these issues, because unless they are solved, neighboring countries would continue to feel threatened, which in turn would not be favorable for the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia as a whole. President Kim Dae Jung stated that such a situation would neither contribute to reconciliation nor cooperation between the two Koreas. President Kim Dae Jung also mentioned that the world is now in a stage of globalization and that without cooperation from the international community, no country can survive and prosper on its own. In this connection, he sated that unless the nuclear and missile issues were solved, cooperation from the international community could not be obtained.

   Moving onto the signed document in which "unification independently" is mentioned, President Kim Dae Jung was of the view that in order to solve the issue of the Korean Peninsula, the two parties directly concerned, namely the Republic of Korea and North Korea, should play a central role. However, he also viewed cooperation among neighboring countries as indispensable, and in this connection he intends to continue close consultations and cooperation with Japan and the United States while maintaining friendly relations with the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation. President Kim Dae Jung remarked to Secretary-General Kim Jong Il that he hoped North Korea would also improve their relations with Japan and the United States, and that unless they obtained cooperation from these two countries, things would not move along smoothly, even though the South and North may be in agreement. President Kim Dae Jung believed that Secretary-General Kim Jong Il understood these points.

   In relation to the reference of "a loose form of federation," after the two leaders had lengthy, in-depth discussions on this issue, they were able to identify some common grounds. This issue was mentioned in the document precisely so that the two sides would explore further ways to realize what "a loose form of federation" might mean.

   According to the impressions on the part of the Republic of Korea, the recent summit meeting represents the opening of a door toward reconciliation and cooperation between the two Koreas. Further effort is required to advance relations between the two. Senior Secretary Hwang reiterated the point that cooperation between Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea really did contribute to the realization of this summit meeting, and that the South Korean side thought it important that the three countries continue to cooperate in the future.

   Responding to the above explanation, Foreign Minister Kono stated that on the nuclear and missile issues, it was his understanding that Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States were of the same position, and that he appreciates the fact that these issues were taken up at the summit meeting. He also agreed that it was important that the three countries cooperate closely.

   On Japan's own normalization negotiations with North Korea, Foreign Minister Kono reiterated Japan's intention to persistently pursue this issue, and expressed hope that, with further easing of tensions due to the recent summit meeting, the conditions for negotiations with North korea would be rendered more favorable.

   Although the issue of United States forces in the Republic of Korea was not covered in Senior Secretary Hwang's debriefing, we had heard through normal diplomatic channels from the Republic of Korea that President Kim Dae Jung did explain the point that the presence of American troops in the Republic of Korea was important for the peace and stability of the region.

   Related Information (Japan-Republic of Korea Relations)
   Related Information (Japan-North Korea Relations)
   
4. The 7th Japan-China Security Dialogue Meeting

   Mr. Yamazaki: On 19 July in Beijing, the 7th Japan-China Security Dialogue Meeting took place. Representing Japan from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was Director-General of Asian Affairs Bureau Kunihiko Makita and Director of the Research Division Takamizawa of the Japan Defense Agency. Representing the Chinese side was Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs Zhang Jiuhang of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director of the People's Liberation Army General Staff Headquarters Miao Pengsheng of the Ministry of Defense. An in-depth and frank exchange of views was conducted and I will highlight a few points.

   On the overall security situation in the Asian Pacific region, the Chinese side, namely Director-General Zhang of the Chinese Foreign Ministry suggested that in the regions of the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan, and South Asia movements toward the easing of tensions were evident, and that the regions were relatively stable. On the other hand, in some countries he saidthere still exists an old way of thinking concerning security concepts which holds that military alliances should serve as the foundation of security. He stated that joint exercises had increased and noted that some countries were proceeding with the deployment of missile defense systems.

   In response, Director-General Makita welcomed developments such as those on the Korean Peninsula as well as the holding of a meeting in Manila last December between the leaders of Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea for the first time. On the other hand, Director-General Makita stated that there were elements that lacked transparency, such as weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. It is Japan's view that in this region we need to secure the presence and engagement of the United States. In that connection he explained that Japan was trying to enhance the credibility of the Japan-US Security Treaty.

