Press Conference by the Press Secretary 12 March 1996

The fundamental position of Japan regarding international terrorism
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hiroshi Hashimoto: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. This morning Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda left Japan to attend a summit of peacemakers in the Middle East. In this connection, I would like to explain to you very briefly the fundamental position of Japan on international terrorism. It is deeply regrettable that the recent series of terrorist bombings in Israel, which murdered and injured numerous citizens, have threatened the peace process in this region. The recent tragedies and their consequences have reminded us that the peace process is still fragile and needs continued strengthening and assistance from the international community, in addition to efforts by the parties concerned, in order to achieve further developments in the process. Japan has repeatedly condemned all forms of terrorism and reaffirmed its resolve to fight against it. We need to take a determined stand against terrorist acts, the most imminent threat against our efforts for peace. We have to make it clear that terrorist acts cannot be justified for any reason whatsoever, and that political aims must be achieved by peaceful means. Thus, violence intending to achieve political ends shall never be accepted by the international community.
The fundamental position of Japan regarding the situation in the Taiwan Strait
Q: Is Japan angry or annoyed or frustrated that China is ignoring or seems to be ignoring international calls for it to back off?

A: I will respond in the following way. It is not desirable for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region if tension over the Taiwan Strait is heightened. In this connection, Director-General of the Asian Bureau Ryozo Kato of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs already twice appealed to the People's Republic of China and expressed concern about this issue. Unfortunately, China has not responded favorably, and it seems it will begin a round of naval and air exercises, as well as missile tests. But, we hope that the Chinese Government will listen carefully to our appeal.

Q: There are a lot of different scenarios people are discussing about what might happen. Can you tell me what particular scenarios the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering, and could you rank them in terms of what you expect is the most likely outcome and the least likely outcome?

A: The Japanese Government does not foresee military conflict in that region. We do not expect that military conflict will be imminent. This is the first point. The other point is that Japan has been urging for restraint both by China and Taiwan. We sincerely hope that that will be the case. We understand that China, in principle, has a right to carry out military exercises using the high seas, so long as those exercises will not hinder the usage of international seas by other countries. Up until now, we cannot consider that these present exercises violate international law. But, politically speaking, what we can say is that if tension is heightened, it will not be desirable for peace and stability in the region. So, we hope the Chinese side will maintain self-restraint.

Q: You just said that you don't expect there to be an imminent war between China and Taiwan, but the phrasing of your answer suggests that there is some fear that, maybe not right now, but sometime soon possibly, there might be conflict between China and Taiwan. Say the Japanese Government has five scenarios that its dealing with on China and Taiwan, where does armed conflict fit in?

A: Probably, we do not have that concrete scenario in front of us, because, I will say again, the Japanese side does not consider possible military conflict to be imminent. However, we do not want, for whatever the reason, tension over the Strait to be heightened, so we expressed our concern about this. We hope that China and Taiwan will understand this and show their restraint so the tension will decrease. That is what we hope.

Q: You said that Japan doesn't foresee any military confrontation as imminent. Why?

A: Because we have not received any information of that sort.
Possibility of the situation in the Taiwan Strait affecting Japan
Q: As far as I know, there is a five-level alert system. Actually facing the tension between China and Taiwan, the base in Okinawa has raised its level of military preparation up to level three. So, that indicates that Japanese troops are on alert. So, if there is going to be a war, say, and then the Japanese military has to deal with the problem, even if Japan does not like it or not, because of the mutual alliance with the United States --.

A: First of all, the Japanese Self Defense Force is not on alert. Secondly, our island called Yonaguni is very near the site of Chinese missile testing. Those on the island are naturally concerned about an unexpected situation. We have already conveyed this concern to the Chinese side. The Chinese Government has replied that the exercises will be restricted to the announced areas and that we should not be concerned about this. I do not think the Japanese people are shaken about these military exercises, but in order not to have the tension escalated, we already twice told the Chinese Government that they should show restraint.
Current involvement by the United States of America in the Taiwan Strait
Q: As we all know, the stated reports leaked to the press, in Australia I think, said that the United States is prepared to step in on Taiwan's side militarily. And, Japan is of course, according to its treaty with the United States, and also de facto, because of the U.S. forces being based on Okinawa, behind the States. Under what circumstances would Japan cease to support the United States? For example, if the United States started engaging in military action in the Taiwan Strait?

