(* This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only. The original text is in Japanese.)

Press Conference by Minister for Foreign Affairs Katsuya Okada

Date: Tuesday, July 27, 2010, 3:37 p.m.
Place: MOFA Press Conference Room

Main topics:

Opening Remarks
- (1) Overseas visit Report
- (2) Visit to Japan by Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC)
- (3) Dispatch of Japan's Election Observation Mission to General Election in Solomon
US Military Realignment Issue
Release of US Classified Documents by Private Sector Website
Dissemination of Japanese Culture
Japan-China Gas Field Talks
Relocation of US Marines to Guam
Arrest of Japanese Nationals in China
Appointment of Ambassador from Private Sector
Russian Bill to Commemorate War Victory over Japan
Financial Sanctions against Iran
Ambassador Niwa’s Statement about Chinese Military Power
Visit to Japan by Kim Hyun-Hui
South China Sea Issue

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Overseas visit Report

Minister Okada: First of all, I have an overseas visit report to announce. Although I think I no longer have to tell you about the details, here are the events I attended: the Kabul International Conference on Afghanistan, ASEAN-related meetings in Vietnam, or in other words, the Japan-ASEAN, ASEAN+3, EAS (East Asia Summit), ARF (Asian Regional Forum), and the Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, and then my official visits to Vietnam and Laos. On the sidelines of those events, I held bilateral talks with the foreign ministers of a total of 15 countries, including Vietnam and Laos, for about 30 to 40 or 50 minutes.
   I believe that there is great significance in the political message behind the fact that the foreign ministers of such a substantial number of major countries gathered in Kabul and united on providing support to Afghanistan or the administration of President Karzai. In addition, I believe that this has indeed greatly encouraged the people of Afghanistan, as well.
   I was intrigued by each of the ASEAN-related meetings in Vietnam. In particular, the ARF Foreign Ministers’ Meeting turned out to be very interesting. Although I am slightly exaggerating to say that there was a rather active exchange of views especially over the North Korean issue and the South China Sea issue, the fact is that the foreign ministers of the various countries touched on those issues, although to varying degrees.
As for North Korean issue, with regard to the Cheonan sinking incident, the foreign ministers of many of the countries criticized, shall I say, or said that North Korea should take seriously the criticism voiced against it, or properly implement what is mentioned in the UN Security Council President’s statement, shall I say, or take that seriously.
   From what I heard, there were hardly any countries, if not absolutely, leaving North Korea aside, that defended North Korea, but I believe that many countries expressed condolences to South Korea, effectively saying that such incidents must not be repeated.
   With regard to the South China Sea issue, ASEAN member countries respectively made their own statements calling for peace in the South China Sea. Many ASEAN countries, especially the relevant countries, made statements – also to varying degrees – calling for a peaceful resolution based on the “Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,” issued in 2002.
   During the plenary meeting, we were basically allowed to speak only once, shall I say, or we could not speak for a long time, but I thought about when it would be the best time or most effective for me to speak out. South Korea, as a party directly involved (in the Cheonan sinking incident) spoke out at a rather early stage, and in the end, after each country finished making its statement, North Korea, China, Japan, and the United States were the only countries left to speak out. It was at this point that Foreign Minister Pak of North Korea made a statement.
   The North Korean side, while saying that the investigation in question, the investigation that was completed with the South Korean Government playing the central role, was not an investigation that was carried out properly, spoke out quite loudly, making a statement in its own defense.
   Following that, I raised my hand, but US Secretary of State Clinton spoke out before me, making a series of statements that included the North Korean issue and the South China Sea issue.
   I was the second to the last to speak out – before Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi – but since there was a statement in particular referred to the North Korean issue, on the investigation (on the Cheonan incident),as a fabrication, I made a strong argument, saying that “such statements are unacceptable.” At the same time, I spoke about the South China Sea issue, saying, “The Asia-Pacific region is connected by the ocean. Ensuring peace and stability or the safety of sea lanes in the surrounding waters is especially important to the development of this region.”
   At the end, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi made a slightly lengthy statement, asserting that the South China Sea issue is an issue that should be discussed bilaterally. I responded to that statement, and the meeting ended after Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi made yet another statement.
   In any case, I felt glad that these North Korean and South China Sea issues were properly discussed at such a venue, and I hope that constructive discussions will be held on the South China Sea issue and that the pending problems will be resolved in a positive manner.
   That completes my overseas visit report. Of course, I was also able to conduct a frank exchange of views with the dignitaries in Vietnam and Laos.

