Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto's Bilateral Meetings with Leaders of the United States, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, the People's Republic of China, and Singapore
| Speaker : | Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto Director, First North America Division |
| Mr. Koro Bessho Director, Second South East Asia Division |
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| Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu Director, Second South East Asia Division |
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| Mr. Hiroshi Hashimoto Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan |
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| Mr. Hidehiko Hamada Director of the International Press Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
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| Date: | 24 November 1996 |
| Time : | 19:30 -- 21:00 |
| Location : | Meeting Room 4, PICC Manila, Republic of the Philippines |
Press Conference
24 November 1996
MAJOR TOPICS
- Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto's bilateral meeting with President William Clinton of the United States
- Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto's bilateral meeting with President Kim Young Sam of the Republic of Korea
- Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto's bilateral meeting with President Fidel Ramos of the Republic of the Philippines
- Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto's bilateral meeting with President Jiang Zemin of the People's Republic of China
- The bilateral meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs
S. Jayakumar of Singapore and Minister for Foreign Affairs
Yukihiko Ikeda
There were approximately 35 journalists in attendance
- Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto's bilateral meeting with
President William Clinton of the United States
Director of the First North America Division Tadamichi Yamamoto of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Good evening. I would like to briefly explain to you the meeting between Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto of Japan and President William Clinton of the United States of America which took place this afternoon from 14:00 and lasted for 45 minutes.They discussed two major categories of subjects: one concerns Japan-U.S. relations and the other one was the exchange of views on the international situation. On the Japan-U.S. relations, the Japanese side attached importance to this meeting, since this was the first meeting between the two leaders after they renewed their mandate after the elections in both countries. The two leaders affirmed the importance of Japan-U.S. relations to both countries as the corner stone of their policy in the Asia-Pacific. On specific issues concerning security matters, Prime Minister Hashimoto stressed that, regarding this area, the priority issue at this moment is to successfully conclude the Special Action Committee on Facilities and Areas in Okinawa (SACO) process, including obtaining conclusion for the alternate facility for Futenma Air Station. He went on to explain that in addition to that, it was also necessary to make progress in the review of guidelines for the Japan-U.S. cooperation in the security field. Thirdly, Japan considers it important that we maintain close consultations regarding the military situation and the situation here in this area, and also the structure of the United States forces in Japan. President Clinton said that Japan-U.S. security relations is absolutely crucial to the security of the region, and he showed understanding to the position of Prime Minster Hashimoto regarding the situation in Okinawa and said that he would like to see progress made in this area. On the economic front, they touched on bilateral issues and also cooperation in multilateral fora. On bilateral issues, both agreed that the economic relation between the two countries has been improving relatively steadily. With regard to specific issues, the Prime Minister stated that the two sides should make serious efforts so that there will be no tensions affecting the overall violations. They touched upon the questions concerning insurance and civil aviation. On the multilateral front, they discussed the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) process, where they stressed the importance of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), in which we have similar positions. The two leaders agreed that the U.S. and Japan should make efforts so that the positions will be reflected in the final document. President Clinton said that he appreciated the efforts on the part of the Prime Minister for trying to deregulate the financial sector in Japan. On the Common Agenda, Prime Minister Hashimoto said that, in this field, the two countries are making great progress and this is an area of cooperation for the 21st century because they encompass such fields as the environment, energy, and food. He said that they would like to cooperate with President Clinton in strengthening cooperation in this field and also that Japan would like to intensify policy talks in the economic field with the United States.
On international situations, two themes were taken up; one onthe Korean Peninsula and the other on the People's Republic of China. On the Korean Peninsula, the two exchanged views on the current situation. Prime Minister Hashimoto expressed his understanding on the position of the Republic of Korea and expressed his desire to see improvement in the situation. President Clinton said he also understood the position of the Republic of Korea, but stated that progress is needed in addressing the situation there and that Japan and the United States should cooperate together in this field together with the Republic of Korea. On China, Prime Minister Hashimoto welcomed the fact that the U.S.-China Summit Meeting went on with a good atmosphere. He stated that it is important to improve relations with China without isolating her. President Clinton said that he wishes to improve the situation with China and that in the Asia-Pacific, the relationship between China-U.S., Japan-U.S., and the relationship between Japan-China are all very important and that he would like to see a stronger and more secure China of which both Japan and the United States should strengthen the relationship. That is a brief outline of the meeting between the two leaders. Do you have any questions?
Journalist from Reuters (UK): There was also a bilateral between the Chinese and Japanese leaders?