A: I think you are too much concerned about military conflict. The Japanese Government fully understands that the United States has been playing a very important role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. At the same time, we know that the United States Government is concerned about tension over the Strait. But, we do not think that the American side foresees a possible military conflict as imminent. What we know is that American ships, such as the aircraft carrier Independence are currently engaged in routine exercises, as well as surveillance, in the sea near Taiwan. Therefore, what we should do is closely watch the situation. At the same time, we should also not be influenced too much by the expectations of the worst scenario.
Specific concerns of Japan over recent events in the Taiwan Strait
Q: If we are all over playing with the idea of a possible military threat, can you articulate for us exactly what Japan's major concerns are? You talk about an escalation of tension. What do you mean by that? And, why is that a concern if you don't think it's going to lead to armed conflict?

A: For example, if, by any chance, a Chinese missile hits in the wrong place, outside the announced test sites, and causes damage to, for example, the Taiwanese people or the Japanese people on the islands, I am sure it will cause serious problems. We have already warned the Chinese Government several times that the Japanese people, especially on the island of Yonaguni, are concerned about this. In addition to this, there is a regular flight service between Okinawa and Taipei, and there is a direct air service between Japan and Hong Kong. The Chinese Government told us that although those air companies have to detour the areas concerned, they assured us that we should not be worried about an unexpected situation happening.

Q: There's another answer, too, I think, isn't there? That muscle flexing and bullying should not go ignored?

A: Naturally, we are concerned about tension being heightened in the area. The Japanese Government does not consider the tension as being so high. For the time being, I think the situation is under control, and we sincerely hope that the Chinese Government understands those concerns and exerts self restraint.
Surveillance by Japan in the Taiwan Strait
Q: You have repeatedly mentioned the concerns of the Yonaguni islanders. Has the Japanese Government picked up surveillance or monitoring operations in and around those waters -- for example, by sending NSA cutters or Maritime Self Defense Force destroyers?

A: I do not know the particular measures taken by the Japan Self Defense Forces. I think they engaged in some routine surveillance. But, they are not engaged in any special surveillance.
Intelligence sharing between Japan and the United States of America
Q: The U.S. has been monitoring this very carefully -- ships in the region. Has this information been fed back to Japan? The types of the missiles, the flight paths, and so on?

A: We have already contacted the United States Government on providing information on this; however, I do not know what sort of information was given to the Japanese side.
The situation in the Taiwan Strait as related to international law
Q: You said that an international law would be violated if shipping lanes are impeded. Is that correct? And, the shipping lanes have been impeded. Has this violated international law or are we treating this as a part of China?

A: What I wanted to say is that any country can use the high seas for military exercises so long as it pays due attention to the right of other countries to use the high seas, too. In our case, what I can tell you is that air service is influenced by the exercises, and air companies have to detour the areas. But, we do not think that that constitutes violations to international law. Although, we think that these exercises are not desirable for peace and stability, we do not consider, for the time being, that the Chinese exercises will constitute violations to international law.
Position of the Government of Japan on the issue of Taiwan
Q: You also mentioned, too, that you were urging both sides to show restraint. Can you tell us anything about the restraint you have urged the Taiwanese to take?

A: As far as the Taiwanese are concerned, the Japanese position on the Taiwan issue is as follows. We stated in the Japan-People's Republic of China Communique, that the Government of the People's Republic of China reiterates that Taiwan is an inalienable part of their territory. The Government of Japan fully understands and respects this stand of the Government of the People's Republic of China. We have absolutely no intention of supporting a two-China policy. This may sound rather vague to you, but this is our policy concerning the Taiwan issue. We hope that this will be understood by both Taiwan and China.
Communiques between Japan and the People's Republic of China
Q: Twice you've sent communications to the Chinese side. Was the second one after the announcement over the weekend that they used live ammo?

