(* 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, February 5, 2013, 11:13 a.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Opening Remarks
- (1) Hosting of the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD)
Situation in North Korea
Japan-Russia relations
The Senkaku Islands
Japan-Russia relations
Production of F-35 components and the Three Principles on Arms Exports
Japan-U.S. relations

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Hosting of the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD)

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: Japan will co-host the "Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD)" with Palestine in Tokyo on February 13 and 14, 2013, as part of efforts toward achieving the Middle East peace. I am scheduled to give a speech at the event.

This conference, held on the initiative of Japan, is the first international ministerial-level conference held with the participation of ministerial-level personnel from the countries of East Asia and relevant international organizations. I will also be taking part.

At the conference, East Asian countries will share their experience in economic development and discuss their future support and cooperation towards Palestinian efforts for nation building.

2. Situation in North Korea

Nikaido, Asahi Shimbun: I would like to ask you about North Korea’s move toward nuclear tests. The Japanese Government’s idea is to request North Korea to exercise self-restraint, but what kinds of specific diplomatic efforts have you made with relevant countries? In case North Korea carries out nuclear tests, what kind of response, including unilateral sanctions, will the Government of Japan take?

Minister Kishida: First, in terms of our diplomatic efforts, we have confirmed coordination with relevant countries on various levels and on various occasions, such as the recent telephone conversation with Mr. John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State, and the Japan-Russia Strategic Dialogue with the attendance of Mr. Chikao Kawai, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. Moreover, we continue to convey the messages to North Korea that it should implement the agreements of the Six-Party Talks, comply with the UN Security Council resolutions, and refrain from taking any provocative actions. Concerning unilateral sanctions by Japan, I think we need to make a judgment in a comprehensive manner based on those steps taken by the international community. I think we need to judge what measures are most effective while closely observing the relevant situations.

3. Japan-Russia relations

Ando, Hokkaido Shimbun: As you have just mentioned, Mr. Kawai, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited Moscow and held a Japan-Russia Strategic Dialogue yesterday. I believe that the matters discussed included the planned visit to Russia by Prime Minister Abe this year, and prior to that a visit to Russia by former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori. What was the Russian side’s recognition on the Northern Territories situation and negotiations concerning the Territories, and how do you intend to use such recognition as leverage toward the Prime Minister’s visit to Russia? Moreover, I would like to ask you about the arrangement status of the visit. For instance, do you think Mr. Mori will discuss the Prime Minister’s visit to Russia during his visit?

Minister Kishida: First, the regular Japan-Russia Strategic Dialogue was held on February 4 in Moscow. Vice-Minister Kawai first explained the basic diplomatic policy of the Abe administration, particularly the Prime Minister’s emphasis on Russia. I think those explanations helped both Japan and Russia deepen their understanding of the counterpart’s diplomatic policies.
Moreover, I heard that discussions were held from a broader perspective concerning the Asia-Pacific region. Due to that nature of the Strategic Dialogue, various issues were discussed. As a matter of course, I’ve heard that they talked about the visits to Russia by the Prime Minister and by former Prime Minister Mori. However, as I have stated, as the purpose of the Strategic Dialogue is for the two countries to discuss the international situation surrounding East Asia and the Asia-Pacific region from a broader perspective, no arrangements were made for the specific schedule of the visits. I received a report that the Strategic Dialogue was held concerning various regional issues like those.

4. The Senkaku Islands

Matsumoto, Jiji Press: I believe that Mr. Akitaka Saiki, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, summoned the Chinese Ambassador to Japan. Firstly, I would like to confirm the facts of this matter. Furthermore, it was reported that Chinese maritime patrol ships intruded into the territorial waters of Japan along the coast of the Senkaku Islands. Although it is reported that the Chinese side mentioned the “mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests” when Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of New Komeito, visited China, they continue with intrusions into Japan’s territorial waters. So, I would like to ask you how you think about the response by the Chinese side at this point of time. Please answer these two questions.

Minister Kishida: First, concerning the intrusion yesterday, as you have pointed out, Chinese government vessels intruded into Japanese territorial waters and stayed there for more than 14 hours, which is the longest-ever stay, until they left the territorial waters of Japan after 11:30 p.m. We have repeatedly lodged protests through diplomatic channels and requested that the vessels leave the territorial waters of Japan. However, despite that, they stayed in the territorial waters of Japan for a long time, which I believe is extremely regrettable and absolutely unacceptable.
Therefore, from around 10:30 a.m. today, Mr. Akitaka Saiki, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, summoned Mr. Cheng Yonghua, Chinese Ambassador to Japan, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at my instruction and lodged a strong protest. I think the protest is already over, but because I have not received a report on the protest, I do not know the details yet. So, I would like to report to you that we have lodged such a protest.
It is extremely regrettable that such situation continues, and as I have stated, I believe that it is absolutely unacceptable. We need to request the Chinese side to make a calm response in order not to escalate the situation. Although we will not make any concessions over our basic stance on the Senkaku Islands, we also need to deal with the issue from a broad perspective. I think we need to request the Chinese side to deal with the issue without escalating the situation.

5. Japan-Russia relations

Azumi, Freelance: As the Japan-Russia Strategic Dialogue was held at the vice-ministerial level, relations between Japan and Russia appear to be good. However, on the other hand, Russia disclosed its plan to introduce two Mistral-class helicopter carriers from France in 2014 and 2015. There is an analysis that because Mistral-class vessels are not so large, they are not intended in opposition to the 7th Fleet of the U.S., but are to send a signal to Japan. What is your opinion on this?

Minister Kishida: There are various moves by various countries such as Russia, China, and North Korea in the Asia-Pacific region. We definitely need to gather information on the situations and analyze them all. When it comes to the issue you have pointed out, we need to analyze the influence of such an act on peace and prosperity in the region and also on Japan. I would like to take such a stance too regarding the information you referred to.

6. Production of F-35 components and the Three Principles on Arms Exports

Saito, Kyodo News: Related to the international joint development of F-35 next generation main fighter, although this is mainly the matter in the Ministry of Defense’s charge, various media outlets have released various reports concerning whether it is to be treated as an exception to the Three Principles on Arms Exports or not, in case a Japanese company participates in manufacturing of its components. According to the reports, the Government of Japan would conduct discussions toward accepting the case as an exception. I would like to ask you what MOFA thinks about this issue. If a Japanese company participates in the international joint development and there arises a possibility that the F-35 is shipped to countries engaged in conflict or where a conflict is likely to occur, what are MOFA’s thoughts on how such shipments can be avoided?

Minister Kishida: I already read the reports you have mentioned. Concerning the F-35, based on the Security Council meeting or the Cabinet approval in December 2011, a domestic firm will participate in the manufacturing of the airplane, except for the import of some completed aircrafts. According to this policy, we have been making arrangements within the Government of Japan to allow domestic companies to participate in the manufacturing of parts of the F-35. In terms of how to ensure consistency with the Three Principles on Arms Exports, we are still discussing it within the Government. This issue is still under discussion. That is the current situation within MOFA and the Government.

7. Japan-U.S. relations

Kamide, Freelance: My question is based only upon a report, and the issue may have been already resolved, but it was reported that when Mr. John Kerry assumed the position of Secretary of State of the United States after your meeting the other day with then Secretary of State Ms. Hillary Clinton, Mr. Kerry unfortunately commented only about China and did not mention Japan. Perhaps this was due to the timing or other factors, but as opposed to the fact that when you met with Secretary Clinton she gave strong words of support concerning the Senkaku Islands and other issues, including the application of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, what are your feelings regarding the actions of the new U.S. Secretary of State Mr. Kerry?

Minister Kishida: I had a telephone conversation with Secretary Kerry the other day. It was right after his taking office as the Secretary of State and I think it was Sunday morning in the U.S. We believe that having held a telephone conversation at such a very early stage after his taking office reflects Secretary Kerry’s policy of emphasizing Japan or Asia.
The telephone conversation with Secretary Kerry lasted more than 30 minutes. In the conversation, we confirmed once and again that we need to stably strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance first because it is a very important relationship for the strategic environment of Asia-Pacific region. Secretary Kerry also spoke positively about issues between Japan and the U.S. as well as various issues in Asia. Through the telephone conversation I felt that he has a strong awareness concerning such issues.
Taking into account our one-on-one discussion in the telephone conversation and the fact that among all the nations the Japan-U.S. foreign ministers’ meeting was held at the earliest possible stage, I think that Secretary Kerry places great emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region and Japan-U.S. relations. That is my impression.

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