Director of the First North America Division Tadamichi Yamamoto of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: That is right.
Journalist from Reuters (UK): What was said at that meeting, because, apparently, the Chinese side said that Prime Minister Hashimoto apologized for its actions during World War II and that the apology was quit strongly put?
Director of the First North America Division Tadamichi Yamamoto of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: I am afraid that the briefing on the Japan-China talks will be given by somebody else. It should be given by Mr. Hashimoto in 30 minutes time.
Journalist: Will there be an English briefing?
Director of the First North America Division Tadamichi Yamamoto of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Yes.
- Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto's bilateral meeting with
President Kim Young Sam of the Republic of Korea
- Opening Statement on the Japan-Republic of
Korea Summit
Director of the North East Asia Division Koro Bessho of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The meeting between Prime Minister Hashimoto and President Kim Young Sam took place over lunch from 12:30 to about 13:40. As a background, this was the third meeting that they had since Mr. Hashimoto became Prime Minister this year. The first meeting was in March in Bangkok, when they met on the occasion of the Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and the second meeting was in June when Prime Minister Hashimoto visited Korea at Cheju Island. As background again, in the early part of this year, Japan and the Republic of Korea had a strained relationship concerning the territorial issue. The meeting in March was held with a view to try to resolve the issue or to try to alleviate that strain. On that occasion, the two leaders agreed that they should separate the territorial issue from the question of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), or the fishery question, and that the negotiations on the fisheries and the economic zone should proceed. In the meeting in June, as you may remember, there was the decision of the Federation of the International Football Association (FIFA) to ask Japan and the Republic of Korea to co-host the 2002 World Cup. This meeting took place in the wake of that decision. The two leaders were keen to take this opportunity of the decision to co-host the World Cup in 2002, to try to move the bilateral relation forward. In the meeting that took place this afternoon, the two leaders tried to extend and put more energy into promoting the bilateral relation while, at the same time, trying to promote a wider cooperative relationship. I will briefly touch upon the discussion that took place this afternoon. There were three topics discussed: bilateral questions, the question of the Korean Peninsula (or the policy toward North Korea) and cooperative relations between the two countries in the international arena. On the first point, the two leaders agreed that they should try to push forward with the momentum they gathered at Cheju Island in June and try to promote the good relationship between the two countries. In this connection, Prime Minister Hashimoto invited President Kim Young Sam to visit Japan, in a very informal way, like the Prime Minister visited Cheju Do in June. As you may know, they had a very private meeting with their ties off, and in a very at-home atmosphere, at Cheju Do, and they wanted to repeat this sometime early next year. We will be trying to work out the details through diplomatic channels. As for the other questions on the bilateral front, the leaders agreed that they should try to promote cooperation in many areas they had talked about in Cheju Do, including, of course, the successful holding of the 2002 World Cup. One question they discussed in a little bit of detail on the bilateral front was the fisheries question. As I told you a few minutes ago, the two leaders agreed that the fisheries question should be discussed, in the wake of the two countries both signing and ratifying the Convention on the Law of the Sea. The two leaders agreed that we should try to promote and speed up the negotiations concerning fisheries. We are trying to have a new agreement based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. They agreed that it should be a new regime based on this United Nations Convention. On the question of the Korean Peninsula, they discussed questions concerning the working of the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO), the Four-Party Meeting, North-South relations, and so on. Especially concerning its relations with North Korea, President Kim Young Sam of the Republic of Korea, said that, especially in relation with the submarine incident, that the basic policy of the Republic of Korea Government concerning the Four-Party Meeting and the light-water reactor has not changed, but that, first, the North Koreans should apologize and ensure that such an incident does not occur again, because that incident was a threat to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. In response, Prime Minister Hashimoto first expressed condolences to the people who died during the incident, and he also said that he well understood the feeling and the stance of the Republic of Korea, and hoped that the North Koreans would take appropriate measures. On the multilateral front, the two leaders discussed cooperation in such fora as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations, APEC of course, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Especially concerning the OECD, the Republic of Korea has been admitted to the OECD as of next year, and Prime Minister Hashimoto congratulated President Kim on this. They also agreed that they should cooperate in the United Nations Security Council, in which Japan and Korea will have seats for the next year. That isthe rough outline of the discussion over lunch. I would be ready to take any questions.
Journalist: How long did the meeting last?
Director of the North East Asia Division Koro Bessho of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: For one hour and ten minutes, approximately.
