Press Conferences

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Please excuse me for making this urgent announcement.

As officially announced in Tokyo, today, China launched several ballistic missiles, and five of them fell into Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

It is a grave issue related to the security of Japan and the safety of our people that China’s ballistic missiles fell into the waters near Japan, including our EEZ. Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mori just lodged a strong protest condemning China’s action to Mr. Kong Zuanyou, Ambassador of China to Japan.

This action by China seriously affects the peace and stability of the region and the international community. Japan once again demands that China immediately suspend its military exercises.

During the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting today, in which China also participated, I emphasized the importance of the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and clearly stated that we have grave concerns about series of military activities by China.

In addition, I just had informal talks with Secretary of State Blinken. We concurred to strongly condemn China’s ballistic missile launches, and affirmed that we will continue to work closely for regional peace and stability.

Furthermore, during the Japan-United States-Australia Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD) held just prior to the meeting, we concurred to continue close cooperation toward regional peace and stability from the same perspective.

That is all from me.