Press Conference by the Press Secretary 18 June 1996
- Introduction to the Press Conference and announcements to the Press
- Possible topics of discussion during the visit to the Republic of Korea by Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto
- Possible topics of discussion at the G-7 Summit in Lyon
- Purpose of the visit to the Republic of Korea by Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto
- Fundamental position of Japan on the Comfort Women issue
- Conditions in North Korea and developments in the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO)
- Question of Russian Federation participation in G-7 economic meetings
- Possibility of participation by the People's Republic of China in the World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Japan-Republic of Korea relations
- Alleged North Korean possession of four nuclear warheads
- Possibility of a visit to Latin America by Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto
- Introduction to the Press Conference and announcements to the Press
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hiroshi Hashimoto: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to this regular Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Conference. I would like to make two announcements.
- Bilateral relations between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hiroshi Hashimoto: The Government of Japan welcomes the agreement between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China on the issue of intellectual property rights, and hopes that this effort will enable the two countries to pave the way to further bilateral relations in many other fields.
- Presidential election in the Russian Federation
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hiroshi Hashimoto: We understand that the presidential election turnout reached 70 percent and that the election itself was conducted freely and fairly. This is a reflection of the democratization of the Russian Federation. The Government of Japan will closely watch, with deep interest, the second stage of the presidential election which will be fought between President Boris Yeltsin of the Russian Federation and Communist Party candidate Gennady Zyuganov. The Government of Japan strongly hopes that Russia's reform policy will not go backwards, but will continue even after the end of the presidential election in Russia.
Those are the announcements that I wanted to make, and I will be delighted to respond to any questions that you might have.
- Bilateral relations between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China
- Possible topics of discussion during the visit to the Republic of Korea by Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto
Q: Regarding Prime Minister Hashimoto's visit to Korea, I would like to ask about the topics of discussion. Will the Comfort Women issue or the Takeshima issue be discussed at the Summit?
A: Officials are in the process of preparing this visit. Both Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and President Kim Young Sam of the Republic of Korea intend to talk about three main subjects. One is the bilateral relationship, the second is the situation in Northeast Asia, and the third is international relations. But, details have not been worked out yet. In this connection, we cannot say whether the Comfort Women issue will be taken up by the two leaders. However, we do not deny the possibility of discussions on this issue. But, once again, I would like to say that the agenda of the Summit has not been worked out yet.
Q: Are there any plans for a joint declaration for cooperation in the 21st century, including the World Cup and everything?
A: I am not aware of an issuing of documents at this time.
- Possible topics of discussion at the G-7 Summit in Lyon
Q: The Asahi Shimbun this morning reported that the paper tried to get the Chairman's comment on cooperation on the stability and security in the world for the 21st century. To what degree will North Korea be discussed in this context?
A: When the G-7 Summiteers meet, they will discuss, not only the economic agenda, but also the political agenda. When they talk about the political agenda, they will exchange views on the regional situation. That was the case at the last Halifax Summit. I think, most probably, the Summiteers will exchange views on the Korean Peninsula -- about developments over there. But, apart from that, at this moment, we are not in a position to say what sort of discussion the Summiteers will actually have.
- Purpose of the visit to the Republic of Korea by Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto
Q: Why is the Summit being held now, and what does Japan hope to accomplish this weekend?
A: The Government of the Republic of Korea has extended invitations to Prime Minister Hashimoto for several months. On the basis of this, Prime Minister has decided that now is the time for him to visit the Republic of Korea. We would like to once again reaffirm the importance of the friendly bilateral relationship between the two countries through talks on the subject which I have already explained.
Q: Any idea what went into the Prime Minister's thinking on why he would agree to the invitation now?
A: As early as last March, Prime Minister Hashimoto was directly asked by President Kim Young Sam to visit the Republic of Korea. And, when Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda met Minister for Foreign Affairs Gong Ro-myung of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of South Africa on 30 April, Prime Minister Hashimoto was again invited. When President Kim Young Sam talked with Prime Minister Hashimoto on the telephone on 1 June, he was once again asked to visit. So, I believe Prime Minister Hashimoto thought that since the Diet Session would be over, and since he is going to the G-7 Summit in Lyon, and can find the time, that he should decide to visit the Republic of Korea.
Q: Will the Prime Minister be offering anything new on the Comfort Women issue or on any other issue?
A: The important thing for the Japanese side to do is to have the bilateral relationship develop well. Every now and then, we have some difficulties, and, knowing this, Prime Minister Hashimoto would like to, once again, directly talk with President Kim Young Sam, and exchange views on how the two leaders can develop the bilateral relationship.
- Fundamental position of Japan on the Comfort Women issue
Q: The Prime Minister has been fairly proactive on the Comfort Women issue. Is he going to do anything new on this this weekend?