- Korean Peninsula Energy Development
Organization (KEDO)
Mr. Richard Lloyd Parry (Independent): During the discussions of KEDO and the North Korean nuclear deal, did the two leaders make any reference to any possible admission of Europe onto the KEDO Board, and if so, what were the details of that discussion?
Director of the North East Asia Division Koro Bessho of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: They did not discuss the issue in detail. As I said, they agreed that the basic working of KEDO should be promoted and continued, and in that context, there was understanding that the admission of the European Union to KEDO was one of these issues, but there was no time for detailed discussions on this particular point.
Journalist: Was there any discussion or any kind of indication of what might happen if North Korea does not give an apology of the submarine incident? Does that mean that KEDO cannot move forward?
Director of the North East Asia Division Koro Bessho of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The question was not formulated in that way. As I said, repeating myself, President Kim Young Sam said that the Republic of Korea's basic policy on the Four-Party Meeting had not changed, but first, the North Koreans should apologize and make assurances. So, basically, he was expressing the need for the North Koreans to do something, and Prime Minister Hashimoto responded by saying that he sincerely hoped that the North Koreans would respond in a sincere manner. So, there was no discussion as to what would happen if there was no action like that.
- Opening Statement on the Japan-Republic of
Korea Summit
- Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto's bilateral meeting with
President Fidel Ramos of the Republic of the Philippines
Director of the Second South East Asia Division Kenji Hiramatsu of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Thank you very much. I would like to brief you on the bilateral summit meeting between President Fidel Ramos of the Republic of the Philippines and Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto. It took around 40 minutes, and they touched upon some bilateral and some international affairs. On the bilateral front, they talked about several issues. First of all, Prime Minister Hashimoto expressed gratitude for the Philippines' support for Japan's non-permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council, and he expressed Japan's desire to fulfill the commitment, or hope, expressed by the countries who supported Japanese non-permanent membership in the elections. Also, Prime Minister Hashimoto touched upon some bilateral economic issues with regard to Japan's economic cooperation toward the Philippines. As Japan is extending economic and technical cooperation to the Philippines, the Philippines is one of the most important recipient countries of our official development assistance (ODA). Prime Minister Hashimoto promised that Japan would continue to support the economic and social development of the Philippines. In this regard, Prime Minister Hashimoto mentioned the Consultative Group sponsored by the World Bank, which will take place in Tokyo next month, December. Prime Minister Hashimoto said that Japan was cooperating as much as possible in order that the meeting would be a successful one. With regard to bilateral economic cooperation, Prime Minister Hashimoto announced the 21st ODA loan package, which amounts to Y124 billion, which means US$1.1 billion, which is the package Prime Minister Hashimoto pledged to President Ramos and will be implemented during the course of this year or next year. The next economic issue that Prime Minister Hashimoto touched upon was that Japan was prepared to dispatch some quarantine officials to Davao, Mindanao Island, in order to facilitate the export from the Philippines of papaya to Japan. We have been negotiating this issue for several years, and Japan finally agreed to have some technical discussions with regard to modalities for the dispatch of some quarantine officials to Davao, Mindanao Island. President Ramos very much welcomed this initiative by Japan. Of course, President Ramos welcomed very much the ODA loan package which was announced by Prime Minister Hashimoto. He said that the Japanese ODA assistance was very much welcomed and fully utilized for the development of the Philippines. Another issue that Prime Minister Hashimoto touched upon was concerning the development of the southern part of the Philippines, especially in Mindanao Island. After the conclusion of the peace agreement between the Philippine Government and the Mindanao National Liberalization Front (MNLF), the peaceprocess has progressed very much, and the development of this part of the Philippines is an issue of great importance to the Philippines. Prime Minister Hashimoto welcomed the initiatives made by the Government of the Philippines, especially the initiatives of President Ramos, in order for this peace agreement to become a reality. To support the development of the southern part of the Philippines, the Government of Japan has made its utmost efforts to implement some concrete projects. Some of the projects have already been included in the 21st ODA loan package, as I mentioned earlier. Also, Prime Minister Hashimoto expressed his intention to cooperate with friendship activities on the 100th anniversary of the independence of the Philippines, which will take place in 1998. The Government of the Philippines will be organizing some activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the independence of the Philippines. So Prime Minister Hashimoto expressed his intention to cooperate with the Philippines as much as possible, in order that this commemorative event would be a successful one. I forgot to mention that with regard to the development of the southern part of the Philippines, President Ramos was greatly thankful for the initiative of the Japanese Government with regard to the development assistance that would be extended to this region. He promised that one of the top priorities ofthe Philippines' development plan was aimed at the development of this region, especially for the poverty alleviation of this part of the Philippines. With regard to APEC issues, Prime Minister Hashimoto very much welcomed the very careful preparation for the Subic Summit Meeting, and he said that the Ministerial Meeting of APEC was a very success one. And, he expressed a view of the importance of this event, APEC, especially the sending of a very positive message for the successful conclusion of a Singapore WTO Meeting, and some positive messages to be included in the possible to be agreed on at this APEC Meeting. President Ramos also congratulated Prime Minister Hashimoto on his election. He also said that the Government of the Philippines supports Japan's desire for a permanent seat on the Security Council of the United Nations. Lastly, Prime Minister Hashimoto thanked the cooperation made by Philippine side regarding the so-called wartime comfort woman issue. Prime Minister Hashimoto extended his gratitude for the cooperation of the Government of the Philippines in order to have smooth implementation of the so-called ASEAN Women's Fund, and conveyed his desire for the further cooperation of the Government of the Philippines on this particular issue. That is more or less the content of the bilateral summit meeting between President Ramos and Prime Minster Hashimoto. If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer to them. Thank you very much.
