Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 1 November 2012

Messages of condolence for the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy
Parliamentary elections in Ukraine
Study tour to Shizuoka City by the diplomatic corps
Study Tour by Ambassadors to Japan to Mie Prefecture
Visit to Japan by the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations of the United Nations Secretariat
Visit to Japan by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay
Questions concerning Japan-China relations
Questions concerning the Japan-China-ROK trilateral meeting
Questions concerning Japan’s relations with Taiwan
Questions concerning sanctions on Iran

1. Messages of condolence for the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy

Deputy Press Secretary Ms. Naoko Saiki: Good afternoon. I would like to start with several announcements before taking your questions.

Ms. Saiki: First, on messages of condolence for the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. In the wake of the damage caused in some Caribbean countries from 24–27 October by Hurricane Sandy, on 29 October, Mr. Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister, and Mr. Koichiro Gemba, Minister for Foreign Affairs, sent messages of condolence to the leaders and foreign ministers of the Republic of Cuba, Jamaica, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and the Republic of Haiti, expressing wishes for the quick recovery of everyone who met with harm, and the rapid restoration of the areas affected by the disaster. On 30 October, Foreign Minister Gemba also sent his message of condolence to Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State of the United States, following the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in the East Coast of the United States. On 31 October, yesterday, Prime Minister Noda sent his message of condolence to President Barack Obama of the United States, too.

2. Parliamentary elections in Ukraine

Ms. Saiki: Second, on the parliamentary elections in Ukraine. On 29 October, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe / the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights released its preliminary findings and observations on the parliamentary elections that took place in Ukraine on 28 October. While these observations and conclusions offer an affirmative assessment that voters were able to choose between distinct parties and that the elections were conducted in a calm and peaceful manner, they point out the lack of fair treatment in pre-election activities and the lack of transparency regarding tabulation. The election observers dispatched by Japan submitted a similar report to this government. Japan hopes that the executive government and the parliament of Ukraine will uphold the principles of democracy.

3. Study tour to Shizuoka City by the diplomatic corps

Ms. Saiki: Third, on a study tour to Shizuoka City by the diplomatic corps in Japan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Shizuoka City are organizing a study tour for the diplomatic corps from today, 1 November, to tomorrow, 2 November. A study tour of this kind has been held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on a regular basis together with local governments in order to showcase regional attractions, such as culture and industries, for diplomats in Japan. During this study tour the participants are scheduled to visit facilities concerning industries, culture, and traditional craftwork, and to exchange views with people from a variety of sectors, including private enterprises, and thereby are expected to deepen their understanding of Shizuoka City.

4. Study Tour by Ambassadors to Japan to Mie Prefecture

Ms. Saiki: Fourth, on another study tour to Mie Prefecture, available to ambassadors in Japan. From 2–9 November, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold a Study Tour to Mie Prefecture by Ambassadors to Japan from various countries, in conjunction with Mie Prefecture. These Study Tours by Ambassadors to Japan have been held jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local governments since 1988 in order to provide an opportunity for ambassadors serving in Japan to appreciate regional attractions including history, culture, and industries. This fiscal year, the study tour will be held in Mie Prefecture with the aim of further developing exchanges between foreign countries and Mie Prefecture.

5. Visit to Japan by the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations of the United Nations Secretariat

Ms. Saiki: Fifth, on a visit to Japan by the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, United Nations (UN) Secretariat. Mr. Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) of the UN secretariat will visit Japan from 3–7 November. During his stay in Japan, Mr. Ladsous will exchange opinions and views with various senior government officials in charge of PKO-related matters. He will also participate in a public symposium titled “20 Years of Peacekeeping Operations for the UN and Japan: Taking on New Challenges” and deliver a keynote speech at the symposium. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Japan’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations, as well as of the creation of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations within the UN Secretariat. Japan welcomes the visit of Mr. Ladsous in this memorable year. We will continue our proactive efforts toward international peace and security, including active contribution to UN peacekeeping activities.

