Press Conference 3 April 2001

1. Questions on the position of the Government of Japan on the Framework Convention on Climate Change
2. Questions on the recent collision between American and Chinese aircraft
3. Questions on the entry of the USS Chicago into Sasebo port

1. Questions on the position of the Government of Japan on the Framework Convention on Climate Change

   Press Secretary Norio Hattori: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have no announcements to make today, so I would be delighted to answer any questions that you might have.

   Q: I thought that you would discuss the situation over the Kyoto Protocol and give us some guidance. Before I frame a question, do you have anything to say on what possible follow-up actions the Japanese Government is contemplating?

   Mr. Hattori: As you may know, Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori has sent a letter to President George W. Bush conveying Japan's concerns over the decision made by the Government of the United States of America on the Kyoto Protocol. In addition, Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono has issued a statement on the issue.

   This morning, after the regular cabinet meeting, there was an exchange of views amongst the ministers concerned, Minister for Foreign Affairs Kono, Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Hiranuma, Minister for Environment Kawaguchi, Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Yatsu, and State Minister Hashimoto. The ministers reached an agreement that their ministries would make contact with their respective US counterparts in order to work out a resolution of this issue.

   Q: So the hope is still that by bringing various types of pressure to bear the US administration can be induced to change its mind?

   Mr. Hattori: This is a vitally important protocol, which the international community reached agreement on after several years of arduous negotiations, so it is crucial for not only Japan but the international community as a whole to try and achieve the entry into force of the Protocol by 2002. The Government of Japan would like to work harder to contribute to the achievement of this goal.

   Q: This may be a rather silly question, but will the Protocol still remain in place even if the United States does not support it?

   Mr. Hattori: The Protocol is still on the table, and the international community, including Japan and the European Union, is working very hard in order to see that the Protocol enters into force by 2002.

   Q: You will have to excuse my ignorance on this point, but has the United States administration officially informed Japan, either through diplomatic channels or other channels, that it does not wish to be a party to the Protocol any longer, or is it simply a comment by the President?

   Mr. Hattori: I think the decision by the US Government has been made public by the statement made by President Bush himself. I understand that the US Government did not make any formal overture to inform our government on this issue.

   Q: On the point that the ministers decided this morning that they would contact their counterparts in the United States, what would be the mechanism through which they would do it?

   Mr. Hattori: Well, for example, as far as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is concerned, there are so-called diplomatic channels, and other ministries, such as the Ministry of Environment, have contacts with their US counterparts. Of course, the modalities may be different, but each ministry has established means by which they can get in touch with their US counterpart.

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2. Questions on the recent collision between American and Chinese aircraft

   Q: In relation to the recent Chinese-American military air collision, was the Japanese Government notified of increased American activities in the Okinawan bases regarding investigation into Chinese military movements?

   Mr. Hattori: According to the latest information that we have, it was reported that some US Navy vessels had been deployed in the South China Sea but have since retreated. Beside that, we have no information whatsoever on that kind of military activity.

   Q: Is the Japanese Government nervous about the increased antagonism between China and the United States?

   Mr. Hattori: Good relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China are critical for the peace and stability of this region. The Government of Japan wishes to see a resolution of this issue between the two countries in a very swift and smooth manner.

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3. Questions on the entry of the USS Chicago into Sasebo port

   Q: Do you have any official comment on the US submarine stopping unannounced at Sasebo port?

   Mr. Hattori: When it comes to the entry of US submarines into Japanese ports, there is the established practice of the US side giving 24 hours prior notification before entry. So this case contravened that established practice.

   Yesterday, Director-General of the North American Affairs Bureau Ichiro Fujisaki conveyed regrets over the incident to Minister Christopher La Fleur of the US Embassy and also requested that the US side take measures to prevent the reoccurrence of such an incident.

   After the regular cabinet meeting this morning, Minister for Foreign Affairs Kono, in response to a question from the media, stated that, as this is an important issue, it is essential that the causes of the incident should be investigated. Furthermore, Minister for Foreign Affairs Kono said that he had instructed the officials concerned to convey a request to the US Government to undertake a thorough investigation into the causes of the incident. Minister for Foreign Affairs Kono added that our continued cooperation would be based upon receipt of information pertaining to the causes of the incident.

   Q: Did you get any explanation from the US side about why the submarine came into port without the notification? I have learnt that Minister La Fleur had words with the Japanese foreign minister, and I think he said something about it?

   Mr. Hattori: Yes, according to the explanation offered by the US side, the incident occurred due to miscommunication within the US Navy.

   Q: Is that all you had?

   Mr. Hattori: As of this time, yes.

   Q: I understand you asked for an investigation, but do you have any idea about what was the mission of the submarine? Do you know who was on board? For example, there might be some tourists or something like that. Do you have any ideas on this?

   Mr. Hattori: I do not have details on the mission, nor on who was on board, but I think that the submarine was involved in routine operations.

   Q: So you do not suspect it has anything to do with the incident in China involving the collision between Chinese and US aircraft?

   Mr. Hattori: No, not particularly.

   Q: Does Japan feel that it would try to mediate between America and China in the case that the situation between the two countries escalated?

   Mr. Hattori: As I said, the Government of Japan would like to see a smooth and swift resolution between the two countries concerned, and therefore it is hoped that there will be no escalation of the incident.

   Q: But if some escalation takes place, you are prepared?

   Mr. Hattori: We are now closely watching developments in the case.

   Related Information (Japan-The United States Relations)