Journalist: I have two questions. Can you identify the specific projects agreed upon under the loan package. Secondly, since the package has been agreed on, does this mean that Japan does not have any reservations regarding the ODA loan passed by the Philippine Congress?
Director of the Second South East Asia Division Kenji Hiramatsu of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: I not in a position to list all the projects. I can only mention the amount of the ODA package. The second question regarding the ODA Law -- of course we have some problems with the ODA law, which we have sanctioned this year -- we have been negotiating with the Philippines side and we have not yet reached a final solution on this particular issue. So, Prime Minister Hashimoto offered many thanks for the efforts made by the Philippine side to resolve this problem and asked for further cooperation in order to reach a solution on this particular issue.
Journalist: Does that mean that the yen loan package will rest on the resolution of the ODA Law?
Director of the Second South East Asia Division Kenji Hiramatsu of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: No, we have already pledged the twenty-first package. But, we are waiting for the final solution of the ODA law problems. We have an interim arrangement in order to announce the twenty-first package ODA loan. We are still waiting for the more concrete and final solution of the ODA law problems. We have only achieved a partial solution on this.
Journalist: Would it affect the future of ODA loan negotiations if this ODA law?
Director of the Second South East Asia Division Kenji Hiramatsu of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: I do not think so at this moment. I hope that the Government of the Philippines will make their best efforts in order to reach a final solution on this issue.
- Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto's bilateral meeting with
President Jiang Zemin of the People's Republic of China
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to this briefing session by the Delegation of Japan. I will now debrief you on the content of the talks between Prime Minister Hashimoto and President Jiang Zemin of the People's Republic of China, which took place late this afternoon. First of all, I would like to tell you the impressions which the Japanese side gained from the talks. As a result of the talks of the two leaders, the bilateral relationship between Japan and the People's Republic of China is expected to improve further. Having said so, I would like to explain to you the content of the talks.
- Points of discussion by Prime Minister
Ryutaro Hashimoto of Japan
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto : Prime Minister Hashimoto touched on the following subjects: the overall bilateral relationship, China's entry to the WTO, an invitation to President Jiang Zemin to visit Japan, historical perceptions, the Senkaku Islands, the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, the Chinese Taipei issue, Japan-China fishing talks. And, after the end of the talks, Prime Minister Hashimoto made a brief remark on the just-ended U.S.-China Summit.
- Overall bilateral relationship
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Firstly, on the overall bilateral relationship, Prime Minister Hashimoto stated that the Japan-China relationship together with the Japan-U.S. relationship is one of the most important relationships for Japan. And, the new Hashimoto Cabinet will continue to regard the bilateral relationship with China as very important. The bilateral relationship is not only important for the two countries, but also important for stability and prosperity in the entire Asia-Pacific region and the whole world. Next year, we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the normalization of relations between the two countries and Japan is determined to further improve the bilateral relationship. Japan abides by the Japan-China Communique for normalization and the Peace and Friendship Treaty between the two countries.
- Chinese accession to the WTO
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Secondly, on China's entry into the WTO, Prime Minister Hashimoto stated that his government continues to support China's open-door and reform policy and, in this context, he stated that Japan strongly supports China's entry into the WTO. It is important for the world economy, and it is desirable that it be realized before the return of Hong Kong to China.
