(* 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 Fumio Kishida

Date: Tuesday, January 8, 2013, 0:06 p.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Opening Remarks-Visit to Southeast Asia and Australia
Japan-ROK relations
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s overseas visits
Japan-China relations
Realignment of U.S. Forces Japan
The Senkaku Islands
"Comfort women" issue
Northern Territories issues

1. Opening Remarks-Visit to Southeast Asia and Australia

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: From tomorrow, January 9, to January 14, I will visit the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei and Australia.

The Asia-Pacific region is the “growth center” of the 21st century that is spurring global economic growth. Ensuring stability and prosperity in this region will be greatly beneficial to Japan as we attempt to take in the growth of the entire region.

In particular, I recognize that the further strengthening of relations with the ASEAN member states and Australia with which we traditionally have strong friendly cooperative relations is an important issue for Japan’s diplomacy today.

Furthermore, as the strategic environment in the Asia-Pacific region is changing, I believe that collaboration with the ASEAN countries and Australia is vital to maintaining and ensuring peace and stability in this region.

During this visit, I hope to conduct close communications with the Foreign Minister of each country, build relationships of trust, and work to further enhance bilateral relations.

2. Japan-ROK relations

Nikaido, Asahi Shimbun: I understand that the other day Mr. Fukushiro Nukaga, Member of the House of Representatives, was dispatched as special envoy to hold a meeting with ROK President-Elect Park Geun-hye. In addition, a group of legislators from the ROK is visiting Japan today to have meetings with the leading members of the ruling and opposition parties. Under such circumstances, however, regarding the arson case at Yasukuni Shrine, it seems the Seoul High Court decided to release the suspect. Do you think Japan-ROK relations are making progress toward restoration?

On the other hand, regarding Takeshima, there is the issue of independently instituting proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). What is the policy of the Abe administration on addressing this issue? Please elaborate including the timing of instituting the proceedings.

Minister Kishida: First of all, I recognize the ROK as the most important neighboring country with which we share basic values and common interests such as democracy and the market economy. Although there are difficult issues between Japan and the ROK, both countries should make joint efforts based on a broad perspective with the aim of establishing a future-oriented and multi-layered strong relationship between the new governments of both countries.

Based on such a point of view, I recently had a teleconference with Mr. Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the ROK, and confirmed these points that I mentioned just now. In addition, as President-Elect Park Geun-hye mentioned in the talk with Representative Nukaga, I understand that President-Elect Park also strongly recognizes the importance of Japan-ROK relations. Based on this understanding, I think we need to continue making steady efforts toward strengthening Japan-ROK relations.

Regarding the question of instituting proceedings before the ICJ, we are currently at the stage of preparation and deliberation and that is the extent of it.

3. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s overseas visits

Matsumoto, Jiji Press: I would like to ask about Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visits overseas. I understand that Mr. Chikao Kawai, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, is visiting Washington at the moment to coordinate the timing of Prime Minister Abe’s visit to the United States. Will you tell us the outlook of the timing and the current status of coordination for his visit? In addition, I believe coordination is underway for Prime Minister Abe’s visit to Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Viet Nam and Indonesia, so will you also tell us the current status on this?

Minister Kishida: Firstly, regarding Vice-Minister Kawai’s visit to the U.S., I have received reports that he had meetings with relevant personnel of the Department of State and the White House. Regarding the substance, I am told that Vice-Minister Kawai firstly explained the diplomacy and security policy of the Abe administration with the aim of gaining understanding form the U.S. side. Further, I am also told that the Japan-U.S. summit meeting was also discussed but the specific schedule is still under coordination. Nonetheless, I’m told that the U.S. side shared our recognition on the realization of Prime Minister Abe’s visit to the U.S. at an early timing, as well as the realization of a Japan-U.S. summit meeting. I hope both countries will work steadily and seek an early realization. Prime Minister Abe’s visits overseas, including the visit to the U.S. I just mentioned, are still under consideration and nothing has been fixed at this point.

4. Japan-China relations

Lee, Hong Kong Phoenix Television: Firstly, I would like to ask about the Senkaku Islands issue. Although I understand that it may not be very clear at this stage how the new administration will improve China-Japan relations, will you tell us your view or comments on this matter as Minister for Foreign Affairs if you have any?

Secondly, regarding the Murayama Statement, I understand that the Abe administration’s policy is to succeed to the position of previous cabinets. However, there have been concerns overseas that the Abe cabinet’s recognition on the Kono Statement may be different. Am I correct in understanding that this administration will not adhere to the Kono Statement?

Minister Kishida: Regarding the first question about the Senkaku Islands issue, first of all, I recognize Japan-China relations as significantly important bilateral relations not only for Japan but also for the international community. On the other hand, Japan has been strongly claiming that the Senkaku Islands are an inherent territory of Japan in light of historical facts and based upon international law.

With regard to Japan-China relations, we must consider from a broad perspective. In addition, the Chinese side must also act in a calm manner. The situation must not be escalated. This is my current view. Based on this understanding, we must make efforts to promote communication at all levels of our diplomatic authorities. I hope to continue these efforts in a sustained manner.

As for the question about the Kono Statement, since it is a statement by the Chief Cabinet Secretary, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has recently explained the position of the Abe administration. Since this is a statement by the Chief Cabinet Secretary, I think the administration’s position is contained in the Chief Cabinet Secretary’s explanations.

