(* 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: Monday, September 17, 2012, 11:20 a.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Opening Remarks
- (1) Meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta
Meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta
Japan-China relations
Meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta
Japan-China relations
Meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta
Japan-North Korea relations
Passing of H.E. Mr. Shinichi Nishimiya, Ambassador of Japan to the People’s Republic of China

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba: I had an exchange of opinions with U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta centering on regional situations, as well as the realignment of U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ), Ospreys, and other matters of both sides’ interest related to Japan-U.S. security. This is the third meeting I have had with Secretary Panetta in one year. It is crucial that close communications be undertaken at the ministerial level between Japan and the United States on effective, efficient, and creative policy to further deepen and expand the Japan-U.S. Alliance as the United States shifts toward the stage of implementing a strategy focusing on the Asia-Pacific region. In that sense, I think that we were able to have a significant meeting today.

Concerning regional situations, I heard from Secretary Panetta about the schedule and goals for his trip to China and about the state of U.S.-China relations. I explained Japan’s policy in relation to the current state of Japan-China relations, and communicated that we would deal with matters calmly from a broad perspective.

In addition, on the topic of the Republic of Korea, I communicated that we would be dealing with difficult issues that exist between Japan and the Republic of Korea calmly as well, and that the continuation of cooperation coordination between Japan and the Republic of Korea, as well as that among Japan, the United States and the Republic of Korea, is important. I stated that we must not stagnate cooperation in the field of security. Secretary Panetta and I shared our recognition of this point.

Regarding Ospreys, I again conveyed local community’s strong concerns over safety. Working-level meetings for the confirmation of safety have progressed tremendously since we met with Ambassador Roos and Commander of USFJ the other day. In that sense, we have just confirmed this point and confirmed that we would give instructions to our working-level staff on each side toward the completion of the work on this issue.

2. Meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta

Hasegawa, Fuji Television: I understand that you discussed Japan-China relations with U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. Could you tell us how Secretary Panetta responded on this matter?

Minister Gemba: As I mentioned, it is necessary for Japan and the United States, as allied countries, to continuously discuss regional situations, including Japan-China relations, as well as to share recognition of the situations. We confirmed this stance once again, and at the same time we agreed that Japan and the United States would cooperate so that Japan-China relations do not get damaged greatly.

Hasegawa, Fuji Television: Was there any reference to Article V of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty?

Minister Gemba: Yes, I would not bother to comment on this point today. I mean that Japan and the United States share the same recognition that the treaty would be applied.

3. Japan-China relations

Hasegawa, Fuji Television: I would like to ask you once again about the origin of the issue. Last weekend, there was a series of anti-Japan demonstrations in China, and Japanese companies were attacked and suffered serious damage, including destruction, looting and arson. This is, I think, causing a massive impact on Japanese residents’ activities and daily lives and on economic activities. What is your view on this situation? Furthermore, it is expected that larger-scale demonstrations will be held tomorrow and in the future. Following the previous approaches by the Government of Japan, could you explain how the Government is going to deal with this issue in the future?

Minister Gemba: As you said, anti-Japan demonstrations are expanding at an unprecedentedly large scale, part of which has become violent and caused serious damage to Japanese companies. This is a highly regrettable situation. I would like to repeat our request that the Government of China take appropriate measures with respect to law and order. We have been closely communicating with public security authorities in different regions of China in order to protect Japanese nationals and for the safety of the Japanese diplomatic establishments. I would like to further strengthen such communications and request further efforts.

4. Meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta

Nishikawa, TBS: Did Secretary Panetta refer to the specific timing of the dispatch of the Osprey?

Minister Gemba: No, not today. Regarding the Osprey, as I mentioned before, I referred in detail when I met with US Ambassador John Roos and USFJ Commander. However, we have seen tremendous progresses since then. We confirmed that point at today’s meeting. Based on this background, I stated that the final confirmation of the safety needs to be judged by the Government of Japan, and prior to this, the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee to come to a final conclusion. As I mentioned earlier, we are now seeing significant progress, and we need to make sure to achieve agreement at the Joint Committee. With thorough safety assessment and confirmation by the Government of Japan on its own, I think we will then be able to start explaining to people of local communities honestly.