- Invitation to President Jiang Zemin to
visit Japan
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Thirdly, Prime Minister Hashimoto extended his invitation to President Jiang Zemin to visit Japan officially.
- Historical perceptions
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Fourth, on historical perceptions, Prime Minister Hashimoto reiterated the content of the statement announced by then-Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama on 5 August last year, saying that his government will continue to maintain the positions stated in then-Prime Minister Murayama's statement. In this connection, Prime Minister Hashimoto said there is a group of people who are concerned about a possible resurrection of Japan's militarism, but this does not entirely reflect the reality.
- Japan-U.S. security relationship
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Fifthly, the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. The Security Declaration between Japan and the United States does not change the nature of Japan's defense posture and the defensive character of Japan's national fundamental security policy. Now, a review of the defense cooperations between the two countries is going on, but it is done within the context of the fundamental Japanese security policy. The review of the defense cooperation between the two countries is now going on within the framework of Japan's fundamental security policy, which is based on Japan's defense policy and the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. At the same time, he said that transparency of conducting the review of defense cooperation between the two countries will be maintained.
- Senkaku Islands
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: On the sixth issue, the Senkaku Islands, Prime Minister Hashimoto stated that the Senkaku Islands are an integral part of Japan. However, Japan does understand that the Chinese position is different from Japan's. Despite the fact that the two nations have different positions on this, it should not hamper the healthy relationship between Japan and China, which is important not only for Japan and China, but for the world. The Japanese side understands that the Chinese side shares the same views of Japan on this. Since last July, a series of incidents took place surrounding the Senkaku Islands, but Prime Minister Hashimoto said that both Japan and the Chinese Government, on the basis of what he explained, kept restraint on this matter. And, it is not desirable that a recurrence of a similar incident will affect the overall bilateral relationship between the two countries. In this context, the Government of Japan will continue its effort.
- Chinese Taipei
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: On Chinese Taipei, Japan fully understands that the issue of Chinese Taipei is very sensitive for China. Japan maintains the fundamental positions expressed in the Japan-China Communique, and the Peace and Friendship Treaty between the two countries. And, on the basis of that, Japan maintains a non-governmental relationship with Chinese Taipei; Japan does not support a two China policy, and Japan does not support the independence of Chinese Taipei. Japan hopes that this issue will be solved peacefully by the two parties over the Taiwan Strait.
- Japan-China fishing talks
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: On the fishing relationship, on 5-6 December, there will be the next round of talks on fisheries. Prime Minister Hashimoto highly appreciated this and expressed his desire to accelerate the pace of negotiations. Many Japanese are interested in this issue. We should not politicize this issue, and in this sense, it is very necessary to agree on a new fishing treaty in the very near future.
- China-U.S. relationship
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Lastly, after the end of the talks, while he was standing, Prime Minister Hashimoto said that he heard that the talks between President Clinton and President Jiang Zemin went well, and that there was progress in the China-U.S. relationship. Prime Minister Hashimoto himself has been long wanting this to happen, and he is very pleased to know that.
- Overall bilateral relationship
- Points of discussion by President Jiang Zemin of
the People's Republic of China
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: President Jiang Zemin touched on the following points: the overall bilateral relationship, the historical perceptions, the Senkaku Islands, WTO, Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, economic cooperation, and the invitation to Prime Minister Hashimoto to visit China.
- Bilateral relationship
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Firstly, on the bilateral relationship, President Jiang Zemin said that he carefully listened to what Prime Minister Hashimoto said, and he said he agreed with various points which Prime Minister Hashimoto explained. At the same time, President Jiang Zemin said that today's talks between President Jiang Zemin and Prime Minister Hashimoto will develop a momentum, letting the bilateral relationship become a healthy and steady relationship, and to lead further to better relations in the future. At the same time, President Jiang Zemin highly appreciated the personal efforts of Prime Minister Hashimoto to develop the relationship between the two countries.
- Historical perspectives
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Secondly, on the historical perspectives, President Jiang Zemin said that Japan and China have a more than 2,000 year-long history of contacts. For a long time, the two countries have enjoyed friendship and cooperation; however, for the last 100 years or so, there was a period when China was victimized by Japan's militarism. And, the Japanese people, also, suffered as a victim of the militarism. On the basis of this, the Government of China established its fundamental policy of regarding the bilateral relationship with Japan as important, with a view to cultivating a good neighborly relationship on along-term basis. And, he recalled that in 1972, normalization between the two countries was realized, because of the highest political decisions. Since that time, the Japan-China relationship has been developing in many fields, on the basis of the efforts of the two countries. Nowadays, the bilateral relationship is, as a whole, good, and the two nations benefit from this. However, since last summer, a series of issues happened, and it is necessary to pay full attention to these issues; at the same time, it is necessary to take an appropriate measure at an appropriate time. He explained that the Japan-China relationship should be based on the Communique of1972, and the Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1978, and we should continue to abide by those principles. President Jiang Zemin appreciated the statement made by Prime Minister Hashimoto today that his government will maintain the positions expressed in then-Prime Minister Murayama's statement last year on the historical perceptions. He said China wishes that Japan will pursue peaceful development, and that Japan will not become a military power.