6. Visit to Japan by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay

Ms. Saiki: Sixth, on a visit to Japan by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. Mr. Luis Leonardo Almagro Lemes, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, will visit Japan as a distinguished guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 6–10 November. While in Japan, Minister Almagro is scheduled to have a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Koichiro Gemba.

With these initial announcements, I would be happy to take your questions. Yes please.

7. Questions concerning Japan-China relations

Q: I would like to ask about a report in some Japanese newspapers, today and yesterday, that there will be no bilateral summits between Japan and China at the ASEM meeting. Is that correct? What is the situation?

Ms. Saiki: On a summit between Japan and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the occasion of the upcoming ASEM meeting in Laos, nothing is decided. In fact, in his press conference held yesterday, Foreign Minister Gemba stated that “the time is not ripe” for holding a summit meeting between the two countries.

Q: Can I ask, is it usual? ASEM Summit happens every two years; is it usual for Japan to hold a bilateral meeting with China at ASEM?

Ms. Saiki: Well, depending on the circumstances. I do not believe there is a kind of rule that there is a summit meeting between the two countries in the margins of the ASEM Summit.

Q: Can you tell me, for example, if there was one two years ago?

Ms. Saiki: Two years ago? Do you remember where it was?

Q: It must have been in Europe, was it?

Ms. Saiki: I think so. The then Prime Minister, Mr. Kan, perhaps, attended the ASEM meeting. Let me check, and I will get back to you with an answer.

Q: Can I also ask about the prospects for such a meeting at the ASEAN summit?

Ms. Saiki: On that, too, nothing is decided. This is what I can tell you today.

Q: Sorry, one other related question. There was a meeting at the vice-ministerial level, I understand, in China two weeks ago, which was confirmed by the Chief Cabinet Secretary. There were newspaper reports that there would be a follow-up meeting to that one. Can you tell me anything about that?

Ms. Saiki: I am not aware that Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura confirmed that. As I have repeatedly stated here, or elsewhere, Japan and the PRC have agreed upon the significance and the necessity to keep channels of communication. Japan, on its part, continues to try to maintain and enhance close contact with China. However, I do not think it is proper for me to disclose all the details about our contact.

Q: I would like to stick to this topic. What would the Japanese foreign ministry say about the first task they would like to approach to achieve regarding enhancing the bilateral relationship with China? I mean, there was a meeting in Hong Kong where a few Chinese former diplomats took part, and there were reports that they, for example, suggested that it is necessary to have an emergency line between the two countries, which was already a topic between Japan and China, regarding, for example, ship incidents or coast guard ship incidents. So what is the first task that the Japanese foreign ministry would say that it would be good if we could go on with that?

Ms. Saiki: First of all, let me make it clear that the Senkaku Islands are an inherent part of the territory of Japan in light of historical facts and based upon international law. The Senkaku Islands are under the valid control of Japan. That being stated, in order to avoid any misunderstanding or unforeseen incidents regarding the Senkaku Islands, the Japanese Government has called upon China to stay calm and exercise self-restraint. With this major premise in mind, I think that there are quite a few ideas and elements to be discussed by the two governments in order to further develop the mutually beneficial relationship based upon common strategic interests. For instance, on your specific point on the maritime crisis management mechanism, in fact, the two leaders did agree to collaborate towards the development of such kind of crisis management mechanism, as far as maritime safety and security are concerned. I think this work is underway.

Q: It was underway, that’s right, and it was postponed, so that is the reason why I asked the question. Is there any idea to go on with this? I mean, did the Japanese side and the Chinese side agree already on that on a low level?

Ms. Saiki: What we have agreed is to first start negotiations and then to continue consultations. But I do not believe that any particular dates are fixed for a next meeting.

Q: This time it is not a question of a meeting; it is a question of if. And that is the broader prospect. If, for example, as the Chinese former diplomats mentioned, there should be an emergency line regarding, probably, incidents on the sea between the Chinese navy and the Japanese navy - this was already discussed and the Chinese side said this would be an important thing - does Japan consider this emergency line as an important task?

