Press Conferences

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: An emergency G7 Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk was held today due to Russia’s actions yesterday. We exchanged views for approximately 45 minutes from 10:50.

During the telephone talk, we agreed on the G7’s recognition that Russia’s recognition of the “independence” of the “Donetsk People's Republic” and the “Luhansk People's Republic” constitutes an infringement of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and are in violation of international law, and that we strongly condemn this. We agreed to continue to follow the developments of the situation with grave concern, and for the G7 to respond while closely cooperating.

I conveyed that Japan will quickly coordinate a tough response including sanctions in cooperation with the international community, including the G7. That is all from me.

Reporter: Did you have a discussion today on specific economic sanctions due to the current situation with Russia?

Minister Hayashi: I would like to refrain from explaining the details of our discussion. The G7 affirmed that Russia’s actions constitute an infringement of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and are in violation of international law, and are utterly unacceptable. We agreed to continue to respond in close cooperation, including with sanctions.

Reporter: During the recent Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Munich, the ministers affirmed that there would be massive consequences, including sanctions if Russia invades Ukraine. During the meeting today, did the ministers agree on the recognition that an invasion of Ukraine has already occurred?

Minister Hayashi: Regarding this point, although I am repeating what I stated earlier, we affirmed that Russia’s actions constitute an infringement of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and are in violation of international law, and are utterly unacceptable. We agreed to continue to respond in close cooperation, including with sanctions.

Reporter: Is a statement or similar document being coordinated now for this meeting?

Minister Hayashi: We do not plan to issue a joint statement.

Reporter: Yesterday on February 21 in China, a member of the Japanese Embassy in China was temporarily detained. I believe this is a violation of the Vienna Convention stipulating diplomat status. Please tell us your view and the Government’s response.

Minister Hayashi: Yesterday local time, a member of the Japanese Embassy in China was temporarily detained by the Chinese authorities against the person’s will in Beijing City. This case is a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations and is inadmissible and completely unacceptable. Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mori summoned Yang Yu, charge d’affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, to MOFA to lodge a severe protest, and strongly request an apology and measures to prevent a recurrence. In addition, in Beijing, the Japanese Ambassador to China Tarumi lodged the same protest to Wu Jianghao, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs.