Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > December 21, 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: Friday, December 21, 2012, 10:51 a.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

  1. Japan-ROK relations
  2. Japan-Russia relations
  3. Realignment of the U.S. Forces Japan
  4. Japan-ROK relations and Japan-China relations
  5. Launching of a “satellite” by North Korea

1. Japan-ROK relations

Nishikawa, TBS: The election in the Republic of Korea has ended and Ms. Park Geun-hye was elected President. How do you view this result? Will you also share your opinion on the outlook for Japan-ROK relations?

Minister Gemba: The relationship between Japan and the ROK is the pivot of peace and stability of the Asia Pacific and the entire region regardless of any changes in the ROK Presidency or the Japanese Prime Minister. I believe the great importance of coordination between Japan and the ROK will remain unchanged. We diplomatic authorities have put in our greatest efforts to the management of the well-known difficult challenges. But especially since we share fundamental values, in this sense, I believe Japan-ROK relations should take this opportunity. Since President-elect Ms. Park Geun-hye referred to the Japan-ROK economic partnership agreement (EPA) during her election campaign, and because there was also the missile launch by North Korea, and also because I believe we share security, economic, and other common and strategic interests, I believe it is necessary to build our relations on that basis.

Nishikawa, TBS: We face several unresolved issues including the issue of Takeshima. Do you believe that the regime change will serve as yet another important opportunity?

Minister Gemba: In all times and countries, it is important to take advantage of the opportunity of regime change. Although there are respective difficult challenges, we must manage them appropriately, and obviously say what to say. Having said that, in appropriately managing relations, since Japan-ROK relations are the pivot of the region’s peace and stability, I believe it is important to be fully aware of this fact as we continue to build our relations.

2. Japan-Russia relations

Ando, Hokkaido Shimbun: President Vladimir Putin of Russia held a press conference yesterday. In response to a statement made by Mr. Shinzo Abe, President of the Liberal Democratic Party, he stated that he hopes to respond constructively for negotiations regarding the Northern Territories. What is your take on this statement made by President Putin? Under the leadership of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), the Japanese Government has enhanced economic and security collaboration with Russia, too. We have come very close to our Prime Minister’s visit to Russia. Based on what the DPJ administrations have done so far, what expectations do you have for the new administration in terms of Japan-Russia relations and negotiations regarding the Northern Territories?

Minister Gemba: There may be various views, but I believe the Japan-Russia relationship has come to a very good one under the DPJ administration. In other words, we have succeeded in creating a mutual awareness of the significance of enhancing relations given the changing strategic environments we face. Therefore, I met with Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, quite many times this year. It is well known that we are currently holding concrete discussions especially on economic issues, and for the first time, we held very close consultations on security issues. Naturally, both sides must aim to resolve the issue of the Northern Territories and conclude a peace treaty. I hope that the new administration will stay on the path of enhancing collaboration with Russia in all areas while pursuing the resolution of the Northern Territories issue and concluding a peace treaty. This is the one and only way for Japan.

3. Realignment of the U.S. Forces Japan

Toiyama, Ryukyu Shimpo: I would like to ask about a consolidation plan in relation to the return of the land south of Kadena. You have worked strenuously for the return of the land south of Kadena, hoping that it will lead to mitigate the impact on Okinawa. We have been told that a plan will be completed in December. Will you update us on the outlook for this plan and if the schedule is to be moved back into the new year, will you explain the reason or the existing challenges that Japan and U.S. must resolve?

Minister Gemba: As you said, I have worked tirelessly on this issue, and have put a great amount of pressure on my staff as well as addressing the issue at high political level. I believe a certain progress has been made and the final stage will be the specification of the schedule.

Toiyama, Ryukyu Shimpo: Do you mean the timing of the return of the land?

Minister Gemba: Yes. I am pressing our staff to specify the timing. Therefore, we are currently in the process of final adjustments. Although I cannot clearly state when the return will be yet, as I mentioned earlier, there is the issue of whether to specify solely the timing of the return of the land south of Kadena. Therefore, as regime transition takes place, I believe it will be reasonable to consult with those so-called new persons concerned.

4. Japan-ROK relations and Japan-China relations

Kamide, Freelance: The regime change is meeting with a strong backlash from the media in countries such as China and the Republic of Korea. On the Takeshima and Senkaku Islands issues which you have addressed as mentioned earlier, based on your recognition, how much progress has been made thus far to the point that you would turn the issues over to your successor? Secondly, will you briefly comment on your expectations and hopes for the coming administration? Lastly, at the present stage, how much have the relations with the two countries improved or have not improved?

Minister Gemba: Since the relationship between Japan and the ROK is one which shares strategic interests and fundamental values, I believe the relation was good until August of this year. It has been an unfortunate situation since August. It will not be appropriate for me to assume his intention, but it is my belief that there was some sort of personal feeling of the President. Based on this understanding, by taking this regime change as an opportunity, I believe there is potential to build an environment which will enable further appropriate management of these difficult issues. Furthermore, including the possible institution of proceedings before the International Court of Justice, I have done what must be done, and in addition, I frequently communicated with Mr. Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of ROK. In a sense, other than those issues concerning Takeshima, I do not think it is an overstatement to say that our relationship has already improved substantially. On that note, I hope for the development of Japan-ROK relations with the awareness that, as I mentioned at the outset, this relations are the pivot of peace and stability.

As for issues surrounding Japan and China, there are issues which arose following the so-called Senkaku Islands issue. As I stated again at yesterday’s reception, what are non-negotiable will remain non-negotiable. We have maintained our basic stance but at the same time have also maintained communications between diplomatic authorities, some of which have been publicized and others not. Since we are countries with the second and third largest GDPs, and also because we are neighboring countries, we must seek our wisdom to lead to the right direction. I believe I have played a certain role in paving the way to that end.

5. Launching of a “satellite” by North Korea

Matsuura, Yomiuri Shimbun: As of tomorrow, it will be 10 days since North Korea’s missile launch. In the past, North Korea has conducted nuclear tests after its missile launch. Will you explain how the Japanese Government is currently addressing the situation and what impact you would foresee a potential nuclear test will have on future Japan-North Korea intergovernmental consultations?

Minister Gemba: Firstly, it will not be appropriate to remark based on the assumption that a nuclear test will be conducted. At this stage, we must firstly work to prevent such tests. As for what measures are currently taken, as you are well aware, I have spoken with relevant foreign ministers on the phone, and there have been working-level meetings with related countries. As you are aware, Ms. Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State, is currently recovering, but necessary discussions are underway and the coordination of concrete form and substance is being conducted in New York.

In April this year, we issued a Presidential Statement including a strong determination. As China is the key this time, I believe we must fully coordinate with relevant countries for the UN Security Council to issue a strong position so as to prevent any further launches or nuclear tests. Efforts to that end are currently undertaken.

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