Ms. Saiki: Again, what I can tell you today is that, first of all, we have been urging China to respond to the situation in a calm manner, and really, Japan wishes to stabilize the current situation as quickly as possible in accordance with international law. That is why, for instance, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, in New York about two months ago, delivered a speech on the rule of law. After all, the rule of law is the basis for global peace, stability, and prosperity. Any state has a responsibility to protect peace, ensure the safety of its people, and protect its sovereignty, territorial sea and land. Japan definitely has been fulfilling and will fulfill such responsibilities, in accordance with international law. On consultations about the so-called hotline, or emergency communication line, which term you used in your question, not necessarily on the Senkaku Islands’ related matters, but rather on the broader issues between the two countries, in particular on ones relating to maritime safety, we have already started discussing through various channels of communication between the two countries. That is what I can say today.

Q: I had some talks with diplomats and they learned that Prime Minister Noda delivered a letter to Hu Jintao, the President of China, regarding the Senkaku Islands. I did not read anything about it in the Japanese news. Are you able to confirm that this letter existed or is this just rumor?

Ms. Saiki: If my memory serves me correctly, the former Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi, visited the PRC at the end of August. On that occasion, the former Vice Foreign Minister was asked to deliver the Prime Minister Noda’s letter to the President of the PRC, Mr. Hu Jintao.

8. Questions concerning the Japan-China-ROK trilateral meeting

Q: Could I just ask again about ASEAN? I think it has become a tradition to have a trilateral meeting between Japan, China, and the ROK at ASEAN related summit meetings. Is that correct?

Ms. Saiki: Yes, you are right. For instance, last year, a trilateral meeting among Japan, the ROK, and China was held in the margins of EAS.

Q: But you don’t know yet if such a meeting will happen this time?

Ms. Saiki: Nothing is decided.

Q: What will it mean to trilateral relations? If a meeting doesn’t happen, will it be a serious problem?

Ms. Saiki: About trilateral relations, for instance, there were working level meetings with respect to the launch of negotiations on a trilateral free trade agreement. There were two meetings; the first was in August and the second in September. Through these meetings at working level we successfully completed preparatory consultations and agreed to continue to work towards the early commencement of the official negotiation for the conclusion of an FTA agreement among the three countries within this year. In fact, the three leaders did agree on the launch of negotiations on an FTA among the three countries back in May at the trilateral summit meeting held in Beijing.

Q: So you expect those negotiations to happen?

Ms. Saiki: We are hoping for the early commencement of negotiations on an FTA within this year. After all, that is a summit agreement reached in May of this year among the three leaders. This is just one of the examples. There are more areas for collaboration we expect to realize among the three countries.

Q: So you are saying even if there isn’t a summit, there are other forms of communication?

Ms. Saiki: I did not say that there is not going to be a summit meeting in Cambodia this month. What I have responded to you is simply that nothing is decided.

9. Questions concerning Japan’s relations with Taiwan

Q: In regard to Japan’s relations with the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan, I understand up until early 2009 there was a certain fishing agreement which allowed Taiwanese fishing boats to operate in waters closer to the Senkaku Islands(sic). But this agreement lapsed in 2009 and that the Taiwanese Government has been wanting to restore the rights of their fishermen to fish in the waters close to the Senkaku Islands(sic). And I believe also, at least according to some Yomiuri report or something, that these negotiations or at least a movement towards talking to Taiwan about this possibility has been initiated. Do you have anything to say about what state is the process of negotiations between Japan and Taiwan over the possibility of allowing Taiwanese fishermen to fish in the waters near the Senkaku Islands?