(2) Visit to Japan by Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC)

Minister: Another announcement I have is about the visit to Japan by Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), from August 1 to August 3 as a guest of the minister for Foreign Affairs. Of course, I will be holding talks with him, but in light of the fact that the African Union (AU) has begun to play a more important role in the area of peace and security and the field of development, we hope to further strengthen our relations with the AU.
Since this year marks the 50th anniversary of the year when 17 African countries successively declared independence, we plan to hold a symposium titled “Present and Future of African Integration – Towards a New Japan-Africa Relationship” at the United Nations University on the afternoon of August 3. Chairman Ping is scheduled to give a keynote speech, so we encourage anyone who is interested to participate by all means. There is also an announcement on the MOFA website.

(3) Dispatch of Japan's Election Observation Mission to General Election in Solomon

Minister: Another announcement is about the dispatch of Japan’s election observation mission to the general election in the Solomon Islands. In order to support free and fair conduct of the general election in the Solomon Islands scheduled on August 4, Japan will send an election observation mission consisting of a total of seven members, headed by Mr. Akira Iwanade, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim in the Solomon Islands, and including Foreign Ministry officials at headquarters, overseas Embassy officials, and an expert in the academic sector.
This general election is an important election so that democracy becomes a permanent fixture with this country, where potential ethnic conflicts still remain. The members of Japan’s election observation mission will work as members of the United Nations Election Observers organized by the UNDP, upon the request of the Government of the Solomon Islands. Besides Japan, Australia and New Zealand will also participate in the said UN mission.

2. US Military Realignment Issue

Kubota, Reuters: I would like to ask a question concerning the Futenma issue. I heard that Prime Minister Kan and Minister of Defense Kitazawa held a meeting with relevant ministers this morning. Please tell us about the details of this meeting.

Minister: As Chief Cabinet Secretary said at his press conference, we gathered this morning to talk about various matters, including my overseas visit report. Of course, the Futenma issue came up as a topic of discussion. However, we did not conduct a very in-depth discussion, and of course, as a rule, we do not disclose what ministers talked about in the presence of the Prime Minister.

Fujita, NHK: At a press conference in the morning, Chief Cabinet Secretary Sengoku said that the government plans to consider gathering information or making responses, and settle the Futenma issue, with the Cabinet Secretariat playing the central role. He said that he intends to think about creating a mechanism to that end, while consulting with the Prime Minister. What is the image of that mechanism? Please tell us about how you as the Foreign Minister acknowledge that, and in addition, as it has been agreed between Japan and the United States that experts will complete their studies on the Futenma issue by the end of August, what kind of arrangements you envision, moving forward?

Minister: First of all, it is natural that the Prime Minister’s Office would play the central role. Although this is a matter that involves the United States, it also involves Okinawa at the same time, so I believe that we will be having the Chief Cabinet Secretary or the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary serve as a control tower. I think that the Chief Cabinet Secretary should speak about specifically who would be doing what. Future arrangements will be as specified in the Japan-US agreement. I have nothing more to add to that in particular,

Mizushima, Jiji Press: With regard to future arrangements, there is apparently nothing more at the moment than what is written in the Japan-US agreement. However, may I understand that the timing of the 2+2 meeting following the completion of studies by experts could potentially be held before the Okinawa gubernatorial election on November 28?

Minister: As I said earlier, it is written in the Japan-US agreement that experts will finish their studies by the end of August. However, the timing of the 2+2 meeting is not written in the agreement. Therefore, it is as I replied earlier. The situation does not allow me to speak yet about whether the 2+2 meeting will take place before or after the gubernatorial election.

Nishino, Kyodo News: However, I believe that it was written in the Joint Statement (of the US-Japan Security Consultative Committee) that there should be no significant delay. How is that coming along? I think it was mentioned that there should be no significant delay.

Minister: What kind of expression was it specifically?

Nishino, Kyodo News: I do not know. I am sorry for not having studied this hard enough.

Minister: In any case, I would like to say that it is as specified in this Japan-US Joint Statement.

Beppu, NHK: With regard to this issue, I believe that gaining the understanding of Okinawa is very important, as brought up during the Japan-US foreign ministerial meeting. Will it be easier to gain the understanding of Okinawa by waiting until the Okinawa gubernatorial election or not waiting for it? In any case, do you feel that waiting would lead to deeper understanding?

