Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > February 12, 2013

(* 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 12, 2013, 9:17 a.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

  1. Visit to Okinawa
  2. Incident of a Chinese navy vessel’s weapons-guiding radar lock-on
  3. Realignment of U.S. Forces Japan
  4. Air pollution in China
  5. Incident of a Chinese navy vessel’s weapons-guiding radar lock-on

1. Visit to Okinawa

Nikaido, Asahi Shimbun: I would like to ask you again about your visit to Okinawa this coming weekend. You will visit Okinawa prior to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to the United States which is scheduled this month. What kind of result do you expect from your visit? I think that there are various issues relating to the relocation of Futenma Air Base. How are you planning to obtain the understanding of the people of Okinawa during your visit toward progress on the relocation issue?

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: I will visit Okinawa and would like to exchange opinions frankly with the local people including Governor of Okinawa Hirokazu Nakaima. We are currently making adjustments concerning the schedule of my visit. Most of all, I would like to hear the opinion of local people in order to stably establish a relationship of trust with them. This is my priority, and also I would like to exchange opinions with them. In terms of the details of my visit, I will refrain from making any further comments at this stage.

2. Incident of a Chinese navy vessel’s weapons-guiding radar lock-on

Lee, Hong Kong Phoenix TV: Concerning the incident of a Chinese navy vessel’s radar lock-on, the Chinese side has claimed that what Japan publicized does not reflect the facts. How do you see this response from the Chinese side? Is there any plan to disclose a part of the evidence? Also, is there any possibility for Japan to submit such evidence to the UN Security Council or to the UN?

Minister Kishida: First, concerning the recent radar lock-on, the Government of Japan disclosed the fact with thorough analysis of the situation by the Ministry of Defense. As to the Chinese side’s comment that what we publicized does not reflect the facts, we cannot accept such an assertion. We want the Chinese side to accept the facts, take a calm stance on this issue, and make efforts to prevent the recurrence of such an incident.

Concerning the disclosure of the evidence, I think we need to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies as such disclosure may possibly reveal the intelligence-analysis capabilities of our side.

In terms of the relationship with the UN, we need to examine the matter comprehensively, from the perspective of what would be effective to thoroughly prevent the recurrence of such an incident. Based on such examination, we need to decide on the next action.

Lee, Hong Kong Phoenix TV: Do you mean there is a possibility that you will submit the evidence to the UN?

Minister Kishida: We will examine the matter comprehensively in terms of effectiveness.

Matsumoto, Jiji Press: In relation to recurrence prevention, Japan and China have been discussing the establishment of a maritime liaison mechanism between the two countries. I have heard that the Japanese side proposed a resumption of discussions on February 7 through the Japanese Embassy in Beijing. What was the Chinese side’s response? In addition, I would like to know your outlook for the possibility of resuming discussions at this point of time. I would like you to answer these two questions.

Minister Kishida: I received a report that the Chinese side had responded that they would convey the message to relevant ministries and agencies. We believe that such a maritime liaison mechanism, hotline and channels for dialogue are important.

3. Realignment of U.S. Forces Japan

Miyagi, Ryukyu Shimpo: In the Urasoe City mayoral election held last Sunday, Mr. Tetsuji Matsumoto, who has explicitly expressed his opposition to relocation of Naha Military Port to Urasoe, won the election. Could you tell us your opinion on his victory and how you feel about the influence of his victory on relocation of Naha Military Port in the future?

Moreover, there was a rear-end collision caused by a drunk U.S. soldier in Uruma City yesterday. Due to continuous alcohol-related accidents and incidents by U.S. military personnel, U.S. Forces Japan had taken policies which prohibited them from drinking alcohol. I would like to know the present situation of the prohibition and how you feel about the incident.

Minister Kishida: Concerning the result of the election, since this is a decision of the voters, I think we should take it seriously. Hereafter I would like to observe carefully how the new mayor will lead the city.

In terms of the car accident in Uruma City caused by a drunk driver, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs first expressed that this was regrettable, and requested the U.S. side to enforce official discipline and prevent a recurrence of such an incident. The U.S. side responded that it was highly regrettable that such an incident had occurred, that the U.S. took this incident seriously, and that it would continue the enforcement of official  discipline and the recurrence prevention of the incidents of this kind in the future.

At any rate, effective prevention measures should be taken against any recurrence of those incidents and accidents.  We need to continuously talk with relevant parties about effective measures, and efforts toward implementing such effective measures should steadily be made as a result of such discussion.

4. Air pollution in China

Kamide, Freelance: In the midst of rising tensions between Japan and China, air pollution or the so-called “Beijing cough” has arisen recently. As this issue will also affect Japan, I think there could be the possibility that Japan and China will cooperate to resolve the problem. Japan has advanced technologies for antipollution measures. Although this might not be an issue directly related to MOFA, could you let us know  your stance and thoughts on this issue?

Minister Kishida: Concerning the recent serious air pollution in China, I think this is an issue which can affect the Japanese environment. From the viewpoint of protecting Japanese nationals overseas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is highly interested in this issue and is observing the situation carefully. After the Chinese New Year holiday season is over, we would like to discuss the issue with China immediately. We will exchange information and discuss what kind of cooperation could be taken.

5. Incident of a Chinese navy vessel’s weapons-guiding radar lock-on

Fujita, Asahi Shimbun: Concerning the Chinese navy vessel’s radar lock-on, MOFA answered in the Diet that it depends on factors such as the Chinese side’s intention whether the radar lock-on this time meets the definition of the threat of force. Amid the present situation in which the Chinese side denies the incident itself, do you still think it will be possible for the Government of Japan to assert it to be a threat of force?

Minister Kishida: We are currently in a situation in which we disclosed the incident of the radar lock-on and are requesting the Chinese side to fulfill its accountability. In terms of your question as to whether or not this meets the definition of “the threat of force” in the Charter of the UN, we must give thorough consideration to various issues, such as the actual situation of the incident and China’s intentions at that time, as you have mentioned. We first need to confirm the situation and strongly request the Chinese side to fulfill its accountability. I think we are currently at such a stage.

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