A: As the agenda for the two leaders has not been worked out yet, I would just like to explain the fundamental position of the Government of Japan. The Government of Japan has already expressed its fundamental position on this several times. The issue of the Comfort Women was one where the honor of the women concerned was hurt. And now, fifty years have passed since the end of the second world war, and through the Asian Women's Fund, we hope that the feelings of the Japanese people can be transferred to the women concerned. Although I do not know actually how or whether the Comfort Women matter will be taken up by the two gentlemen at the upcoming Summit, I am sure that Prime Minister Hashimoto will reflect this fundamental policy of the Government of Japan.
Q: Do you think this position will be compromised by this large segment of the LDP that is now saying that the Comfort Women issue didn't happen that way?
A: Of course, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has a lot of members who voice their opinions very freely sometimes, and to some extent criticize some actual policies, but you may remember that the Government established the Asian Women's Fund, so we can consider that it was supported by the LDP. This is the policy of the coalition parties. So, even if, unofficially maybe, some LDP people may express their private opinions, we consider that the LDP itself supports what the Government has been endeavoring to do through the activities of the Asian Women's Fund.
- Conditions in North Korea and developments in the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO)
Q: What is the fundamental position of Japan on bilateral issues regarding the Northeast Asia situation? Can you explain the fundamental position or analysis of Japan, presently, on the situation in North Korea -- the food situation and the political situation?
A: If we talk about the governability of Kim Jong Il of North Korea, we basically think that Kim Jong Il controls the government and the army there. Secondly, North Korea still faces enormous economic difficulties. We understand that North Korea suffers from a shortage of food. And, we responded to the appeal issued by the United Nations Department of Humanitarian Assistance (DHA) -- the Government of Japan recently decided to extend emergency aid worth US$6 million to North Korea. But, we will have to carefully watch what is happening over there in North Korea. If we talk about the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO), recently another agreement was reached between the parties concerned. We hope that KEDO's activities will be strengthened by this, and in this sense, I would like to very quickly add that the European Union revealed its intention to continuously donate funds to KEDO. We hope that the European Union will formally finalize this. This is what I can say now.
- Question of Russian Federation participation in G-7 economic meetings
Q: There were reports in the Japanese mass media that France considers premature the participation of Boris Yeltsin in G-7 economic meetings. What is the position of the Japanese Government concerning this matter?
A: President Yeltsin is coming to the Lyon Summit, and Prime Minister Hashimoto is very happy to once again meet him at the Summit to exchange views on international political matters and, this time, also, on the so-called global issues, such as the environment. But, if we talk about the economic aspect of the G-7 Summit, I am afraid that Russia's economy has still not been integrated into the world economic system. Therefore, we would like to first of all see President Yeltsin, or the Russian Government, fully committed to economic and political reform, and the democratization of Russia. Secondly, the Japanese side has been helping Russia to prepare for its participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO). Through these steps, we hope that the Russian economy will be more and more integrated into the world economic system.
- Possibility of participation by the People's Republic of China in the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Q: At the upcoming G-7 Summit, does Japan plan to urge the other participants to expedite China's entry into the World Trade Organization? Would Japan like to bring that issue up at the upcoming G-7 Summit?
A: I believe the WTO issue will be discussed, first of all, among the Summiteers. For them, the most important objective is to have a very successful Ministerial Meeting in Singapore this year. Secondly, if Prime Minister Hashimoto wishes, he may touch on the subject of China's participation in the WTO. The Government of Japan basically welcomes the participation of China. But, at the same time, we have to ask China to make more concessions in the negotiations on participation. So, through those steps, we hope that China's participation will be realized in the future.
Q: That sounds a lot like the United States' position at the present time. I wonder if there is any shade of difference between the two countries? I wonder if Japan would perhaps be a bit more eager than the United States to see China's quick entry into the WTO, perhaps in view of this latest trade dispute over copyright infringement?
A: Japan has also been negotiating with China on its participation in the WTO. We are not yet satisfied with the offer which the Chinese side has given to Japan, so we hope that they would take braver steps on this. This is one point. The other point is that Japan welcomes early participation by China in the WTO, but even if we say so, we have to ask them to give us more concessions in the negotiations. Thirdly, we were very much concerned about trade disputes between China and the United States. Now that they have reached an agreement on the copyright issue, we hope that now is the time for them and for us to wind up the negotiations on the participation of China in the WTO.
Q: Would it have been better, for the sake of the global trading system, if instead of the United States threatening China with sanctions, the World Trade Organization had been available as a neutral forum to dissolve the dispute in much the same way that the U.S. and Japan are attempting to resolve the film dispute through the World Trade Organization?
A: Basically, we do not like the United States' unilateral sanctions. We highly appreciate the international dispute mechanism under the WTO. But, now China is not a member, so we must urge China to become a member as soon as possible. But, without making any concessions, China cannot enter the WTO. So, it is true that we would like to have China in the WTO, and settle various disputes through the WTO dispute settlement mechanism.
