Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > January 25, 2012

(* 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 Koichiro Gemba

Date: Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 3:50 p.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

  1. Opening Remarks
    • (1) Visit to Japan by Mr. Sergey Viktorovich LAVROV, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
    • (2) Draft code of conduct for space activities being prepared by the European Union (EU)
  2. Questions concerning visit to Japan by Mr. Sergey Viktorovich LAVROV, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
  3. Questions concerning Japan’s response to the Draft of the code of conduct for space activities being prepared by the European Union (EU)
  4. Questions concerning integrated reform of social security and tax
  5. Questions concerning trade deficit of Japan
  6. Questions concerning issues of Takeshima

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Visit to Japan by Mr. Sergey Viktorovich LAVROV, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba: At the outset I would like to make two points. I am going to meet His Excellency Mr. Sergei Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, on January 28. He is coming to Japan on January 28 and 29, and we are going to discuss bilateral issues as well as critical global issues. So far I had four rounds of discussions with Foreign Minister Lavrov of Russia, including telephone conversations but they were all very short discussions. So in the Foreign Ministers’ meeting, in order to further develop the Japan-Russia relationship, I look forward to having a substantial discussion with Minister Lavrov.

(2) Draft code of conduct for space activities being prepared by the European Union (EU)

Minister Gemba: Next has to do with outer space. In recent years, with more countries using outer space and increased outer space activities, the danger of satellites colliding or space debris colliding with satellites is increasing. In order to deal with these issues, since 2008, there have been discussions going forward on an unofficial basis based on the draft of the code of conduct for the space activities prepared by the EU. This year, the EU will be upgrading the discussions of this draft of the code of conduct from a bilateral-based to a multilateral-based discussion. This draft of the code of conduct includes the restraint on the destruction of space objects as well as notification and consultation mechanism to avert the satellite collision, and we believe that it can contribute to the increased transparency among countries utilizing outer space, as well as to confidence building. We welcome this initiative led by the EU and we are prepared to actively participate in the international discussions on this matter. We will make efforts so that we can gain the participation of the related countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be promoting, on a full-fledged basis, foreign policies regarding outer space, including discussions in the United Nations and utilizing frameworks like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

2. Questions concerning visit to Japan by Mr. Sergey Viktorovich LAVROV, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

Sakai, Sankei Shimbun: Now that the Russian Foreign Minister, Mr. Lavrov is coming to Japan, I would like to ask the following: Is there recognition from the Japanese government that the Northern Territories are unlawfully occupied?

Minister Gemba: I have consistently made statements so far that the occupation of the Northern Territories by Russia has no grounds in international law and this position of the government has remained consistent. So on that regard, the view of the Japanese government has a gap from that of the Russian government. Towards the early resolution of the issue of the northern territories, I would like to have a substantial discussion with Minister Lavrov.

Sakaie, Sankei Shimbun: Foreign ministers have not used the words “unlawful occupation” since the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) came into power.  Minister Gemba, are you not going to use this expression of “unlawful occupation”?

Minister Gemba: It is not only under the DPJ Administration but also under the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) Administration that the same question came up. I think that the difference of words and expressions that we use does not change our legal interpretation or legal evaluation. The expression to be used under various circumstances would be up to policy decision. Territorial issues, as I have always been saying, shall be resolved through negotiation. Taking those matters into account and those of the bilateral relationship with our negotiating party, we need to use the most appropriate expression at each time.

Tosa, Asahi Shinbun: About this meeting with the Foreign Minister Lavrov, other than the issue of Northern Territories, there are economic issues including energy issues and security cooperation matters. What is Japan’s position on those matters, what kind of cooperation will be ideal in the relationship between the two countries and what are your objectives?

Minister Gemba: We are going to have the discussions and so I cannot go into specifics here. What I always say is that I do place importance on Japan- Russia relations   and that the cooperative relationship between Japan and Russia should be developed in a variety of areas. That is my basic position with regard to Japan- Russia relations so I hope to gain your understanding on that point.

Yokota, Mainichi Newspapers: Mr. Lavrov had a press conference in Moscow in the recent past. With regard to future joint economic activities of Japan and Russia on the four northern islands, he said that it is going to be included in topics of the discussion with Mr. Minister. He had referred to the need to take into account the legal system of Russia in carrying out the discussion. What are your views?

Minister Gemba: With regard to the joint economic activities of Japan and Russia on the four northern islands, the prerequisite is that Japan’s legal position will not be undermined. With regard to other specifics, I would like to refrain from making comments.

3. Questions concerning Japan’s response to the Draft of the code of conduct for space activities being prepared by the European Union (EU)

Yoshioka, NHK: With regard to outer space, now taking part in the code of conduct discussions, in the international community in terms of the utilization and development of outer space, there is the problem of space debris and also satellite collisions. What is your understanding of the present situation?

Also in connection with that, Diet, the revised JAXA law is going to be submitted to the Diet.  A bill to amend the peaceful utilization clause will be removed and in that place there will be discussion as to what kind of activities will be performed. I think this has to do with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so how are you going to take part in this discussion?

