Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > May 16, 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, May 16, 2012, 5:24 p.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

  1. Question concerning the realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan
  2. Questions concerning Japan-Russia relations
  3. Question concerning Japan-China consultation on maritime affairs
  4. Question concerning the purchase of F-35
  5. Question concerning the situation of Myanmar
  6. Questions concerning Japan-China relations

1. Question concerning the realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan

Shimada, NHK: The Senate Appropriations Committee of the United States announced its policy not to include the Guam relocation expense in the budget bill for 2013, and they explained that the reason is because of the   unclarity between the review of the realignment plan and the strategy of Asia Pacific Region as a whole. What are your thoughts on this strict response by Senate? If this causes delay to the relocation to Guam, it would have affect on reducing impact on Okinawa. Will the Government of Japan request something the U.S. side?

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba: With regard to what Mr.Shimada has just mentioned, I am aware of the situation. However, the deliberations at the United States Congress are at the starting point of a process. So I think this will take place from this point onwards. I think what is important is that both the Government of Japan and the Government of the U.S. are committed to the items which were concurred on recently.

2. Questions concerning Japan-Russia relations

Momoi, Nikkei Shimbun: On your visit to Morocco on May 6, it was reported that you mentioned that the Irkutsk Statement of 2001 is not inconsistent with the position of the Government of Japan. So, Minister, could you tell us your recognition of the Irkutsk Statement. Also, what is your view on “Proposal for the initial discussion on the two islands”?

Minister Gemba: Ms. Momoi referred to the Irkutsk Statement. As you are aware, the Statement confirmed that the Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration signed in 1956 sets the starting point for the negotiation process. At the same time, it reconfirmed that based on the 1993 Tokyo Declaration, a peace treaty should be concluded by resolving the issue of the attribution of the Four Islands I believe this is an important document; that is my recognition.
As I always mention, I believe that all we have to do is conducting the peace treaty negotiation based on the agreements and documents created by the two sides so far and the principles of law and justice. Ms. Momoi referred to “Proposal for the initial discussion on the two islands”, but its definition is not clear. 
What is important is we should carefully consider how consultations could be pursued from this point onwards, while taking note of the comments made by President Putin to date, and also his remarks in an interview with foreign press.
I held a meeting with Foreign Minister Lavrov in January, and the meeting lasted about four-and-a-half hours. In the meeting, I clearly stated that the Four Islands are inherent territories of Japan. Unfortunately, there are divergences in the positions. So, I expect that the negotiations are likely to be very difficult.

Momoi, Nikkei Shimbun: I understand that the government is coordinating the dispatch of Former Prime Minister Mori. While he was the prime minister, he proposed “parallel consultation” which consists of the discussion regarding Habomai and Shikotan on the one hand and the discussion of Kunashiri and Etrofu on the other. I am sure that Prime Minister Mori still maintains this view. If Prime Minister Mori is to be dispatched to Russia, are you coordinating the views with Prime Minister Mori? Also, how do you view his position?

Minister Gemba: As I have been saying, former Prime Minister Mori is almost only person within the Japanese political circle who has had close contacts with President Putin. Negotiations are conducted by the government. So, based upon that major premise upon discussions with former Prime Minister Mori, if I can quote what Prime Minister Noda said, we hope that he will work hard to help us. I believe that diplomatic issues should be addressed in bipartisan way. 
You mentioned “parallel consultation”. It has been already discussed, but I am aware that the response from the Russian side was that they cannot accept this approach. However, as I have been saying, without going through the press, conducting consultations in a serene environment is necessary. In the process of negotiations, it is very important to confirm true intention by face-to-face meeting between the two leaders or the two Foreign Ministers. Thus, I have no intention to say any further than this.

3. Question concerning Japan-China consultation on maritime affairs

Li, Hong Kong Phoenix TV: I would like to ask questions about Japan-China consultation on maritime affairs being held in China today. What kind of agenda item will be proposed by the Japanese side, and what are the expectations for the result of the consultation on the part of the Japanese side? Will this consultation continue in the future? At what frequency, and what would be the composition of the Japanese delegation? Specifically, what are the goals to be achieved?