- Japan-Republic of Korea relations
Q: How would you describe the basic relationship between the Republic of Korea and Japan going into this weekend summit?
A: The Republic of Korea and Japan are, first of all, neighbors -- very important neighbors. We would like to develop friendly relations with the Republic of Korea, but unfortunately, every now and then, the relationship is influenced by some events. We would like to develop the relationship steadily and gradually, in a better direction, and in this sense, it is very important that the two leaders meet often. Now, Prime Minister Hashimoto says that, in a relaxed atmosphere, he would like to exchange views with President Kim Young Sam. Through this type of informal atmosphere, both gentlemen can find further room to develop the friendly relationship between the two countries.
Q: So, the Summit this coming weekend will be the birth of a new, friendly, more cooperative relationship, despite the differences that have been evident, certainly, in the last 12 months?
A: That is right. For example, if you take up the issue of World Cup soccer in 2002, we hope that Japan and the Republic of Korea can successfully host the event. We have to prepare ourselves fully for this. There is a possibility that the two gentlemen will discuss this issue, too.
Q: How would you describe the relationship between the two leaders themselves -- Prime Minister Hashimoto and President Kim? Do they have a friendly, personal relationship? What is the relationship like?
A: When Prime Minister Hashimoto participated in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Bangkok, the Meeting was a success. This will be the second time for Prime Minister Hashimoto, as Prime Minister, to meet President Kim Young Sam. I believe Prime Minister Hashimoto can further build a good, business-like relationship with President Kim Young Sam. Probably, we cannot solve pending issues very quickly; however, through these steps, we hope that we can further develop the bilateral relationship.
Q: What would you say is the area of greatest disagreement between the two countries?
A: There are several issues on which we have still been talking. The study of past history between the two countries is one issue. Recently, the National Diet of Japan ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and under the new regime, we have to conclude a new fishing agreement; we have to settle the boundaries of the 200-mile zones. So, we have several issues on which we have not found a solution yet.
Q: Do the two countries have areas of disagreement on how to respond to North Korea?
A: When we engage in talks on normalization of relations with North Korea, we say that we will communicate with the Republic of Korea. We say that the talks should aim at realizing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. At the same time, of course, these talks will aim at the normalization of relations between North Korea and Japan. However, I should probably ask you how you locate differences between our policies or attitudes toward China. But, in any case, we understand that the Republic of Korea wants to have direct talks with North Korea. We fully understand that. Therefore, we sincerely hope that the four-party conference will take place soon, although North Korea has not replied on this.
Q: I think it has been a pretty commonly held perception that Japan has been much more willing and anxious to send humanitarian aid to North Korea. Seoul has been much more reluctant to do that. Japan has perhaps been influenced by that.
A: Japan, in this sense, is a third-party country, while the Republic of Korea has a direct relationship with North Korea. So, we have to understand the Republic of Korea's sensitivity regarding North Korea. We are ready to take their concerns into account. But, at the same time, Japan is an independent country. While we communicate with the Republic of Korea about what we are going to do and about what have been doing vis-à-vis North Korea, it is at the same time natural for us to make independent decisions. But, we sincerely hope that this will not necessarily mean that we will take measures against the will of the Republic of Korea. Together with the United States, we are doing our best to fully inform the Republic of Korea of what we are doing vis-à-vis North Korea.
- Alleged North Korean possession of four nuclear warheads
Q: You explained last week that the Government of Japan is investigating reports that North Korea has four nuclear missiles. What have you found?
A: The Government of Japan has been informed by the United States that a North Korean gentleman did not tell of the existence of four warheads. And, the Japanese side does not have any specific information on this issue.
Q: So, is it correct to understand that the Government of Japan believes that North Korea does not have these four nuclear warhead missiles?
A: We are doing our best to let KEDO work fully. Through that process, we hope many matters will become clear. But, specifically talking about information on the four warheads, I am afraid that the Government of Japan has not obtained any specific information.
Q: Did you say that KEDO will also function as an information-gathering forum?
A: Not necessarily. However, this is one way to let North Korea open to the outside world. Step-by-step, we will try to get a clearer picture of the situation in North Korea. KEDO is only one means.
- Possibility of a visit to Latin America by Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto
Q: When will Prime Minister Hashimoto visit Latin America, because I am wondering if this issue has been already decided?
A: There has been speculation on Prime Minister Hashimoto's visit after the Summit; however, the Government has not decided about Prime Minister Hashimoto's visits after the Lyon Summit. The Government is now in the process of studying where the Prime Minister will visit, but has not finalized which countries he will visit.
Q: How many times have Prime Minister Hashimoto and President Kim met in total?
A: As Prime Minister?
Q: Overall.
A: The Prime Minister and the President met once at ASEM, but personally, I have not obtained information on how many times they have met in the past. Thank you very much.
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