Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > July 17, 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: Tuesday, July 17, 2012, 11:38 a.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

  1. Opening Remarks
    • (1) Attendance at ASEAN-related foreign ministers' meetings
    • (2) Visit to Viet Nam
  2. The Dispatch of Ospreys to Okinawa
  3. PKO Activity in Haiti
  4. The Situation in North Korea
  5. Japan-China Relations

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Attendance at ASEAN-related foreign ministers' meetings

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba: At the Japan-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting we agreed that there will be commemorative events over this next year in light of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and ASEAN and that Japan will host a special summit meeting in December of next year as part of this. Additionally, I also attended an East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting and other meetings.

At the series of meetings I emphasized the importance of the international community taking a firm stance about the prevention of further provocative acts by North Korea, including nuclear tests, as well as the need to see concrete action by North Korea in order to reopen dialogue. In addition, I called on the participating countries and North Korea with regard to the importance of resolving the abduction issue.

Furthermore, on the situation in the South China Sea, I pointed out that peace and stability in the region is a common point of interest for the international community and said that it was crucial that international law be upheld, given that all relevant countries are signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). I stated that there is a need for the basis of claims to be made clear in line with international law and for the actors involved to refrain from unilateral actions. I also stressed the importance of resolving issues peacefully according to relevant international laws.

Other than that, there was a Japan-U.S.-ROK Foreign Ministers' Meeting. We shared the view that Japan, the United States and the Republic of Korea would continue to cooperate on North Korean issues with the relevant countries, including the People's Republic of China and Russia. We also had an exchange of opinions on regional situations and global issues. In addition, I held bilateral talks with each country, including the People's Republic of China.

(2) Visit to Viet Nam

Minister Gemba: I participated in meetings with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh. Through the series of meetings, we again reaffirmed that Japan and Viet Nam have a relationship of shared strategic benefits. In addition, I believe that we were able to have extremely significant deliberations on the fields of politics and security, centering on economic relations. Questions concerning the dispatch of Osprey helicopter to Okinawa.

2. The Dispatch of Ospreys to Okinawa

Shimada, NHK: I heard that you had a conference with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and Minister of Defense Satoshi Morimoto this morning. Could you tell us what was discussed in this conference?

Minister Gemba: On the issue of Osprey helicopters, as I have repeatedly mentioned before, it has been agreed that there will not be any flights, including test flights, until safety can be confirmed by the Government of the United States and also by the Government of Japan. We are currently reviewing the actions that need to be taken in order to further dispel safety concerns.

Shimada, NHK: I understand that Prime Minister Noda suggested involving the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) on an expert team. Was there any reference to this point?

Minister Gemba: Since issues concerning safety are very serious, we would like to do everything we can. At the same time, although safety is our highest priority, I think it is necessary to thoroughly explain the deterrence capabilities that Osprey helicopters offer in the context of the recent security environment surrounding Japan.

Compared to the current CH-46E helicopter, the MV-22 is as twice as fast, has a four times larger radius of activity and has three times more load capacity. We need to take account of all this and the fact that the number of U.S. Marine Corps personnel stationed in Okinawa will be gradually reduced in the future—although 10,000 personnel will still remain. Under such circumstances, as the person in charge of foreign diplomacy, more specifically of security, I think it is necessary to consider how to improve deterrence capabilities, including how to ensure the security of East Asia as well as Japan. However, the major premise is that the safety be thoroughly confirmed. Without this, we cannot proceed, and therefore we cannot ignore safety issues.

Shimada, NHK: In response to the opposition of the local people, Mr. Seiji Maehara, Chair of Policy Research Committee of the Democratic Party of Japan, suggested to the United States that the current deployment plan be changed. However, in today's conference, it was mentioned that the helicopters will arrive next week, on or around July 24. Can we understand that this means that the Government of Japan has confirmed the acceptance of the helicopters?

Minister Gemba: In any case, the ship carrying the helicopters has already departed, as I mentioned some time ago. However, as I said earlier, even if the ship arrives, flights, including test flights, will after all be put on hold until safety can be confirmed. I think what is important is to confirm safety thoroughly first, and then consider any further actions we need to take in order to dispel such concerns.

Shimada, NHK: It could be expected that there may be some trouble surrounding the delivery of helicopters. Does the Government have any plan in terms of providing security?

Minister Gemba: I think we need to implement measures to prevent any trouble.

3. PKO Activity in Haiti

Shimada, NHK: Regarding peacekeeping operation in Haiti, I understand that it was decided that Self-Defense Forces (SDF) will be withdrawn next year. Could you tell us the reason why the withdrawal has been decided on at this time? In addition, what measures will the Government of Japan take in order to contribute to Haiti in the future?

Minister Gemba: The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, the so-called MINUSTAH, has almost achieved its original targets as they relate to the dispatch of SDF.

During this period, the SDF was engaged in, for example, the maintenance of roads, the removal of rubble, and the dredging of rivers, as well as consultations on the issue of earthquake resistance, utilizing the knowledge and experience of Japan. As far as I can remember, about three quarters of evacuees have already returned to their homes. In this sense, it can be said that the original targets have almost been achieved, and therefore we have started coordinating with the United Nation or the Government of Haiti.

Japan has what is known as country assistance. From now on, in accordance with the progress of the situation in Haiti, by which I mean the progress from restoration to reconstruction, full-scale reconstruction and full-scale nation building, I would like to ensure that Japan supports overall efforts, especially in the fields of basic services such as health, sanitation and education.

4. The Situation in North Korea

Nishida, Mainichi Shimbun: Regarding North Korea, it has been reported that Mr. Ri Yong Ho, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of Workers' Party of Korea, has been relieved of all his posts. Although the reason was said to be due to illness, some media reports suggest that something may be happening in the central administration of North Korea. What is your view on this matter?

Minister Gemba: We are always carefully monitoring the movements of North Korea, including such personnel changes. We have been receiving various pieces of information; however, the Government of Japan cannot make comments on such information in public. I would like to refrain from making a comment.

I am aware of the media reports, and the Government is currently analyzing and evaluating this matter.

5. Japan-China Relations

Terashima, Associated Press: Regarding Japan-China relations, what did you discuss with the Government of the People's Republic of China, and also with Mr. Uichiro Niwa, Japanese Ambassador to the People's Republic of China?

Minister Gemba: As I announced before, there is the 40th anniversary this year, and there were more positive discussions than have been reported. We discussed specific topics regarding the future approach for the further promotion of bilateral relations from each other's point of view.

In addition, I lodged a strong protest against the intrusion by a Chinese ship into the Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands. In response, the Government of the People's Republic of China expressed its own view, but I once again stated the basic stance of Japan.

We also spent a long time discussing the issue of the South China Sea. As I already mentioned today, I think law and order are very important, and the basis of any claims should be made clear in line with the relevant international law such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This issue could influence international order in the seas overall. In other words, the People's Republic of China has a vital role and is an essential player for the stability of international order at sea. For this reason, I think we need to continue thorough discussions on this issue. For these reasons, we exchanged frank opinions on the matter.

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