- Senkaku Islands
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Thirdly, the Senkaku Islands. Certain people made provocative actions which could jeopardize the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The Senkaku Islands issue cannot be expected to be resolved rapidly, and the two countries should try to solve this issue from a long-term perspective. And, he took note of the series of efforts done by Japan, and at the same time, he asked the Government of Japan to continue to do so.
- Chinese accession to the WTO
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Fourthly, President Jiang Zemin appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Hashimoto to support the early participation of China in the WTO.
- Japan-U.S. security relationship
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Fifthly, on the security relationship between Japan and the United States. President Jiang Zemin said that this treaty should be kept within the context of the two countries, and that the functions of the Treaty should not expand beyond that, so that the neighboring countries in the area will not be concerned about the Security Treaty.
- Economic cooperation
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Sixth, on economic cooperation, President Jiang Zemin said that the two ministers yesterday touched on this subject, and this economic cooperation gives benefit to both countries. He appreciated highly the reopening of the procedures of the yen credit package.
- Invitations for visits to their
respective countries
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Lastly, President Jiang Zemin appreciated the invitation by Prime Minister Hashimoto to visit Japan. At the same time, he extended an invitation to the Prime Minister Hashimoto to visit China. Prime Minister Hashimoto said thank you very much for this. This is the content of the talks between the two leaders. Now, I would like to respond to any questions that you might have.
Mr. Richard Lloyd Parry (Independent): In the briefing which the Chinese side gave on these talks, on the subject of the Senkaku or Diaoyu Islands, they gave the impression that Prime Minister Hashimoto had gone a bit further, that he had promised to study ways of avoiding the incidents of the summer happening again. There is the visit to the Islands by the right-wing group. Can you confirm that, and if that, also, is Japan's understanding of what was said? If so, what steps does Prime Minister Hashimoto have in mind?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: I do not want to interpret personally here. I would just like to repeat once again what Prime Minister Hashimoto said -- that it is not desirable that a recurrence of a similar incident will affect the overall Japan-China relationship. And, within this context, the Government of Japan will continue its efforts. That is what he said.
Mr. Richard Lloyd Parry (Independent): What did he mean by Japan would continue its efforts? Its efforts toward what?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: In this sense, I had better not make interpretations or further explanations on this.
Mr. Richard Lloyd Parry (Independent): Could you tell us abit about the personal atmosphere between the two men --the mood of the meeting? And, did President Jiang Zemin offer his congratulations to Prime Minister Hashimoto on his recent reelection?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: At the very beginning of the meeting, many reporters were there, and I think the press people noticed that they chatted cordially. Especially, President Jiang Zemin told Prime Minister Hashimoto that this is the first time for him to see Prime Minister Hashimoto since he has become the Prime Minister of Japan. He very much looked forward to the talks of today. Therefore, at the outset of the meeting, President Jiang said that he really hoped that today's talks would become a source of momentum for the Japan-China relationship to become a healthy and stable relationship. We hope that the two gentlemen will have more chances to meet so that they will know each other personally. In any case, I do think that today's talks were positive. Therefore, at the outset of the my briefing, I spoke about the impression of the Japanese side on the talks. As a result of today's talks, Japan-China relations are expected to improve further.
Mr. Richard Lloyd Parry (Independent): What about Prime Minister Hashimoto's recent re-election? Did President Jiang congratulate Prime Minister Hashimoto on his recent reelection?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: In the beginning, there were so many press people and flashes and so on that I could not hear very well what the two gentlemen were saying. The first part lasted for five minutes, or so. I was just able to see their faces, they looked relaxed. That is what I can tell you. I cannot confirm whether President Jiang congratulated Prime Minister Hashimoto.