A: Last night, Director-General of the Asian Bureau Kato once again asked Counsellor Zheng Xianglin of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China to come to his office.
Situation in the Taiwan Strait as related to Japan-United States relations
Q: This latest crisis -- what kind of impact will it bring about? For example, on the joint security declaration planned for April by Prime Minister Hashimoto and President Clinton, or the ongoing deals to realign Okinawan base facilities?

A: As the Japanese side repeatedly explained in the past, both Japan and the United States intend to announce the importance of the alliance between the two countries in the post-cold war era when President William Clinton of the United States of America visits Japan in April. I do not think that the Chinese military exercises will change the character of the documents which the two governments will announce.
Situation in the Taiwan Strait as related to Japan-People's Republic of China relations
Q: You've been talking about asking China to have some self restraint. However, the situation is exactly opposite. The tension goes higher and higher and higher. So, there are some voices in political parties which have criticized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for not being strong enough. What is the reaction to this criticism?

A: Apart from telling or communicating our concern to the Chinese side, for the time being, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not intend to take any specific actions, because we hope that China will understand our concern. Secondly, either at the end of this month, or at the beginning of April, Minister of Foreign Affairs Qian Qichen of the People's Republic of China intends to visit Japan. We have been arranging the complete schedule for his visit. The Japanese Minister for foreign Affairs will have direct talks with him. Of course, we want to see China promptly act on our concerns; however, we still have another chance to talk. They may criticize the Japanese Government for not taking appropriate measures, but we basically believe that we should not be too agitated -- that we should be calm. At the same time, we should make our positions clear to them.
Japanese diplomatic policy as related to the situation in the Taiwan Strait
Q: Are you advising Japanese nationals to stay away from Taiwan?

A: No, I do not think so. Basically, the Japanese people are not too much agitated by the Chinese exercises.

Q: You've made no suggestions to tourists?

A: No, I do not think so. No.
Possibility of new diplomatic participants in Taiwan Strait situation
Q: Are you aware of any diplomatic attempt to calm all sides by an outside Asian government? That's in reference to some kind of -- what do you know about that or other efforts to calm things diplomatically?

A: We know that many countries, not only in Asia, but also in Europe -- and of course the United States -- have expressed concerns about the Chinese exercises. But, apart from that, we do not know whether those countries are contemplating taking special measures on this particular subject.
Situation in the Taiwan Strait as related to the issue of United States base realignment on Okinawa
Q: Has this latest development added to a sense of urgency on the part of the Japanese Government to realign or reorganize the American military bases in Okinawa?

A: As far as the issue of realignment and consolidation and downsizing of the bases is concerned, both Japan and the United States have been endeavoring to show a specific direction on this when President Clinton visits Japan. In any case, both governments will finalize their concrete ideas by November this year. I do not think that the present situation over the Taiwan Strait will affect the issue of Okinawa bases.
Positions of Japan, the People's Republic of China, and the United States of America, as related to the situation in the Taiwan Strait
Q: My first question is, don't you think it makes it easier for the Japanese Government to argue that the status quo should be maintained if the Chinese are taking these sorts of actions so close to Japan? The second question is, you have urged for restraint from both the Taiwanese and the Chinese. Do you think the United States in sending two aircraft carriers to the region is behaving with appropriate restraint?

A: On the second question, the United States is our ally. We fully trust the United States. We fully understand that the United States is determined to continue to play an important role for peace and stability in the region. On the first question, what we can say is that China is a very important neighbor for us, and we just hope that the Chinese Government will understand the concerns expressed by the Japanese Government. Up until now, unfortunately, the Chinese Government has not responded positively on our position. We would just like to hope that the Chinese side will eventually understand this.

Q: How has China responded?

A: China has not responded positively yet.

Q: Have they responded negatively, or have they not responded at all?

A: They simply say that it is legitimate for them to carry out exercises using the high seas, warning that certain areas will be used for military drills. They said that we should not be too concerned about this. But, we say that one of the test sites, especially, is very near Yonaguni Island, and that to continue their exercises will negatively influence peace and stability in the region.

Q: Is it fair to say you are disappointed in the nature of the Chinese response so far?

A: I think we should stay calm. We should not necessarily be alarmed by what the Chinese Government has said so far. We keep calm, but at the same time, we make our positions clear to them. This is what the Japanese Government has been doing.

