Press Conferences

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

The G7 Trade Ministers’ Meeting will be held in-person　under the name of “G7 Sakai, Osaka Trade Ministers’ Meeting” from October 28 to 29, 2023 in Osaka.

MOFA will make every effort to smoothly hold the G7 Hiroshima Summit and Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, as well as the Trade Ministers’ Meeting, in cooperation with the relevant organizations and host municipalities.

That is all from me.

Sankei Shimbun, Okada: I would like to ask about the protests against the zero-COVID policy in China. Protests against the authorities’ COVID-19 policy are spreading in various areas of China, including Beijing City. Some of the protests are calling for the resignation of President Xi Jinping, which is said to be an extremely unusual situation. There has also been an incident involving the detainment of a journalist from a foreign media outlet covering the protests. Please tell us the reaction of the Government of Japan to that. Furthermore, I believe that Japan and China have reached an agreement regarding your visit to China. Please tell us how that and other aspects will affect Japan-China relations.

Minister Hayashi: I am aware that cases involving protests against the measures taken by Chinese authorities to combat COVID-19 have been occurring since a few days ago in multiple cities of China.

The Government of Japan is working to gather and analyze relevant information, and is calling for taking caution to Japanese residents in China through consul emails and other means.

So far, we have not received any information of harm to Japanese residents. We will continue to gather and analyze information, and make every effort to protect Japanese residents.

In addition, with regard to the second part of your question, we are in the process of coordinating as we have done so far.

Asahi Shimbun, Nohira: I would like to ask about the Maritime and Aerial Communication Mechanism between the Japanese and Chinese defense authorities. I believe that it was agreed to establish the mechanism at an early stage during the recent Japan-China Summit Meeting. The press secretary of China’s Ministry of National Defense stated that there has been positive progress, indicating that the mechanism will be launched at an early stage. Please tell us where you are with the coordination, including the goal in terms of timing. In addition, what are the expected results of establishing this hotline?

Minister Hayashi: I am aware of the planned commencement of operation, around spring 2023, of the “hotline” between the Japanese and Chinese defense authorities. Prime Minister Kishida and President Xi agreed that it would commence at an early stage during the recent Japan-China Summit Meeting, which I also attended. We will continue to diligently coordinate with the Chinese side toward realizing the “hotline.”

I believe that the “hotline” will play an extremely important role in building trust between the Japanese and Chinese defense authorities, avoiding unforeseen situations, and other such matters.

Kyodo News, Kinashi: I would like to ask about Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) relations. President Yoon Suk Yeol of the ROK has appointed the former head of the Jeju District Court to fill the vacant Supreme Court justice seat. It is expected to restart the trial for the sale of assets of Japanese companies with regard to the issue of the former civilian workers from the Korean Peninsula. Please tell us the effects on Japan-ROK relations of the conditions surrounding this issue.

Minister Hayashi: I would like to refrain from commenting on individual moves by the ROK side. If I were to say anything further, it would be that the recent Japan-ROK Summit Meeting reaffirmed the two leaders shared the view on promptly resolving pending issues, based on the acceleration of consultations between our countries’ diplomatic authorities following the instructions given by the two leaders in New York.

In response to this, the Japan-ROK Director-General Level Talk was held last week.

Japan will stay in close contact with the Government of the ROK in order to restore healthy Japan-ROK relations and further develop them based on the foundation of friendly cooperative relations we have built up since the normalization of relations.

NHK, Iwasawa: I would like to ask about the local elections in Taiwan. In the elections on November 26, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party lost and President Tsai Ing-wen announced her intention to step down as party leader. Please tell us your reaction to this situation in Taiwan, as well as the outlook on the effects on Japan-Taiwan relations.

Minister Hayashi: I would like to refrain from commenting on behalf of the Government of Japan with regard to foreign election results, including the actions in the party of President Tsai Ing-wen.

In any case, Japan will continue to monitor the relevant circumstances.

Taiwan is an important partner and a precious friend of Japan. We share basic values, including freedom, democracy, fundamental human rights, and the rule of law, and enjoy a close economic relationship and people-to-people exchanges. Based on this position, Japan will further deepen cooperation and exchanges with Taiwan.

Sankei Shimbun, Okada: I would like to ask about China’s “overseas police service centers.”
It has been pointed out that China has established “overseas police service centers” in various parts of the world as police bases to monitor dissidents outside of China. It is said that there is an office in Tokyo. Western governments are raising their vigilance, including requesting the Chinese side to stop these activities. Please tell us the current recognition of the Government of Japan, and whether you have lodged any protests or indicated concerns through now.

Minister Hayashi: I am aware of the report and relevant information you pointed out.
With regard to this matter, Japan has lodged a protest to China through diplomatic channels, stating that it would be absolutely unacceptable if activities that infringe upon Japan’s sovereignty are taking place.

I would like to refrain from answering with any further details as this involves diplomatic communication. We will continue to respond appropriately in cooperation with the relevant Japanese ministries and agencies.