Press Conferences

NHK, Watanabe: I would like to ask about relations between China and Taiwan, and the matter of the surging number of Chinese military aircraft repeatedly entering the ADIZ established by Taiwan. On this development, Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense warned in the Legislative Yuan that China will be able to fully invade Taiwan by 2025. With regards to this situation, what is Japan’s view of the current relations between Taiwan and China, as there have also been developments related to the Senkaku Islands? What stance will Japan take?

Mr. YOSHIDA Tomoyuki, Press Secretary: Firstly, in relation to the situation surrounding the Taiwan Strait between China and Taiwan, there was also a question about the large number of intrusions by Chinese fighter aircraft into Taiwan’s ADIZ recently during Foreign Minister Motegi’s press conference yesterday. Foreign Minister Motegi answered by stating the Government of Japan’s recognition. We are aware that the Taiwanese authorities announced that between October 1st and 4th, the number of Chinese military aircraft that flew within Taiwan’s ADIZ was 38, 39, 16, and 56 respectively over the successive four days.

The Government of Japan’s recognition of the situation surrounding the Taiwan Strait is as stated in the statements issued following the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting in April and the Japan-U.S. “2+2” preceding it in March which mention the “importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”

Additionally, the Government of Japan’s consistent position has been that we expect the issues surrounding Taiwan be peacefully resolved through direct dialogue among the parties concerned.

On the other hand, there have been various statements and analyses, as you just asked about. We will continue to monitor with serious interest such developments and issues related to the regional situation, and the peace and security environment of East Asia.

Kyodo News, Asada: In relation to this, since the occurrence of this case, the United States has taken a stance of criticizing China by strongly urging China to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic coercion toward Taiwan. Does the Government of Japan have grave concerns about China’s movements? Please tell us again Japan’s stance on this case.

Press Secretary Yoshida: Is it correct to understand that by “this case,” you mean the case of many Chinese military aircraft entering Taiwan’s ADIZ, which I have just answered about?

As I have just stated, the Government of Japan’s consistent position and recognition has been that the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait are important, and that we expect that the issues surrounding Taiwan will be peacefully resolved through direct dialogue among the parties concerned.
There has not been even a smallest change to our position and recognition.

I am aware that the Government of the United States announced its comment on this matter. Japan conducts constant communication with its ally the United States regarding regional situations from peace times. What I would like to say is that Japan and the United States are closely discussing regional situations and our recognitions through such communication.

Jiji Press, Umegaki: In regard to the G20 and COP from the end of October to November, I believe that Prime Minister Kishida stated in his inaugural press conference that he is considering participating remotely. Please tell us if MOFA knows whether it is possible to remotely attend these two meetings.

Press Secretary Yoshida: Your question was about the G20 Summit at the end of this month and COP26 following that. Regarding these international meetings, I believe it is possible for Prime Minister Kishida to remotely attend and make statements using technologies. I believe that the Prime Minister stated that he will firmly convey Japan’s remarks and presence through the use of such technologies.

As Prime Minister Kishida stated, both the G20 Summit and COP 26 are important meetings. At the G20 Rome Summit, there will be discussions on important themes of global health and the global economy, as well as on how to “build back better” from the current novel coronavirus crisis.
The Government of Japan has been working in various ways to lead the discussions in these fields.

Discussions on the international community’s initiatives toward achieving a decarbonized society, a goal of the Paris Agreement, will be discussed at COP26, which will be held in Glasgow in the United Kingdom. Together with announcing our goal to become carbon neutral by 2050, Japan has been working to show our leadership in green and digital fields.

Since these are important international meetings, we are making various forms of consideration on how to respond to the meetings from the perspective of how to convey Japan’s positions and presence and further contribute to the discussions.

We are of course making comprehensive consideration from various viewpoints including whether it is possible to do what I have just stated online, as well as various other countries’ participation, the possibility of holding bilateral meetings on the fringes of these multilateral international meetings, and Japan’s domestic political schedule.