Q: Basically, you're just not worried?

A: No, we are worried, because we have expressed --

Q: But, you just said you were not worried? You just said that --

A: They said it. They said we should not worry. But, we said that we were worried, so we expressed our concerns, and we have already told this to the Chinese side.

Q: But, you just said that you are not worried there's going to be a military conflict, but you're worried about the exercises. What is it that worries you then?

A: As I told you, if tension over the strait is heightened, it will not be desirable for peace and stability in the region. But, still the tension is not so high.

Q: Does that mean if the tension in the Taiwan Strait continues to increase, you're afraid that it could be a war in the region? Is that what it means?

A: For the time being, we have not received any information that a military conflict would be imminent. I am sure that Yonaguni Island is very near the site, so it is natural that those people are concerned about the exercises.

Q: Where is the tension on a scale of one to ten. Ten is war and one is, say, a month ago. Where do you think the level of tension is now?

A: Once they launched three missiles, I think the tension is bigger now. I am not sure whether the Chinese Government will start the naval or air exercises today or not, but if they do so, I am sure that tension will be heightened. Still, we do not see that any military conflict between the parties to be imminent from the exercises.
Alliance between Japan and the United States of America vis-à-vis the Japan-United States Security Treaty
Q: I am still very confused by the Japanese government position. Can I say the Japanese Government actually is aligned with the United States. Can I say that?

A: Yes, of course.

Q: That means if America decides to go intervene, the Japanese Government in the way of troops, or whatever, will also intervene?

A: When you say that the United States is going to intervene, what do you have in your mind?

Q: Because, America said there would be consequences. It is very clear that America is going to step into this matter. The position is very clear now.

A: Step in in what way?

Q: They are going to take on probably the Taiwanese side. Although it is not that clear, it has a connotation indicating that. That is why the Japanese Government was so angry yesterday. They were angry with the Americans sending the fleet to the Taiwan Strait. So, is the Japanese Government aligned with the United States? Can I say that?

A: I do not want to mislead you, because this is a very sensitive question. What I can tell you is rather general. The United States remains our close ally. For us, it is very important to develop very good relations with China. It is also important for us to maintain and develop good and non-governmental relations with Taiwan. Therefore, we hope that the parties concerned will continue to execute their self restraint so that tension will not be heightened in the future.

Q: But, if it gets to a point where you have to choose -- you have to choose -- either with the States, or with China. It would be a point where you would have to choose, right?

A: I think you are far ahead of us. The Japanese Government does not conceive that military conflict is imminent.

Q: You are definitely giving the impression of a government that feels somewhat caught in the middle between supporting the United States and wanting to maintain friendly relations with China. There are a lot of other factors here, too. You don't want to alienate the United States, but you also clearly not speaking as forcefully as they are. Is that a correct impression that the Government of Japan feels somewhat caught between the two sides here?

A: I am not sure if it is right to interpret this as you have, but in any case, the situation over the Taiwan Strait or the Korean Peninsula, or these areas, can directly influence the peace and stability of Japan. So, it is natural for us to be concerned about the situation over there. We are following very closely what is happening over there. Of course, we rely on the United States to extend security to Japan. There is no doubt about this. But, at the same time, there is not need to worry too much over the present situation. Because we cannot move our archipelago from this area, we have to be on good terms with China and Taiwan for a long time. This is a situation where we cannot put ourselves at risk. At the same time, we trust the Japan-United States security relationship, and we do not want to see anything extraordinary happen.

Q: You have not followed the United States lead in terms of speaking out forcefully. Does that mean that you, to some extent, disagree with the U.S. tactic here?

A: I did not say that our position is different from that of the United States, or that we disagree with the United States on this. However, our position is much more vulnerable than that of the United States, so what we can do and say is very limited. We do not want to hint to you that the alliance between the two countries will be negatively affected by the present situation.

Q: Can I just put everything you just said into one sentence or a couple of short sentences? You are worried -- .

A: That's right.

Q: But you don't expect a military conflict?

A: To be imminent.

Q: Ok. So, there is a possibility somewhere actually? You are worried, but you don't expect a military conflict. You're basically just waiting to see what happens next?

