Press Conferences

NHK, Iwasawa: I would like to ask about the Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) talks on North Korea. Some have said that North Korea may conduct its seventh nuclear test. What exactly was discussed at the talks held this morning in the ROK? Also, with North Korea repeatedly launching ballistic missiles, how will you make the most of the results of these talks?

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Today, April 7, Director-General FUNAKOSHI of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau held a meeting on North Korea with U.S. Special Representative for the DPRK Sung Kim and ROK Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Kim Gunn.
During today's meeting, the three parties strongly condemned North Korea’s launches of ballistic missiles at an unprecedented frequency and manner, including the launching of ICBMs. Our discussion also covered our future approach to North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue.
As a member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the G7 Presidency this year, Japan will continue to cooperate with the international community and promote the full implementation of the relevant UNSC resolutions with the aim for the denuclearization of North Korea. As the chair of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting this month, I would like to play a leading role during the discussions.

Sankei Shimbun, Okada: I would like to ask about Japan-Europe relations. President Macron of France and EU President von der Leyen visited China. They discussed various issues, including Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the issues of Taiwan, and the economy. Recently, several leaders of EU member states have visited Beijing, especially since last autumn, to emphasize economic ties with China. The U.S. is seeking a decoupling between these countries' economies and China's. I believe you confirmed stronger ties during your recent trip to Belgium, from attending the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs and EU meetings. Based on other countries’ responses to China, what are your thoughts on how to attempt cooperation with Europe?

Minister Hayashi: During my recent trip to Brussels, Belgium, I attended the Partner Session of the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs, my second time to do so as Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs after April last year. On this occasion, I also joined in the Japan-EU EPA Joint Committee meeting and the Japan-EU Foreign Ministers' Working Lunch, as well as the virtual G7 Trade Ministers' Meeting . Furthermore, I held bilateral meetings with a total of 12 countries and organizations. I believe that through this visit, I was able to confirm Japan's cooperation with like-minded countries in Europe and elsewhere.
In light of the current severe international security environment and the inseparable security relationship between Europe and the Indo-Pacific, I believe we need cooperation among like-minded countries more than ever.
Next weekend, at the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, I intend to further strengthen cooperation with like-minded countries in order to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.

Asahi Shimbun, Uechi: I would like to ask about the new Development Cooperation Charter that was announced. The draft revision states that the government "should be keenly aware of the fact that funds come from taxpayer money and of the effectiveness in terms of carrying out the purpose of development cooperation." While Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) is the most important diplomatic tool, some say it is spent recklessly amid increasing burdens on the public, for instance, taxes. How do you feel about such comments and how will you seek the public's understanding?

Minister Hayashi: I believe that ODA has great significance, as it contributes to world peace and prosperity, including in developing countries, while also being an important system for securing Japan's national interests.
On the other hand, given Japan's very challenging economic situation, I also believe it is important to make more strategic and effective use of ODA, and to pursue more effective development cooperation with partners by encouraging the private sector to mobilize funds. Through these efforts, we hope to gain the public's understanding and support for ODA.

Reuters, Murakami: Some reports on April 6 suggest that ROK diplomatic documents confirmed that the representatives of the two countries who negotiated the Claims Settlement and Economic Co-operation Agreement of 1965 had a common understanding that the agreement did not settle individual claims for damages. Will the disclosure of these diplomatic documents change the stance held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the issue of former civilian workers from the Korean Peninsula under the agreement, including individual claims, has been completely resolved? If not, please explain why.

Minister Hayashi: I am aware of the reports you mentioned, but I would like to refrain from commenting on each and every document the ROK has produced.
In any case, the issue of property claims between Japan and the ROK, including individual claims, has been settled completely and finally in 1965 under the Agreement on the Settlement of Problems Concerning Property and Claims and on the Economic Cooperation between Japan and the ROK.

Mainichi Shimbun, Takeuchi: I would like to ask about Japan-China relations. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Japan's announcement of tighter export controls on 23 items in the advanced semiconductors category, stating, "if the measures gravely undermine China's interests, we will not sit idly by. We will take decisive action" and suggesting implementation of response measures. What is your reaction to this?

Minister Hayashi: I would like to refrain from commenting on each and every statement made by China.
The export control measures for semiconductor manufacturing equipment announced by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on March 31 will implement strict export control in a manner consistent with international rules, in order to maintain international peace and security.
At the Japan-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Beijing on April 2, China mentioned these measures. After I explained their intent, I stated that Japan's measures do not target any specific country and that we will continue to take appropriate action under this policy.