Minister: At the moment, I cannot quite answer that question. I cannot speak about how I feel. Regardless of how I reply, my remarks will appear on the newspapers the next day, or perhaps it may be the seven o’clock news rather than the newspapers, but I feel it would be better if I did not answer that question.

Nishino, Kyodo News: Were such matters discussed this morning?

Minister: We touched on the Futenma issue, but we did not hold in-depth discussions.

Nishino, Kyodo News: However, are not such matters as the upcoming end-of-August deadline and how to carry on after that quite significant for the administration?

Minister: I think that that matter and whether we talked about it today are different issues.

Takimoto, Ryukyu Shimpo: Congressman Frank, who serves as chairman of the US House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, has released a paper – jointly with not only fellow Democrats but also Republicans – on the presence of the US Marines, saying that they are relics of the Cold War era and that there is no longer any reason for them to be in Okinawa. In this way, voices have emerged within the US Congress calling for pulling out the Marines, shall I say, or arguing that they are unnecessary, although there is a backdrop that includes the fiscal aspect. How do you feel about this?

Minister: There are various arguments among lawmakers, even in Japan, as you all know. Therefore, I will not make any comments on individual matters.

3. Release of US Classified Documents by Private Sector Website

Uesugi, Freelance: The other day, WikiLeaks, a US whistle blowing site, partially released confidential information on military operations related to Afghanistan. Based on that, it appears that there are parts that are considerably different from past US Government reports. Please tell us whether depending on the contents, there is any possibility that the Government of Japan may make changes to its policy toward Afghanistan, as well as to its parts that include the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law.

Minister: First of all, I do not know the details of the contents. We have not conducted an analysis. Since we are at such a stage, it is difficult to provide a clear answer. In the first place, it has not been confirmed whether the leaked information is true, so I believe that it is inappropriate to make comments, especially under such circumstances.

4. Dissemination of Japanese Culture

Shimada, Freelance: There was a report that the other day in Thailand, a karaoke contest in which contestants sang animated cartoon songs in Japanese was held under the initiative of the Japanese Embassy. Does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have any plans or ideas about holding karaoke contests that introduce Japanese culture in various countries in the future?

Minister: I am sorry, but I do not know anything about this event in Thailand, However, if this served as a good opportunity to promote Japanese culture, I think that it is a good idea to consider doing this at other embassies. I would like to thoroughly find out how the situation was at the event held in Thailand.

5. Japan-China Gas Field Talks

Nishioka, Mainichi Newspapers: Negotiations started today on concluding a treaty on gas fields in the East China Sea. Please tell us about the objective of and the progress in the latest negotiations, and in addition, the prospects, etc. of the negotiations.

Minister: Since the negotiations have started, I cannot speak about the details at a stage when the negotiations are still under way. For a long time, we have sought talks among director general-level officials. In this case, it refers to the Director General of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy. I feel deeply about the fact that this has finally started. However, what matters are the contents, so I hope that discussions that are even more fulfilling will be held.
As to what kind of discussion was held this time, I have no particular comments to make at this point. When I said that I hope that fulfilling discussions will be held, I was speaking about it in general terms. Therefore, it does not mean that the latest negotiations were not fulfilling.

Saito, Kyodo News: With regard to the gas fields, discussions are under way on the substance of the negotiations, so I will not ask questions about this. However, this has long been a pending issue. Approximately how long a time span are you thinking about in finding common ground with regard to this issue? About how many months or how many years, shall I say, do you envision in reaching the goal? Please give us an explanation of your image toward roughly reaching a conclusion.

Minister: Frankly speaking, this is a matter that involves the other party, so we could state our own preferences as much as we like. We should try to do so as soon as possible, but I think that there are many aspects that we will not know until we actually negotiate.
However, we have long sought an opportunity to conduct negotiations at the director general level, and what triggered this was Premier Wen Jiabao’s comment at the time that he visited Japan in late May. In that sense, we hope that the discussions, the negotiations will be conducted smoothly.

Saito, Kyodo News: In the latest consultations, there are at least two topics based on the Japan-China agreement. I believe that there are two pillars: one is about joint development of the northern sea area, and the second is about capital participation by Japanese firms in Shirakaba (Chinese name: Chunxiao). In the East China Sea, there are various other gas fields beside these including those that China has already developed, as well as prospective sea areas that may possibly be developed in the future. Please tell us about your opinion on how to promote the consultations and how to lay the path toward development of these sea areas.