A: We are carefully watching the situation. At the same time, whenever we have a chance, we make our position clear to the Chinese Government. That is what we have been doing up until now.

Q: In light of that, would Japan then take a neutral line under a worst case scenario? Would it put up the neutrality flag?

A: What I am saying is not about neutrality. Because, when we express our concern to the Chinese side, we said, "look, if tension rises, it will not be good for peace and stability in this region." At the same time, we fully understand that the United States is playing a very important role in peace and stability in this region. Although we have some vulnerability, I do not think that the Japanese position is neutral. It cannot be neutral.

Q: But, until such time as there is conflict, Japan will not take a strong stand on the issue?

A: Again, I will say that the Japanese Government doesn't consider the situation as so bad. We do not consider military conflict to be imminent.
Obligations of Japan and the United States of America under the Japan-United States Security Treaty
Q: In the discussions between the defense officials of the United States and Japan, has Japan said anything about any situation in which it would be reluctant to abide by any U.S. request, whether it is to use bases to do something in particular?

A: Are you talking about possible cooperation between the two counties in the case of crisis?

Q: Yes. Have you discussed with the United States any situation in which Japan would not agree to any requests for cooperation?

A: I cannot say anything specific on this, except, of course, in general terms, the two sides have been exchanging views. But, I am not aware that the two governments have been engaged in any specific joint studies on this.

Q: What I am specifically wondering is, is there a situation where Japan will tell the United States, "please do not use Japanese soil for launching any exercises or sorties related to this -- please don't use Japan as a launching point?"

A: In this case, what I can tell you is that the Japanese Government is determined to fully oblige the Japan-United States Security Treaty.

Q: So, there is not a situation in which the Treaty would be abrogated?

A: If you ask me about the structure of the Japan-United States Security Treaty, there is a special arrangement between the two countries -- the so-called prior consultations. If the United States wants to use their military bases in Japan in order to protect peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, rather than to directly protect Japanese territory, they will have to consult with the Japanese Government prior to this.

Q: Has that happened yet?

A: It has not happened yet.

Q: Is that even for surveillance?

A: Surveillance has nothing to do with this. Now, the Independence is engaged in routine work, as well as surveillance, but it does not constitute any violations to the Japan-United States Security Treaty.

Q: So, surveillance does not require prior consultation?

A: Right.

Q: But, military action would?

A: Military action using the American bases in Japan?

Q: Correct.

A: Yes.

Q: That means that the Japanese Government has the veto vote on such action?

A: In the past, the United States has never asked for prior consultations. This is an absolutely new area. So, we do not want to answer you on a hypothetical question.

Q: What happened in the Korean War?

A: We were not independent then, during the war. We were still occupied.

Q: Consultations means the Japanese Government has to say yes. Is that right?

A: Consultations means consultations. But, because we do not foresee any imminent possibility of using any particular arrangement, I do not want to say anything on this. In any case, the Japanese Government wants to observe the objectives of the Japan-United States alliance.

Q: So, it is the right of Japan to be notified, rather than the right of Japan to say yes or no?

A: Yes. The prior consultation is needed if the United States wants to use their bases in Japan for the purposes of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Q: Is the nature of such consultation that it has to get Japanese agreement?

A: Yes, agreement.

Q: Actual agreement?

A: If Japan says no, of course the United States cannot use them.

Q: In the event of a Taiwan crisis, what are Japan's obligations under the Security Treaty?

A: Again, this is a very hypothetical question. First of all, we do not want to see that happen, so I hesitate to answer, because we will do our best not to see this happen.

Q: But, you just said that in the event of a crisis, Japan intends to fulfil its obligations under the Treaty.

A: Yes, that is right.

Q: I am asking you, what are the obligations?

A: The Japan-United States Security Treaty stipulates that the United States forces can use its bases in Japan in two cases: one is for the purpose of protecting Japan, and the other purpose is for maintaining peace and stability in the Far East. But, for the second case, the United States is obliged to carry out prior consultations with Japan. That is the mechanism of the Treaty.

Q: You are referring to Article VI, right?

A: Yes, that is right. I sincerely hope the tension over there will not be heightened as you expect.

Q: So do we.

A: Thank you very much.

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