Ms. Saiki: As you are well aware, there are no diplomatic relations between Japan and Taiwan. However, Japan and Taiwan are enjoying friendly and unofficial relations centering upon commercial, business, and cultural activities and people-to-people exchange, on a non-governmental basis. With respect to your question about fishing around the Senkaku Islands, I think there has been a move towards the opening up of an unofficial negotiation between the Japanese entity responsible for the matter and the Taiwanese authorities. I do not have any concrete ideas as to when an agreement will be reached and what content the agreement will be composed of. What I can say is that according to reports, there has been a move forward to resume negotiations between the two entities. And in fact, Foreign Minister Gemba sent a message to the Taiwanese people, in which he emphasized that, based upon the rule of law, Japan and Taiwan have enjoyed good relations for a long time and he hoped that this good relationship should further develop, for example, in the field of fishing. This is the content of the message from Foreign Minister Gemba to the Taiwanese people.

Q: Yes, I understand the broad answer. Just one specific question. On the Japanese side, what is the responsible entity, or the bureaucracy or the department that handles this negotiation?

Ms. Saiki: Kouryukyoukai. Do we know what we call it in English? Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association or something like that, but I will let you know.

Q: Is it part of the ministry or is it an independent organization?

Ms. Saiki: An independent, private organization: Kouryukyoukai.

Q: Okay, I am sure I can find it.

Ms. Saiki: Literally, interchange association. But I can check and will let you know.

Q: I am sure they have a webpage anyway.

Ms. Saiki: That is what I am about to check.

10. Questions concerning sanctions on Iran

Q: My second question is totally unrelated to that. Apparently there is a move in Washington, DC to get another round of sanctions on Iran, especially banking issues, and there has been a report in Japanese press that Japan is looking for some kind of an exemption to whatever new sanctions come up. First of all, I would just like to hear your basic line or basic policy on U.S. unilateral sanctions against Iran, not UN sanctions, not international sanctions, but simply the U.S. Government on its own, deciding that it is going to punish other countries with sanctions, is Japan obligated to follow these sanctions? Is any international country obligated to apply sanctions that are decided unilaterally by one country?

Ms. Saiki: The basic position of the Japanese Government with respect to the Iranian nuclear issue is that it is important for the international community to exert pressure on and keep dialogue with the Iranians so that the Iranian Government will be in a position to respect and abide by all its international obligations, including UNSC Resolutions, IEAE Board of Governors’ Resolutions and so forth. On your specific question about the U.S. law to put another sanction against Iran, the Japanese Government has been making close consultations with the U.S. Government on the matter, and the important thing is to let Iran abide by its international obligations and abandon its nuclear programs inconsistent with the international rules. For this purpose, I think Japan and the United States are in the same boat to make cooperative efforts; so, we are continuing to make close consultations with the U.S. Government.

Q: If I might just peel that onion a little bit more, I understand that Japan’s basic policy is to follow the United States’ view or it has the same view, let’s say, as the United States in regards to the need for pressure on Iran to abandon its nuclear program. My question very specifically is, when it comes time to decide what kinds of pressure to put on the Iranian Government in regard to this issue, is the place for this to be decided in the U.N. and in international organizations or is it to be decided by the U.S. Congress and the U.S. administration and followed by Japan, even though it has no international authorization. The U.N. Security Council has not authorized sanctions. In such a situation, to what degree is Japan bound to ask for exemptions - to go and to say “please don’t include us?” What is a unilateral law by one country? Any country can make a law of sanctions against somebody. So why does Japan need to go in and ask for exemptions?

Ms. Saiki: Legally speaking, we do not necessarily need to ask for exemptions by the United States. However, since both countries with other members of the international community share the objective that Iran must respect its international obligations, I think there are quite a few ways and means to approach the issue. I think the United States has been making its own efforts. Japan has been playing its own part. For instance, historically, Japan and Iran have been enjoying very close and friendly ties. While, of course, we have been exerting pressure on Iran, at the same time, we – for instance, the Foreign Minister, Mr. Gemba, I remember, this year has met with his counterpart of Iran three times or so - keep close contact with Iran. We think it is a good idea to make best use of a variety of tools or ways and means in order to achieve our shared goal.

Q: Thank you.

Ms. Saiki: Thank you. Are there any other questions? If not I would like to conclude today’s conference. Thank you very much for coming.

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