Minister Gemba: Well in a nutshell, outer space is starting to become crowded. In other words, the environment of outer space is worsening. That is my understanding on the present situation and therefore, accidents or collisions do occur. The US and Russian satellites, I believe, did collide, and there was the destruction of a satellite by China in 2007. That led to dispersion of space debris. So, on self-restraint of destruction and possible actions to minimize accidents and collisions, we need to have some code of conduct I believe. Actually, this is the same for the cyber space. Outer space, cyber space, these spaces are going to be very important fields.

With regard to the revision of the JAXA law, I used to be a minister in charge of development of outer space and so I had a certain engagement in these issues and I do understand the importance of JAXA. Not only in the civilian realm but also in security fields, the development and utilization of outer space is increasingly becoming important. So, JAXA can make a contribution to the peace and stability of the world and the security of Japan.  . JAXA itself has to be able to take action and I hope that the revised JAXA law will be the basis for that and I believe that is how it should be.

4. Questions concerning integrated reform of social security and tax

Kamide, freelance: You are not directly in charge of this, but recently, there is great chanting on the integrated reform (of social security and tax system).  Firstly, I understand that there is the issue of consumption tax as an international commitment. As far as you know, how are foreign countries including the U.S. evaluating this issue? Secondly, looking at the public poll, according to the Mainichi Newspaper’s survey, 60% of people seem to be objecting (the tax raise), so there is a gap. What is your view?

Minister Gemba: I would like to underline at the outset that this integrated reform has to include not only social security and tax reforms but also political reform and administrative reform.  The integrated reform of social security and tax may  be an international commitment, but Prime Minister Noda has been talking about the need to implement this integrated reform of tax and social security since the party presidential election. When it comes to the finance of the Japanese government, on the one hand, there was the sovereign crisis in Europe actually taking place during this period. The point is not how our integrated reform of social security and tax is evaluated internationally. But, rather, that the reform will provide the social security for all generations, making pension system, health care system, and nursing care system sustainable, and furthermore, additional 1% equivalent funds will be spent on new social security, that is, support for raising children and measures to address declining birth rate. While Japan is among the first countries in the world that experience declining birth rate and ageing society, thoroughly accomplishing such reform will provide an example to others and will lead to Japan’s increased presence in the world.

Concerning the result of the public opinion poll, you pointed out the possibility that the public does not really support the Japanese government’s policy. Just the other day, I managed to go back to my political electorate. I explained to my voters on this issue. Each member of the Diet has to squarely face the issue and explain to the public what action is needed. Prime Minister Noda and Deputy Prime Minister Okada are committed to giving a full explanation to the general public, which I believe is very important for raising their awareness. Although I cannot be very specific at this point in time – an easy to understand explanation or an analogy needs to be cited to win the understanding of the public, which I have been advising to people who are involved in this process.

Kemide, freelance: Could you suggest an example?

Minister Gemba: So, I cannot be very specific at this point, but I sometimes directly give advice to them or suggest seeking advice from appropriate people to come up with an effective way of explaining.

5. Questions concerning trade deficit of Japan

Ikeda, NHK: Today, for the first time in 31 years last year (in 2011), it was announced that there was trade deficit. To overcome this and shift back to a surplus, what do you think is necessary and what will you do as Foreign Minister?

Minister Gemba: Not so much as a foreign minister, but Japan itself. As the competent ministers made addresses yesterday, innovation within Japan, especially specific innovation, needs to be promoted. What can we do to make that happen? Effective implementation systems should be in place to promote that. Competitiveness needs to be secured and enhanced. Along with that, naturally, so-called economic partnerships are relevant and, as I always say, economic partnerships should be promoted in an active and multilateral way.

6. Questions concerning issues of Takeshima

Aiuchi, Hokkaido Shimbun: Going back to your meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, I think you said the other day that you wanted a four-hour long meeting, when you visited Nemuro. In this long history of Japan and Russia, how would you like to position your meeting with Minister Lavrov? I think there is not so much substantial progress in this territorial negotiation.

I heard that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea requested withdrawal of your statement (on Takeshima) in yesterday’s speech in the Diet.

Minister Gemba: To answer your first question, I believe, including the time to take lunch, four hours would be allowed for my meeting with Minister Lavrov. As I have mentioned earlier, in a variety of areas, I would like to promote cooperation with Russia and I would like to make this a milestone.

Concerning the issue of South Korea, I heard bits and pieces of related information, but I don’t have accurate information with me now.

Oshima, Asahi Shimbun: Why did you touch upon the issue of Takeshima in your foreign policy speech?

Minister Gemba: The last two questions are related. In light of the recent situation surrounding Takeshima, we made a comprehensive judgment. Recently, we have been a variety of moves on this front. For example, ROK ministers and National Assembly members have landed on Takeshima. In view of these events as well, I reiterated our government’s basic stance in my speech.

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