Press Conference 10 April 2001

1. Questions on the reaction of the Government of Japan to developments in relations between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China
2. Questions on the textbook issue and relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea
3. Question on the issuance of a visa to former President Lee Teng-hui of Taiwan

1. Questions on the reaction of the Government of Japan to developments in relations between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China

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

   Q: I would like to ask about your reaction with regard to the US-China incident, the collision that occurred on 1 April. How have you been reacting to developments so far?

   Mr. Hattori: Well, as I said in my press conference last week on this issue, since the relationship between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China is of crucial importance to the stability of this region, the Government of Japan sincerely hopes that the incident will be resolved in a pacific manner between the two countries.

   Since the incident occurred, there have been occasions for the Japanese Government to discuss this incident, among other issues, with the Government of the People's Republic of China. Japan's sincere hope that this issue will be resolved in a swift and peaceful manner was conveyed to the Chinese side in the context of those discussions.

   Q: If the situation goes wrong, goes into a negative direction, would Japan support the US?

   Mr. Hattori: At this present time, I understand that both governments are striving to resolve the issue in a manner appropriate to each side. I think I should refrain from making any further comments on the basis of the hypothesis that you have raised.

   Q: Since that American plane took off from a base in Okinawa, did Japan have any discussions with the American side about the destinations of American troops leaving Japan for either observing other countries or participating in military activities?

   Mr. Hattori: I think the mission of that American EP3 aircraft was within the framework of the Japan-US Security Treaty.

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2. Questions on the textbook issue and relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea

   Q: I would like to ask a question regarding Japan-Korea relations. What is Japan going to do to ease the tension that is developing between the two countries regarding the textbook issue? Also, why is it that after so many decades such differences in perceptions of history exist? Is it just simply that Japan and Korea have not done enough to try to understand each other's point of view?

   Mr. Hattori: I think Japan and the Republic of Korea have tried in the past, on the basis of our respective perceptions, to reach a satisfactory mutual understanding on this issue. When it comes to differences in the interpretation of history, this case is not unique; it happens in other parts of the world that different parties have different interpretations of history.

   What the Government of Japan endeavors to do, and must do, is to continue to explain to the Government of the Republic of Korea and its people how the Japanese school textbook authorization system functions and try to obtain their understanding on that matter.

   Q: I understand that the South Korean ambassador was recalled to his country. What is Japan's reaction to this?

   Mr. Hattori: As you know, the Government of the Republic of Korea issued a statement yesterday, by which Ambassador Choi Sang Yong was instructed to return to Seoul for consultations on the situation regarding the textbook issue in Japan. The Government of Japan takes the Korean position as that which is laid out in this statement.

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3. Question on the issuance of a visa to former President Lee Teng-hui of Taiwan

   Q: Is Japan now preparing to issue a visa to former Taiwanese President Lee?

   Mr. Hattori: To my understanding there is no official request from former President Lee Teng-hui of Taiwan for a visa to enter Japan.

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