Minister Gemba: With regard to technical aspects, I will ask my colleagues to explain later on. There were discussions on this matter on the leaders’ level, and I also raised the issue at Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Most important point is the enhancement of mutual trust between the maritime authorities of the two countries. Also, I think it is important that, at the end of the day, we create a multi-layered risk management mechanism. I mentioned earlier about technical aspects, because when we talk about maritime authorities, both Japan and China have seven, eight, or nine such organizations. It is important that those organizations can communicate well to prevent accidental incidents.
If such incidents happen because of insufficient communication, it would be very unfortunate for both parties. Therefore, all these maritime organizations come together in one forum, for close communication each other, enhance mutual trust and at the end of the day, create multi-layered crisis management mechanism. About the most adequate frequency of such meetings, I think it all depends to what extent the discussions will mature in the first, the second, and the third such meetings. But I think the ultimate objective is as I have alluded to earlier. So I place emphasis on this initiative. 
Now, I do have on hand some material, but this could be very technical. So I would like to ask my working level colleagues to explain to you later. On the Chinese side, there are many organizations such as Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Agriculture and National Bureau of Energy and so forth. There are various organizations on the part of Japan, too, so I think that is something that could be announced later. I will ask my colleagues to explain it to you later on.

4. Question concerning the purchase of F-35

Kamide, Freelance: Some newspaper talked about the purchase of F-35. I suppose Ministry of Defense is responsible for this matter, but this is a matter linked to budget. Because of the integrated tax reform, there is no fiscal flexibility. I think you are talking about the four at first. Some say that the total cost for the purchase of 42 of the F-35 will lead to one trillion yen or hundreds of billions yen. It may cost more than 10 billion yen per plane, according to some sources. So in this type of negotiations, the pricing was tended to be the United States’ asking price, at the risk that Japan was undermining its national interest. Now, of course the U.S. is pressed for budget. But what position are you going to take in addressing this procurement? Also, what extent can you actually discuss this matter with the United States?

Minister Gemba: On this issue, rather than myself, I think the Minister of Defense would be the most appropriate person to make comments. However, to the extent of my knowledge, there was some press report that the estimates of the cost for procurement include various cost such as pilot training expenses. At the same time, in principle, needless to say, I think that procurement should be in line with the commitments made so far with the U.S.    
I am not aware of the details, and I believe that the Ministry of Defense is considering this matter.

5. Question concerning the situation of Myanmar

Gomi, Tokyo Shimbun: Until yesterday, President Lee Myung-bak of the Republic of Korea (ROK) was visiting Myanmar, and the President told that some economic agreement was reached and Myanmar would stop weapons deals with North Korea. How do you evaluate these developments? Many countries are beginning to engage with Myanmar; you visited the country last year, Minister. How do you intend to engage Myanmar to support the democratization process?

Minister Gemba: With regard to Mr. Gomi’s question on Myanmar, in a nutshell, as far as Myanmar is concerned, national reconciliation and democratization – with the pride that Japan was the first country to support Myanmar’s democratization and national reconciliation, Japan should take initiative in democratization and the national reconciliation in Myanmar, economic reform and sustainable development, and also overcoming poverty That is my view.

At the G8 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, at the outset, I had a pleasure of providing a presentation regarding Myanmar. While there might be some difference in the positions taken, in principle, the foreign ministers showed some understanding of supporting Myanmar’s democratization and national reconciliation, based on the recognition that President’s Thein Sein’s reform position is indeed full-fledged. With regard to arms trade with North Korea, as was the case when I visited the country last year – but prior to that – when the Foreign Minister of Myanmar visited Japan, I confirmed this matter, and I clearly conveyed our wish that there be no such transactions. Therefore, seeing the press coverage this time around, I think it is only natural that this be the case. In Myanmar, on the other day, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attended the session of the Parliament. I hope that issues in Myanmar should be addressed through dialogue, taking note of the issue of the ethnic minority. At a dinner, I was seated next to President Thein Sein, so I conveyed my position on that occasion as well. The reason is that we have the responsibility to explain to our taxpayers, if we are going to provide assistance to Myanmar, then there are issues pertaining to claims. Therefore, the government of Japan and I have repeatedly requested that the developments in Myanmar be appropriate. We would like to fulfill our leading role on this matter.

6. Questions concerning Japan-China relations

Azumi, Freelance: I wanted to ask about Japan-China relations. From May 14 in Tokyo, the World Uyghur Congress has been held. Ambassador Cheng of China sent a document to Diet members, including those who are not participating in the Congress. In the document, it is mentioned that, if Japan approves this Congress to be held, then this will undermine the safety of Japan. What are your thoughts on this?