Minister: Negotiations have just started on the two issues just mentioned: joint development of the northern sea area and Japanese firms’ investment in Shirakaba, which is known as the Chunxiao Project in Chinese. Therefore, it is a little premature to comment right now on matters other than these. I feel that first, we should draw a conclusion by properly discussing these two issues with certainty, and based on that relationship of trust, we should also conduct discussions on matters other than these.

6. Relocation of US Marines to Guam

Takimoto, Ryukyu Shimpo: With regard to the relocation of Marines to Guam, the original budget has been reduced and passed by a committee in the US Congress, and a report has been released indicating a view that completion of the relocation of the Marines by 2014 would be difficult and could be delayed until 2017. I think that this could be taken as one of the views of Congress, but please tell us how you feel about the fact that such voices have emerged in the United States and how this could in turn affect the relocation of Futenma Air Station.

Minister: First of all, a report that is scheduled to be publicized has been carried in the news, but since this report is not one that has been officially publicized, I believe that the Government of Japan has nothing to comment on the basis of that. However, we have received explanation from the US side that nothing has changed with regard to the target of completing the relocation by 2014.
Therefore, with regard to the second question, since the US side has said that at this point, there are no changes, I have no comments in particular.

Takimoto, Ryukyu Shimpo: With regard to the relocation of Marines to Guam, the Guam State Government has apparently submitted a request to the US Government indicating that the money for the relocation plan, including building local infrastructure, is insufficient. In that sense, views have emerged in various aspects that the total amount of the Guam relocation plan would inflate, that funding would be further increased. In relation to that, there are views that the burden of the Japanese side would further increase, but a limit has been set in the Guam Agreement. What is your view regarding how the Government of Japan would respond in event that the United States requests a further increase?

Minister: Since you are saying, “In the event that there is a request,” that is a hypothetical argument, so I think that it is not about responding to a hypothetical question, but rather that we will be properly dealing with what has been decided. I think that it boils down to that. If that premise changes and there is a formal request, I believe that we will think about what to do at that point.

7. Arrest of Japanese Nationals in China

Asaka, Freelance: It has been reported in the media that on July 17th, three Japanese nationals were arrested in the Chinese city of Zhuhai on suspicion of drug charges. In April of this year, four Japanese nationals were executed for the same offense, and severe punishments are expected in this case as well. How do you intend to respond to this?

Minister: I am aware that they were detained on suspicion of drug charges. Essentially, each country acts according to its own laws, so I do not believe that one could say that there is something wrong with the arrest and detention in and of themselves. After the trial starts, we intend to think carefully about what response the Government of Japan can make, in accordance with the requests of the accused, and observing the status of the trial and other matters.
The Japanese Embassy also approached those who were unfortunately executed, at their request. Since we are the Government of Japan, we believe that we must do the utmost that the law allows for Japanese nationals, even if they are arrested on suspicion of such crimes.

8. Appointment of Ambassador from Private Sector

Sakamaki, Bloomberg News: My question concerns ambassadorial appointments. Individuals from the private sector have been appointed Ambassadors to China and Greece. Do you also intend to actively appoint individuals from the private sector for countries like the United States, for instance? A certain journalist’s name has also been bandied about. Could you comment on this?

Minister: This question is asked many times, isn’t it? As I believe I have answered every other time, generally speaking, we appoint the right person to the right job. If an individual is a good fit, then I do not think that the individual needs to be a career diplomat. But there are also many career diplomats who are highly experienced and talented, so I in no way intend to exclude career diplomats. I truly believe in appointing the right person to the right job.

9. Russian Bill to Commemorate War Victory over Japan

Kawasaki, Yomiuri Shimbun: On the 25th, the President of Russia signed a revised law that effectively designates September 2nd as a day commemorating Russia’s victory over Japan in the war. At his press conference earlier, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Takemasa stated that there would be no particular representating or the like made to Russia in this regard. For confirmation, I would now like to put this question again to you. What are your views on the designation of this commemorative day, what will be its impact, and after it is enacted, will the Government of Japan make any representations or protests to the Government of Russia?

