Press Conferences

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have one announcement at the outset.

The Diplomatic Bluebook 2023 was distributed at the Cabinet meeting today.

This year’s Diplomatic Bluebook provides an overview of international affairs over the past year, as well as Japan’s diplomatic activities, and discusses notable events in Japan’s diplomacy through March of this year, based on the recognition that the world is now at a historic turning point.

We are facing a range of challenges, including new challenges such as the situation in Ukraine and economic security, and other global issues. Through this Diplomatic Bluebook, we hope to effectively present to readers at home and abroad how Japanese diplomacy exercises leadership to overcome interstate conflicts, address common challenges through dialogue and cooperation, and maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

The Diplomatic Bluebook is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website from today. We hope that as many people as possible will read it and further deepen their understanding of Japan’s diplomacy.

That is all from me.

NHK, Iwasawa: My question is related to the Diplomatic Bluebook in your opening remarks. This year’s Diplomatic Bluebook explicitly states that China and Russia appear to be strengthening their military cooperation and that Japan will “monitor the developments with grave concern.” What is the aim behind including such content in the Bluebook, which is intended for readers in Japan and overseas? In addition, could you please tell us if military cooperation between China and Russia will be discussed at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting this month or the G7 Hiroshima Summit next month?

Minister Hayashi: Recently, the Chinese and Russian militaries have been conducting joint activities with increasing frequency near Japan. The Government recognizes that the activities need to be monitored with grave concern from the perspective of the security of Japan. For this reason, it was included in this year’s Diplomatic Bluebook.

The detailed agenda for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Karuizawa, Nagano, is still being finalized, and I would like to refrain from giving premature responses. In any case, we hope to turn this meeting into an opportunity for candid and in-depth exchanges of views among the G7 foreign ministers regarding the urgent diplomatic challenges facing the international community.

Hokkaido Shimbun, Araya: I would like to ask about the Japan-China High-Level Consultation on Maritime Affairs , which was held yesterday, and about the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait . Japan raised the importance of the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. What is the position of Japan that was conveyed regarding the military exercises around Taiwan conducted by the Chinese military until yesterday? Could you please share with us your thoughts about the impact of such military exercises on the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait?

Minister Hayashi: The Government has consistently monitored with great concern China’s military exercises around Taiwan that you just mentioned. At the Japan-China High-Level Consultation on Maritime Affairs, we reiterated our serious concerns to China regarding its intensifying military activities in the waters around Japan, including this matter, and once again raised with China the importance of the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I have a question regarding support for Ukraine. The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine recently announced the resumption of electricity exports that had been halted due to Russian attacks on infrastructure. The Government of Japan has been actively extending support for winterization assistance in Ukraine , including provision of generators. What is your view on this latest development and the necessary support for Ukraine in the future?

Minister Hayashi: I am aware that the Government of Ukraine announced the restoration of electricity throughout Ukraine and the resumption of power exports. Japan has provided support for Ukraine in the power and energy sector, including providing approximately 1,500 generators and twice co-hosting the G7+ Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Ukraine Energy Sector Support . I would like to express my respect for the earnest efforts of the Government of Ukraine and its people to overcome the harsh winter in collaboration with the international community, despite repeated Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.

Japan has announced and is now providing support totaling approximately $7.6 billion in the fields of humanitarian assistance, finance, and recovery and reconstruction. Japan intends to draw on its expertise and continues to provide seamless, detailed support based on the needs of Ukraine, in areas such as mine action, debris clearance, livelihood reconstruction through provision of power and other infrastructure, and agriculture.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Abe: I would like to ask about Japan’s measures for the Global South. I believe the Global South is mentioned for the first time in the Diplomatic Bluebook you introduced at the outset. I would like to once again ask how Japan will strengthen its collaboration with the Global South. Please also tell us what you hope to discuss regarding the Global South at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Karuizawa this weekend?

Minister Hayashi: In recent years, emerging and developing countries known as the “Global South” have gained an increasing economic and political presence. In addition, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has had a significant impact on the livelihoods of people around the world, including the Global South, in a variety of areas such as energy and food.

At the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Karuizawa, Nagano, which will be held under these circumstances, we plan to discuss the G7’s response to global challenges, including the world economy, energy and food security, climate change, health, and development. We will actively contribute and call for cooperation to address these challenges, so that the G7 can work together to strengthen its engagement with the Global South.