Mr. David Holley (Los Angeles Times): I would like to ask a very broad, almost philosophical question that relates to this, but also to everything happening here, including the meeting tomorrow. Basically, I would like to ask for a comment that might help us to assess what this all really means. I have seen a joke that APEC actually stands for "a Perfect Excuse to Chat," and I think that is intended as a criticism. But, I wonder whether such a criticism is really valid, whether, in your opinion, getting together all these top leaders, having them meet for the Summit, having the kind of conversations we have just been talking about. Does this talking mean anything for peace and stability, and in turn does that mean anything for economic growth and prosperity. Can you kind of tie that all together?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: If you are talking about APEC in general, first of all, the ministers did their job very well. On the basis of this, the Leaders will enjoy a high level of talks tomorrow. This is one thing. The other thing is, as for the APEC cooperation done by the ministers this time, we can welcome that the APEC actions have really started. At the same time, it is a very good occasion for Leaders in this region to talk bilaterally. This time, Prime Minister Hashimoto met several leaders in the Asia-Pacific region, and those bilateral talks have been enormously important. I think that is the case for the meetings with President Clinton and President Jiang Zemin, for example. The trilateral relationship between Japan, China, and the United States, is absolutely necessary for peace and stability in this area in the next century. We really have to see the Japan-U.S. relationship be good, the Japan-China relationship be good, and the China-U.S. relationship be good. So, if there are certain issues appearing in front of us, the leaders should always try to manage the relationship. Therefore, the bilateral talks always play an important role for this. But, as APEC cooperation is concerned, tomorrow, probably the Leaders can freely exchange views on the future of APEC. They may talk about, once again, possible cooperations in this region in a philosophical way, rather than in a practical way. I do not know how actually all the leaders will exchange views; but, the most important thing, I personally believe, is that those leaders have given their blessings to the importance to APEC, to the beginning of the actions this year. This means that we can expect more from the APEC Meeting in Canada next year. So, I think you should not be sarcastic about he gathering of APEC this time.
Journalist from Hong Kong: You said that Prime Minister Hashimoto has said that Japan supports China's entry intothe WTO, and also even before the return of Hong Kong to China. Has Prime Minister Hashimoto elaborated further on this matter? Does Japan support the entry of China into the WTO as a developing country? Secondly, will there beany commitment that, at least, Japan has a further conclusion on the bilateral negotiations with China?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Apart from what I said, Prime Minister Hashimoto said that we should have a clearer perspective regarding the possibility of an early entry of China into the WTO. And, in this context, Japan wants to go ahead with the talks with China on this issue. However, he did not further elaborate on this issue.
Mr. Tony Lopez (Asia Week): I would like to clarify. Were the mutual invitations accepted?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: When Prime Minister Hashimoto invited President Jiang Zemin to Japan, President Jiang Zemin said that he was very grateful -- this means that he accepted. When President Jiang Zemin extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit China, Prime Minister Hashimoto said that it had already been four years since he visited China last in the capacity of the Chairman of Japan's alpinist group. He instructed, on the spot, Government officials to consult with the Government of China to select the best time for his visit to China.
Mr. Tony Lopez (Asia Week): So, it was accepted.
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: Yes.
Mr. Tony Lopez (Asia Week): And, part of the itinerary will be mountain climbing?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: No. This time, President Jiang Zemin extended an official invitation to the Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister accepted that.
Mr. Tony Lopez (Asia Week): Just to clarify, how long was the meeting between the two?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: About an hour.
Mr. Tony Lopez (Asia Week): And, how did Mr. Hashimoto reply to the concern of China that Japan might become a military power, and that the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangement could expand outside the two countries?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: At first, Prime Minister Hashimoto said that there is a group of people who have concerns about a possible resurrection of Japan's militarism. And, President Jiang Zemin said that China hopes that Japan will not become a military power.
Mr. Tony Lopez (Asia Week): Did Japan say, of course we will not become a military power? Or words to that effect?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: I have already explained to you the sequence ofthe discussions between the two gentlemen.
Mr. Tony Lopez (Asia Week): They just said that they would remain as self defense -- a self-defense policy?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: As far as the security relationship is concerned, Prime Minister Hashimoto explained in detail about the nature of the Security Declaration which wasissued last April. At the same time, he explained the nature of the review of defense cooperations between Japan and the United States. And, in order to make his statement more credible, he said that the transparency of the review of the defense cooperations will be heightened through the process of review. Incidentally, this review will be completed by autumn of next year, and therefore, the maintenance of transparency of the talks is very important.