5. Realignment of U.S. Forces Japan

Toiyama, Ryukyu Shimpo: I have heard that ministers in charge of Okinawa, i.e. the Chief Cabinet Secretary, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Defense, and the Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs held a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office this morning. Will you tell us what was discussed there? Moreover, I think you are proceeding with preparations for landfill application. Please explain if there is a policy concerning relocation, such as a detailed schedule for the relocation.

Minister Kishida: First of all, the ministers concerned gathered at the Prime Minister’s Office this morning and held a meeting concerning issues related to Okinawa. We exchanged information and opinions concerning various issues such as the current impact on and the economic development of Okinawa. Since those were the substance of the meeting, there is nothing that has been specifically determined.

Concerning the application for landfill, I think it is most important as the first step to steadily communicate with the people of Okinawa, the governor of Okinawa and all those concerned, and so I believe deliberations will be conducted based on that policy. Nothing has been determined specifically at present. That is the current status.

6. The Senkaku Islands

Kamide, Freelance: Concerning the issue of the Senkaku Islands, you have again lodged a protest today. My first question is, although the issues the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faced during its time in power and the response taken by the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) may have been different, since this issue occurred while the DPJ was in power, will you, as a new minister in charge of this issue, tell us your personal recognition on how the LDP regarded the Senkaku Islands issue during the LDP’s time in power? I would like you to clarify if there were any faults in the response by the LDP. That is, there were actions taken by Mr. Shintaro Ishihara, former Governor of Tokyo, and many other issues, but do you think such issues changed the situation concerning the Senkaku Island significantly? If there were faults, could you at this present stage also elucidate what was wrong and what was right?

Minister Kishida: First of all, my recognition concerning the Senkaku Islands is that the Government of Japan has been taking a consistent position. Based on that basic recognition, there were various moves, including the change of power, as you have mentioned, during that period. You have raised a question if there were any missteps in the past. Although various actions and the course of events have occurred, when it comes to Japan’s diplomacy, I believe all is in continuity and that they must keep going.

I think what is important is what this new administration will do for the future, based on the past. It is of course important to review the past, but I think the new administration must contemplate well what we should do for the future based on the current conditions. We must consider issues on the important Japan-China relations from a broad perspective. On the other hand, we must also clearly assert our stance on this issue. Taking these issues into consideration, both countries must make efforts toward steady communication and I hope to value such approaches on which I place emphasis.

Kamide, Freelance: Do you mean your recognition is that there are no errors in the policies adopted by the DPJ concerning the Senkaku Islands?

Minister Kishida: I would like to fully review past developments and I believe that we must. I think we need to review them. However, presently as a person in charge of diplomacy, I would like to stress that it is important to consider what we will do for the future on the basis of such assessment.

Sakamoto, NHK: I have learned that Mr. Akitaka Saiki, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, summoned Mr. Cheng Yonghua, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Japan, and lodged a protest today. Will you tell us what you have been briefed regarding this protest? In addition, I believe this was the 24th intrusion into Japanese territorial waters. How do you recognize this situation?

Minister Kishida: First, Mr. Saiki, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, lodged a strong protest. I think details of this will be released in line with working level practices. Looking at the situation and circumstances up to today, what must be said from my position is that the situation is intolerable and highly regrettable. We need to make efforts not to escalate the situation and for that, I believe we must strongly urge self-restraint by the Chinese side and also in Japan, we must share information and coordinate among the ministries concerned first, while at the same time making thorough preparations such as a surveillance system of such a situation. Those are what I regard important.

7. "Comfort women" issue

Azumi, Freelance: I would like to ask a question concerning the Kono Statement. There have been reports that the New York State Legislature will push forward a resolution concerning “comfort women”. The Abe administration has expressed its intention to review the Kono Statement and I would like to ask how you plan to address this situation.

Minister Kishida: I do not have recognition that the Abe administration expressed its intention to review the Kono Statement. Our handling of the Kono Statement has been explained by the Chief Cabinet Secretary. The point is, I believe, it is very important not to make this issue diplomatic or political. If there remain various misunderstandings, I believe we must credibly explain them. Although I think the Chief Cabinet Secretary’s comments are sufficient for this purpose, we should continue our efforts for such explanation.

8. Northern Territories issues

Yoshida, Nishinippon Shimbun: I would like to ask a question about Japan-Russia negotiations in 1992 concerning the Northern Territories issue. There were some news reports today as a testimony by a former Director-General of European and Asian Affairs Bureau of MOFA that the Russian side made a secret proposal to return the Habomai Islands and the Island of Shikotan prior to the conclusion of a peace treaty.

Frankly speaking, we have interviewed last month a former Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation and he attested that the Russian side was to conclude a peace treaty and abandon the Habomai Islands and the Island of Shikotan first. Then, later, depending on the development of Japan-Russia relations, Russia would abandon Kunashiri and Etorofu Islands if an appropriate atmosphere was created. I would like to ask about this proposal. My first question is, was there such a specific proposal from the Russian side concerning the return of the Northern Territories in 1992? If there was, would you tell us what process for returning the Northern Territories the Russian side suggested?

Minister Kishida: Yes, I read the articles in the newspapers today. However, as the negotiations are still going on, it is highly conceivable that disclosing details concerning the negotiations for the conclusion of a peace treaty may obstruct future negotiations. I will refrain from commenting on this issue at this point.

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