   Increasing the credibility of this bilateral relationship is not based on an outdated concept of security that seeks to strengthen military alliances, rather its purpose is to ensure that Japan can play a more constructive role in regional security.

   With regard to Japan's position concerning Taiwan, it is as articulated in the Japan-China Joint Communique. However, if some unpredictable incident should occur in the Taiwan Straits, it could be extremely detrimental to Japan's security and it is our strong wish that the two parties on both sides of the Taiwan Straits solve this issue peacefully. These were the views stated by Director-General Makita.

   Director-General Zhang mentioned that there is tension over Taiwan because of elements that want to promote the independence of Taiwan. He remarked that as far as China's basic position is concerned, China is "one country, two systems" and seeks peaceful unification. To this end, China is watching what the new leader of Taiwan, Chen Shui-bian, will say and what sort of actions he will take.

   Moving on to security and defense policies, the Chinese side mentioned four points: (1) how they were proceeding to construct their military with emphasis on high-technology; (2) that China's defense budget, in absolute, per capita, and per military personnel terms, as well as in terms of its ratio to gross national product, is at a low level; (3) that as far as transparency efforts were concerned, China issued the Arms Control White Paper in 1995 and the Defense White Paper in 1998 and would do their best to increase transparency and issue White Papers as necessary; and (4) on defense relations with the rest of the world, China would neither dispatch their military forces abroad nor construct bases overseas.

   The Japanese side encouraged the Chinese side to be more forthcoming with transparency. The Japanese side also stated that, against the background of China being the largest recipient country of Japan's official deveopment assistance (ODA), there are some people in Japan who take issue with China's growing defense budget. They are not convinced that China's defense budget is not large. In connection to its defense policy, our side mentioned the recent incident where a naval vessel happened to be carrying out some maritime research activities within Japan's exclusive economic zone. Japan made a point that if China wanted to carry out any maritime research activities they need first of all to obtain permission from Japan. China said that they took the Japanese reaction to the recent incident very seriously and that they would look at the Japanese demarche in that light.

   There was more discussion explaining Japan's defense posture, including the fact that Japan is in the very early stages of embarking on a ballistic missile defense (BMD) program, and that actual research, development and deployment were decisions to be made in the future. It was also stated that there was no predetermined course on those decisions and that the BMD was a purely defensive system.

   On bilateral defense exchanges and confidence building measures, Deputy Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Xiong Guangkai of the People's Republic of China was invited to come to Japan to have Vice Ministerial consultations. Furthermore, it was noted that defense exchanges should also be conducted at the highest level.

   In this connection, Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff General Fujinawa is visiting China from 19-25 June. During his meetings with his counterpart, Chief of People's Liberation Army General Staff Headquarters, Fu Quanyou, the two agreed on pursuing bilateral defense exchanges and on the suggestion that the Director-General of the Japan Defense Agency should make a second official visit to China. The timing for the exchanges and for the Director-General's visit will be coordinated through diplomatic channels.

   Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
   
5. Vice-Ministerial Subcommittee Meeting of the Japanese-Russian Joint Committee on the Conclusion of a Peace Treaty

   Mr. Yamazaki: This meeting will include meetings of the Subcommittee on Border Demarcation and the Subcommittee on Joint Economic Activities and will take place on 22 June in Moscow.

   These meetings will be attended on the Japanese side by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Ryozo Kato, and on the Russian side by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Aleksandr Losyukov of the Russian Federation.

   Related Information (Japan-Russia Relations)
   
6. Comment on the Ministerial level Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Council Meeting

   Mr. Yamazaki: The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Council will be held in Paris on 26-27 June. Minister of International Trade and Industry Takashi Fukaya is scheduled to attend along with Minister Taichi Sakaiya of the Economic Planning Agency and Ambassador for Trade and Environment, Mr. Asakai. At the OECD Ministerial Meeting they will discuss policies for growth and social cohesion, advances in technology and challenges for governments, and, on the second day, ways of reinforcing the multilateral system. In conclusion they will discuss the G8 Summit Meeting to be held later in July.