Minister: As you are aware, firstly, the revised law does not make September 2nd a holiday. Secondly, it also does not mention Japan. In this sense, I think that a certain degree of consideration was made for Japan’s position. We did, however, make the following representations: “We do not think that this revision to the law is befitting of current Japanese-Russian relations. We hope that Russia will respond appropriately so that this matter does not have a negative impact on Japanese-Russian relations. Japan will be observing Russia’s response closely.”

Kawasaki, Yomiuri Shimbun: To confirm what you said just now, when did you make these representations to the Government of Russia?

Minister: On the 27th, a deputy director-general of the European Affairs Bureau made these representations, to the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Russian Embassy in Tokyo.

Yamamoto, Sekainippo: According to the explanation of someone knowledgeable of the Russian situation, the Russians consider the end of the war with Germany, that is in the sense of freeing Europe from Nazi rule, to be their Victory Day, and their impression is that the war was nearly over at that point. Almost all Russians are unfamiliar with the fact that in the Far East, Russia subsequently broke the Japanese-Soviet Nonaggression Pact and invaded and occupied the Northern Territories, let alone the fact that they learn almost nothing of the history of the war, and even some of the people who were alive then and fought say that the fighting did not register on them very much. In this sense, although I think it would be strange to say that this could be turned around to an advantage, some think that designating the “Day of the End of the Second World War” could actually show the events that led to the end to the war for Japan, and how the Northern Territories came to be in their present situation. Russians generally believe that Japan claims the Northern Territories because they are greedy for territory, but some think that this designation could actually clarify the facts, and could be used as a stepping stone toward the return of the Northern Territories. What are your views on this?

Minister: The Government of Japan has always emphasized the events that transpired between Japan and Russia after August 15th, and when Foreign Minister Lavrov and I had a meeting in December of last year, although we could not bring our assertions into alignment, I explained our thinking on this issue fairly clearly.

Saito, Kyodo News: The essential problem is whether to view the date of the end of the Second World War as August 15th or September 2nd, and I think that, simply speaking, this is the point of contention. Russia is not the only country that views September 2nd as the end of the war. Do you believe that this view has a certain rationality?

Minister: That is an issue of definitions. Japan’s view is that, Japan announced the acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration and clarified unconditional surrender on August 15th, thereby ending the war, but September 2nd was the day that the unconditional surrender was signed on the decks of the USS Missouri. That is another dividing line, or in other words, one could say that this was the day that the state of war legally ended, so there is another view that it is more appropriate to say that September 2nd was the end of the war. Generally speaking, and leaving aside the question of whether it was appropriate for Russia to mark September 2nd as the end of the war, there are probably two dividing lines: the day when the Government of Japan made its intentions known, and the day of the signing.

Beppu, NHK: My question concerns the representations made by the deputy director-general of the European Affairs Bureau to the Chargé d'Affaires ad interim. One question is the level at which the statement was made. Who determined this level to be appropriate? Did you not intend to make the statement at a higher level? Also, in the representations, it said that this would not have a good impact on current Japanese-Russian relations; could you tell us a little more clearly and specifically what message you conveyed?

Minister: Firstly, Russian Ambassador to Japan Bely has returned to Russia temporarily. Consequently, the Chargé d'Affaires ad interim is in Tokyo as Russia’s representative, and we had the representations made by the deputy director-general of the European Affairs Bureau, because this rank is equivalent to the Chargé d'Affaires ad interim. I just now told you what the representations contained, but first, we said that we do not think that this revision to the law is befitting of current Japanese-Russian relations. This revision to the law is regrettable considering the feelings of the people of Japan, and the former residents of the islands in particular. Secondly, we said that we hope that they will respond appropriately so that this matter does not have a negative impact on Japanese-Russian relations moving forward. Third, we said that Japan will be observing Russia’s response closely. We made these three statements.

10. Financial Sanctions against Iran

Nanao, Niconico Video: This is a question from our viewers. The other day, it was reported in the media that US Assistant Secretary of Treasury Cohen visited Japan, and asked Japanese megabanks directly for cooperation in financial sanctions relating to the suspicions that Iran is developing nuclear weapons. Although I think that the Ministry of Finance is the main ministry here, there is also the possible issue of impact on oil procurement. What are your views and the views of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on these independent actions by the United States at this stage?