Journalist from Hong Kong: I want to clarify one point that Prime Minister Hashimoto wished China could join the WTO before the return of Hong Kong. What is the significance of that timing? Was there any special meaning on the timing?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: What Prime Minister Hashimoto actually said was that Japan strongly supports an early entry of China into the WTO. That is very important for the world economy. Prime Minister Hashimoto said that he had been claiming that this entry should be realized before Hong Kong's return to China. It is very important to let the perspective of this entry be assured. In this context, he said that he would like to go ahead with the bilateral talks with China on this. So, I understand that the Prime Minister has been personally advocating the early entry, and citing that this should be realized even before the turnover of Hong Kong to China.
Journalist from Hong Kong: The second thing is about a press briefing of the Chinese side. President Jiang Zemin urged the Japanese Government to intensify the historical education towards teenagers -- on the topic of militarism and Japanese aggressions. I want to know what was the response of Prime Minister Hashimoto?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: I would like to say today that although the talks lasted for about an hour, the first five minutes or so was spent with the press, and last five minutes or so was the greeting session and so on. The two gentlemen took a rather long time to state their fundamental positions. So, this time, they could not enjoy time to exchange opinions. I think that kind of thing will be done in the future.
Journalist from Hong Kong: That means that there was no response to this?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: The Prime Minister stated the various positions and in response President Jiang Zemin stated their positions.
Journalist from Reuters: It seems there is a little bit of a discrepancy between the Chinese version of events and the Japanese version. The Chinese version seems to be much stronger, that the Japanese apologized for what happened in the past. The Chinese made very strong protest ations as to the RTHK reporter said about similar subjects. How do you explain the discrepancy?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: I do not know if there is any discrepancy. I have skipped over what Prime Minister Hashimoto said on the historical perceptions. If you like, I can repeat it here. However, what Prime Minister Hashimoto stated was the content of the Murayama statement last year. In any case, we understand that the Government of China is interested in the subject. Therefore, the Prime Minister even paraphrased the content of the Murayama statement. He clearly stated that his government will maintain the position stated in the Murayama statement.
Journalist from Hong Kong: Did Prime Minister Hashimoto voice out the desire of the Japanese Government to become a permanent United Nations member?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: No, they did not.
Journalist from Hong Kong: Why not?
Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Japan Hiroshi Hashimoto: As I told you today, we did not have time to talk.
- Bilateral relationship
- Points of discussion by Prime Minister
Ryutaro Hashimoto of Japan
- The bilateral meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs
S. Jayakumar of Singapore and Minister for Foreign Affairs
Yukihiko Ikeda
Spokesperson for the Foreign Minister Hidehiko Hamada: Ladies and gentlemen, it has been a very lengthy briefing, so I will be very brief. The bilateral meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs S. Jayakumar of Singapore and Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda was held this evening from 18:00 and lasted 35 minutes. The main issues were the bilaterals, ASEAN, the United Nations and the WTO. Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda welcomed the fact that the dialogues between Japan and Singapore have been steadily deepened since he visited Singapore in July, namely by the deputy-foreign-minister-level consultations in September and the Japan-Singapore Symposium in November. Foreign Minister Jayakumar of Singapore totally agreed, and he emphasized that it is extremely important to implement concrete ideas which were formulated during the course of these dialogues, especially certain proposals made during the course of the Symposium. Concerning ASEM, both foreign ministers agreed, firstly, that both countries will cooperate as joint-coordinators toward the Ministerial Meeting to be held in February 1997. Secondly, they agreed that they should have closer contact to ensure that the ASEAN Summit Meeting in 1998 in London is successful. Thirdly, regarding the United Nations, Foreign Minister Jayakumar congratulated Japan on the election of Japan to anon-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. In response, Foreign Minister Ikeda expressed his determination to make further efforts to respond positively to the expectations of other countries. In this context, Foreign Minister Jayakumar jokingly asked Foreign Minister Ikeda for a technical transfer of secrets and measures by which Japan achieved overwhelming victory in that election. Finally, on the upcoming WTO Ministerial Meeting which will beheld in Singapore next month, Foreign Minister Jayakumar expressed his desire to make further endeavors toward its success, filling the gap between developed and developing countries. In this context, he expressed his desire that Japan play a positive role. This covers the Bilateral Meeting between Japan and Singapore. If there are no more questions, I would like to conclude tonight's briefing. We appreciate your kind attention this evening, and we would like to remind you that there will be another briefing tomorrow morning. On top of this, there will be a press conference by Prime Minister Hashimoto which will be held in Room Five, beginning at 18:30 tomorrow evening. Thank you very much.
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