   Related Information (Japan and OECD)
   
7. The World Summit for Social Development and Beyond: achieving social development for all in a globalizing world

   Mr. Yamazaki: In Geneva from 26-30 June, the World Summit for Social Development and Beyond: achieving social development for all in a globalizing world will be held. Japan will be represented by Government Representative Mr. Arima as well as Ambassador to Geneva, Koichi Haraguchi and Ambassador to the United Nations Delegation in New York, Hideaki Kobayashi.

   This is a follow-up to the Social Development Summit held in 1995 in Copenhagen, Denmark. At that time, Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama attended the meeting. The meeting focuses on a wide spectrum of issues pertaining to social development, including labor, welfare, medi-care, food, education, legal systems, and economic policy. With Japan's notion of human security, we hope to play an active role in this meeting.

   Related Information (Human Security)
   
8. Follow-up questions to the 7th Japan-China Security Dialogue Meeting

   Q: Concerning the Japan-China Meeting on Security, was there a discussion about China dealing arms with other countries, especially those in the Middle East?

   Mr. Yamazaki: The issue of selling arms abroad was touched upon in passing in relation to China's defense expenditures.

   Q: What is Japan's reaction to this?

   Mr. Yamazaki: At this meeting, we did not make any in-depth comment on that. As a general policy, we are very concerned not only about the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, but also their delivery systems. There exists the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and Japan adheres to the overall conscientiousness of the international community that destabilizing developments should not be left to get out of hand.

   Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
   
9. Follow-up questions on the North-South Korea Summit

   Q: I heard comments from television stations that America now brands North Korea a state of concern and no longer as a rogue state. Do you have any comment on this and what is Japan's own branding of North Korea?

   Mr. Yamazaki: I think your question is against the background of the United States announcing the easing of their sanctions to North Korea. If that is the case, this was already announced last year in September. At that time, we hoped that this would contribute to the further progress of United States' relations with North Korea. The reason it was announced at this time was due to the fact that United States was going through the necessary procedure for actually implementing this.

   As to your identification of how to categorize North Korea, Japan does not have any way of categorizing countries. Prime Minister Mori asked President Kim Dae Jung to convey to Secretary-General Kim Jong Il, which he did, that he is very eager to have normalization talks with North Korea so that we can try to proceed forward.

   Q: If North Korea is a country of concern to the United States, does this mean that it is also a country of concern to Japan due to their alliance with the United States?

   Mr. Yamazaki: I would have to know in what context the United States mentioned this. As Senior Secretary for Diplomacy and Security Hwang stated, Japan has been stating to the United States and the Republic of Korea that the missile and nuclear issue pertaining to North Korea is of concern to us.

   Q: What was Kim Jong Il's response to Kim Dae Jung's comment on international concern regarding the nuclear issue?

   Mr. Yamazaki: I do not have any specific information on this.

   Related Information (Japan-Republic of Korea Relations)
   Related Information (Japan-North Korea Relations)
   
10. Other issues

    Q: You said that the G8 banquet was canceled. What do other leaders think? Are they still coming to Tokyo?

    Mr. Yamazaki: This is completely undecided at the present time.

    Q: Concerning the conclusion of the Peace Treaty with Russia, does Japan still hope to sign this treaty by the end of 2000?

    Mr. Yamazaki: This is the basic posture that we have been maintaining and there is no change on that. I do not recall the exact number of times we have met at this level of the Joint Committee on the Conclusion of the Peace Treaty, but we are exerting our best efforts toward that objective.

    Q: Do you feel that the Russians are willing to accommodate your deadline?

    Mr. Yamazaki: We are doing our best. I cannot speculate on the attitude of the Russian side. That is the basic goal that was agreed upon between President Boris Yeltsin of the Russian Federation and Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto at the time, and this goal was reaffirmed by President Yeltsin and former Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi. This goal was also reasserted when Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov of the Russian Federation came to Japan in February, and that is why we are having this meeting at this present time.

    Q: Does Japan still regard the Northern Islands as a core issue between Japan and Russia?

    Mr. Yamazaki: The core issue of the Peace Treaty is certainly the territorial issue.