Minister Gemba: First of all, Ms. Azumi, the other day, I failed to thoroughly respond to your question with regards to the issue of comfort women. Last week I stated that I had not been aware the fact. It is confirmed that no bargaining points had been presented. So at the outset, I would like to point that out.
I am aware that Ambassador Cheng Yonghua sent letters to Diet members. Again, the issue of Uyghur is, in principle, an issue of domestic politics of China. However, I have been paying close attention on universal value such as freedom of expression. From such perspective, I think I need to respond appropriately.

Azumi, Freelance: In the document, the Ambassador definitively wrote that there could be negative impact on the safety of Japan. What are your thoughts on that?

Minister Gemba: I have not fully taken a look at this document. This needs to be confirmed. As far as we are concerned, naturally, the government of Japan has properly responded in accordance with domestic law and international law, and inclusive of whether or not this could undermine the safety of the nation.

Yoshioka, NHK: I think this was mentioned by the Vice Minister’s press conference, but let me raise this issue. In the Japan-China summit meeting, Premier Wen is reported to have said that both countries should respect each other’s core interests and major concerns. What is the Japanese Government’s view and analysis? My second question is: Premier Wen’s remarks were not mentioned in the press briefing by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Saito. The reporters repeatedly asked this question in a briefing by some official, and at last, it was disclosed that such a comment was made by Mr. Wen.
I do not mention how this expression is important for the government of China.  The government of Japan did not willingly disclose the important fact, to the media or to the public, that Chinese side had conveyed such an important message in the Summit Meeting. I understand that there is diplomatic protocol that the details of the remarks in meetings should not be disclosed, however, diplomatic protocol cannot be an excuse for not disclosing an important point of a meeting. This might be somewhat outside the scope of the substance of the Summit Meeting, but in terms of Noda Administration’s efforts to provide information, though you were not present at the meeting, could you share with us your thoughts?

Minister Gemba: I did not make the visit myself. You mentioned that the information was disclosed in the staff briefing after repeated questions, not in Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary’s briefing. Frankly speaking, I have not been following that issue in detail. This is something that I would have to confirm. However, information disclosure is, in principle, very important. However, in diplomatic exchanges, the comments made by our counterparts would have to be dealt with great care, and I think that could be said as a general principle.
This time, the remarks regarding core interests and major concerns, as a result it was disclosed. I have thought that that had been explained in the briefing. So let me confirm and get the facts right.

Yoshioka, NHK: What is your response on my first question?

Minister Gemba: Do you mean the remarks on Senkaku?

Yoshioka, NHK: Premier Wen did not use the word Senkaku. However, he mentioned “core interest and major concerns.”

Minister Gemba: I do not believe that there is necessarily a direct link with specific topic. But naturally, comments made by the other party are being listened to in a very careful manner. We are also analyzing the comments in a very careful manner. Japan’s position is that there exists no issue of territorial sovereignty to be resolved concerning the Senkaku Islands. That is the major premise.

Matsumura, Asahi Shimbun: In the Summit Meeting, there were some discussions on Senkaku and human rights. With that in mind, what is going to be the impact on the Japan-China relations going forward? Also, these very sensitive issues were raised at the highest level meeting. What was the strategy of the diplomatic authorities on this Japan-China Summit Meeting? I would like to ask about diplomatic efforts or strategy prior to the Meeting. Was it an unexpected situation?

Minister Gemba: Frankly speaking, I was not surprised, though I am not sure if it is appropriate to make any comments on whatever preparations we did.
As I stated before the departure to the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit, the signing of the investment agreement is significant. Japan, China, and the ROK will begin negotiations for FTA by the end of this year. People often talk about the fact that the issue of North Korea was not included in the Joint Statement. However, one important fact is that it is already included in the Presidential Statement of the U.N. Security Council, with China’s participation. So, beyond what is written there, what other or additional comments can be written? We have been urging North Korea to exert self-restraint. In urging self-restraint, China has to play an important role. We have been further working on China to that extent. That being taken into consideration, the fact that the issue of North Korea was not mentioned in the Joint Statement, I do not believe that it is a significant negative impact.

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