Minister: Firstly, this was not done by the United States alone. These sanctions were also adopted at a foreign ministers’ meeting of the EU as well, so in this sense, this is not something that just the United States is doing, and it is part of a trend of cooperation in these sorts of additional sanctions. Consequently, Japan also intends to decide on and announce the measures it will take, with due consideration for such matters as the sanctions placed by the EU and United States. Currently, we are still in the middle of our considerations. Naturally, the response by Japanese banks will be determined by the Government of Japan, and I do not think that a senior official from the United States directly made such a statement the other day. I believe that they had an exchange of views.

11. Ambassador Niwa’s Statement about Chinese Military Power

Noguchi, Nippon Television: Earlier, you spoke about choosing the right person for the right job in relation to ambassadorship. My question relates to Ambassador Niwa, who will be going to China. At a farewell party, he stated that China’s national defense spending was a matter of course for a large country, or in other words, he said that China’s massive defense spending was a matter of course. Amid criticism of the lack of transparency in China’s defense spending and other matters, what are your views on whether this was an appropriate statement by someone who will take the post of Ambassador, and your views from the perspective of choosing the right person for the right job?

Minister: I do not think that it is appropriate to take only a portion of a statement, without considering the whole context. I think that Ambassador Niwa was saying that if asked whether it was a matter of course for a large country, then yes, it is a matter of course, but that was a conventional descriptive phrase, and he also spoke about the importance of transparency in China’s military spending. I wonder about the appropriateness of the media taking that portion of his statement out of context in that way.

12. Visit to Japan by Kim Hyun-Hui

Nishioka, Mainichi Newspapers: My question is about the visit to Japan by Kim Hyun-Hui, who was formerly sentenced to death. I believe that I have asked you this question before as well, but each time, your answer has been “No comment.” Since she has returned to her country, there is no longer a reason for this, so please let me ask again the outcome of Kim Hyun-Hui’s visit to Japan, your assessment, and any impact that this will have on talks between Japan and North Korea.

Minister: I was not able to comment until now because the government had not made a decision, so I did not say anything because I cannot speculate. I happened to be abroad when she came to Japan, so I do not have much of an actual sense of her visit, but from what I saw in footage and elsewhere, she met with Mr. and Mrs. Yokota and other involved people, and they had sufficient time for an exchange of views, so I think that in this sense, this was an opportunity for the families of the abductees. I also think that this was significant in the sense of renewing the Japanese people’s awareness of the abduction issue.

13. South China Sea Issue

Saito, Kyodo News: I have a question about the issue of the South China Sea raised at the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) talks. I have heard that in a door-stepping interview with a reporter, you said on the South China Sea issue, “Japan also cannot be indifferent.” In what way will Japan be closely watching the South China Sea? Also, in what sense is the South China Sea important to Japan as a location? Unlike the East China Sea, this sea is in the south, and I think that there are still people who are not fully knowledgeable of it, so please tell us the reason for closely watching the South China Sea, and what is important about it for our country.

Minister: The South China Sea is, shall I say, a strategic point for transportation. Ships pass through the Strait of Malacca, and many Japanese ships also pass through it. Consequently, if it is extremely unstable, then it will impede commerce to Japan. That is one point. That is the sense in which it impacts Japan. Another point is that there are differences of opinion on territorial claims over this area between the ASEAN countries and China, and among the ASEAN countries themselves, and this instability could have an impact on peace in Asia. As I have said in the past, one of Japan’s most fundamental diplomatic policies is to achieve peace and prosperity for Japan by achieving the peace and prosperity of Asia. I hope to resolve instability in such areas as soon as possible, and I think that we must disperse it.

Saito, Kyodo News: Of course, there are also different views on this issue among the ASEAN countries, but generally speaking, one can conclude that the ASEAN countries want to have a large multi-national discussion on the South China Sea issue, with other countries participating, be they the United States or Japan. Meanwhile, China would like to deal with the issue in a bilateral way, so their stances appear to be slightly different. On this point, China is asserting that this is an issue of territorial waters, or economic zones, and so their stance is that it should be handled bilaterally. What are your views on this stance?

Minister: This is also the point that I made after hearing the statement by the Chinese Foreign Minister at the ARF talks. I believe that I said this earlier as well, but I said that the Asia-Pacific region is linked by ocean, and ensuring the peace and stability of the surrounding seas, and securing safety of sea lanes, are vital for the region’s development. I then said that although territorial issues may ultimately be bilateral issues, the claims of various countries are in conflict, so I think that ARF is just the place to use for constructive discussions.

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