Press Conferences

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I just held a Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk with Secretary of State Blinken. The Japan-U.S. “2+2” is scheduled to be held tomorrow, January 7, but Secretary Blinken requested to have a separate telephone talk, which led to us having one just now.

Firstly, Secretary Blinken and I reaffirmed that Japan and the United States will work together to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance and realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

In addition, in light of the recent novel coronavirus infection situation among the personnel of U.S. Forces in Japan (USFJ), I strongly urged Secretary Blinken to strengthen and enforce measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including putting in place restrictions on off-base activities to alleviate local anxieties. Secretary Blinken responded that the health and safety of not only USFJ personnel but also that of local residents are very important for the United States. He also stated that he would immediately convey Japan’s message to the Department of Defense, would work closely with the Japanese government, and would do everything possible to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Furthermore, I exchanged views on recent regional affairs with Secretary Blinken.

Firstly, regarding North Korea, I stated that North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities, including the missile launch on January 5, pose a threat to the peace and stability of Japan, the region, and the international community. Secretary Blinken and I shared the view to continue working closely towards the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

In addition, Secretary Blinken and I exchanged views regarding the situation of Russia and Ukraine. Secretary Blinken explained the recent situation, and we confirmed that Japan and the United States will continue to work together in response to the current situation.

I believe that exchanging views regarding various matters with Secretary Blinken at a timing just after the start of the New Year was an excellent kickoff for Japanese diplomacy, which is based on the Japan-U.S. Alliance. I will continue to closely collaborate and cooperate with Secretary Blinken toward further strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance.

Reporter: I would like to ask about the USFJ. Since you requested USFJ Commander Rupp at the end of last year, novel coronavirus infections have continued to spread in various regions of Japan. What is your reaction to this? The reality is that the virus is spreading in areas near bases. What are your thoughts on the relationship between areas with USFJ bases and the spread of the virus?

Minister Hayashi: We have been urging the U.S. side at various levels, including when I directly telephoned Commander Rupp, as you just stated. It is my understanding that the U.S. side has been sequentially strengthening border restrictions including pre-departure and post-arrival testing, and restrictions on conduct such as wearing masks. On the other hand, the virus has begun spreading within U.S. military areas and municipalities near them, and I requested that infection prevention measures be further enforced, including introducing restrictions on off-base activities. We will continue to exert all efforts to alleviate local anxieties.

Reporter: I would like to ask about North Korea’s missile launch. Today, the North Korean media reported that North Korea successfully conducted a test launch of a hypersonic missile. During your telephone talk, did you have some discussion about hypersonic missiles? Please tell us what you discussed regarding matters such as the characteristics and capabilities of the missile that seems to have been launched yesterday.

Minister Hayashi: As I mentioned earlier, I stated that North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities, including the missile launch on January 5, pose a threat to the peace and stability of Japan, the region, and the international community. Secretary Blinken and I shared the view to continue working closely towards the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

In addition, it is my understanding that analysis is currently being conducted on the missile. Please inquire with the Ministry of Defense for details on the missile.

Reporter: Just to confirm, is it correct to understand that you did not have any specific discussion of the details of the missile during your telephone talk today?

Minister Hayashi: I would like to refrain from answering about the details because this concerns diplomatic communication.

Reporter: President Biden announced that the United States would respond decisively with its allies if Russia further invades Ukraine. Did Secretary Blinken request Japan’s cooperation regarding economic sanctions to be taken in such a case?

Minister Hayashi: To repeat what I stated earlier, Secretary Blinken explained the recent situation of Russia and Ukraine. We confirmed that Japan and the United States will continue to work together in response to the current situation.

I would like to refrain from answering in further detail because this concerns diplomatic communication.

Reporter: How long was your telephone talk?

Minister Hayashi: It lasted for 35 minutes from 8:10 a.m.