Tosa, Asahi Shimbun: Regarding the significant progress on the Osprey issue, or more specifically, could you tell us what it was that you gained from approaching Ambassador Roos, if you can tell us now. Another question is that I understand that Secretary Panetta told some media outlets on his flight to Japan that - I think it was aimed to the Governments of Japan and China - misjudgments could cause an irreversible situation of escalation, and that therefore both Japan and China should judge the situation calmly. In this meeting, was there any specific statement to express concerns or to urge calm judgment?

Minister Gemba: Regarding the first question, I am not going to refer to individual items, but I think at the meeting I referred to the issues such as low-level flight training and measures to prevent the recurrence of incidents. There are other important issues as well, but I think huge progress has been made on these issues. Furthermore, as you mentioned, it is important to make sure that there is no misunderstanding or misjudgment in terms of Japan-China relations. For this reason, I think it is necessary to strengthen communications by the entire Government, including diplomatic channels. This situation should not be escalated.

Tosa, Asahi Shimbun: Did Secretary Panetta express the same view?

Minister Gemba: We exchanged opinions in various forms, but I would like to refrain from commenting on each word of Secretary Panetta's statements, since it was a diplomatic exchange.

5. Japan-China relations

Lee, Hong Kong Phoenix Television: Various anti-Japanese demonstrations were occured in China over the weekend. It is reported that the demonstrations have spread to more than 100 cities. Under such circumstances, could you tell us your message to the Chinese public, if you have any?

Minister Gemba: I would like to ask the people of China to consider this issue in a calm manner from a broad perspective of Japan-China relations.

6. Meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta

Takenaka, Reuters: You just mentioned that you and Secretary Panetta had shared the recognition that Article 5 of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty would be applicable. Is that with regard to the Senkaku Islands?

Minister Gemba: That is correct.

Yokota, Mainichi Shimbun: In response to the question whether Secretary Panetta remarked on the matter, you replied that you preferred not to talk about this now. Does it mean that Secretary Panetta did not make any remarks?

Minister Gemba: It means that I do not think that I should say it here today. We share our recognition completely.

Yokota, Mainichi Shimbun: What do you mean when you say you made the decision that you should not say it today?

Minister Gemba: I will leave that to your imagination.

7. Japan-North Korea relations

Tosa, Asahi Shimbun: The Korean Central News Agency made a comment to the effect that with regard to the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, the Government of Japan is tenaciously taking up the abduction issue which has already been completely resolved so as to exploit it for wrong political purposes. As the Japan-North Korea consultations are in full progress, please tell us how you take the fact that there has been a message that the abduction issue has been resolved.

Minister Gemba: In response to the question by Mr. Yokota, I will say no more than what I just mentioned, but if I can add a few more words, I believe that it is inappropriate to escalate the situation. With regard to the question raised by Mr. Tosa, just as he mentioned in his question, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration. I would like to consider this as an opportunity to make utmost efforts to move ahead with and solve the various issues of concern between Japan and North Korea including the abduction issue. We are continuing to coordinate the dates for the next consultation to this end.

8. Passing of H.E. Mr. Shinichi Nishimiya, Ambassador of Japan to the People’s Republic of China

Ohtani, NHK: Mr. Shinichi Nishimiya, Ambassador of Japan to the People’s Republic of China, passed away yesterday. Please tell us how you take this. I think you need to think about finding a replacement. Please also tell us your views on this matter.

Minister Gemba: I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of Ambassador Nishimiya, and would like to express my deepest condolences. I was praying for his complete recovery, but unfortunately, he passed away. I would like to start coordination, or rather, we are coordinating right now, to select a new ambassador.

Ohtani, NHK: Are you of the view that with regard to finding a replacement, the earlier the better?

Minister Gemba: That is true. I believe the earlier the better, but it is not something that will be decided in a day or two.

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