Press Conferences

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: If various circumstances permit, I will be visiting Munich, Germany from February 17 to 19 to attend the Munich Security Conference.

During the Conference, I will attend the session with the theme of regional security in the Indo-Pacific. I will present Japan’s diplomacy and security policy based on the new National Security Strategy, which was decided at the end of last year.

In addition, taking this opportunity, we are coordinating to hold the first G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting under Japan’s G7 Presidency this year.

That is all from me.

Asahi Shimbun, Uechi: I would like to ask about the issue of the lawsuit by the Former Civilian Workers from the Korean Peninsula. At the Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) Vice-Ministerial-Level Consultation this morning, it was confirmed that communication will continue to be conducted regarding the issue. Are there any plans to have talks between the foreign ministers of Japan and the ROK in the future, as in the Munich Security Conference which you mentioned earlier? In addition, some people from within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) are stating that it is time for the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs to show leadership and resolve this issue ahead of the Summit in May. What is your reaction to this matter?

Minister Hayashi: During the Japan-ROK Summit Meeting in November 2022, both leaders reaffirmed to pursue an early resolution of the pending issues between Japan and the ROK. In response to this agreement, we have accelerated the talks between our diplomatic authorities have been accelerated. I also held a telephone talk with Foreign Minister Park Jin last month.

In addition, the Vice-Ministerial-Level Consultation was held on February 14(February 13, local time in Washington D.C.) We held a candid exchange of views regarding Japan-ROK relations in general, including the issue of the Former Civilian Workers from the Korean Peninsula. It was again concurred to continue communication to resolve the pending issues, restore and further develop healthy Japan-ROK relations.

Based on the foundation of our friendly cooperative relations built up since the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the ROK in 1965, Japan will continue to closely communicate with the Government of the ROK towards restoring healthy Japan-ROK relations and further developing those relations.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Abe: I would like to ask about the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Munich, which you mentioned in your opening remarks. You mentioned that it is currently being coordinated, but in terms of the timing, it has been one year since the start of the aggression against of Ukraine. With regard to holding this in-person meeting of the G7 foreign ministers on behalf of Japan, which holds the G7 Presidency, what are your thoughts on the significance of the meeting, what would you like to do with this opportunity, and how do you position this meeting?

Minister Hayashi: As I stated earlier, we are currently coordinating the first G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to be held in Munich under Japan’s G7 Presidency this year. Keeping in mind that it will soon be one year since the start of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm the G7’s determination to protect the world order based on the rule of law.

NHK, Iwasawa: I would like to ask about the earthquake that occurred in southern Türkiye. In the affected area, rescue operations are being conducted and there are concerns that people may have to live in evacuation shelters for a long time. Please tell us the current situation regarding further support, including financial support such as ODA, for Türkiye and Syria.

Minister Hayashi: As Japan has experienced major natural disasters including the Great East Japan Earthquake, we are making every effort to provide maximum support to those affected by the recent earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.

Through now, Japan has dispatched the Japan Disaster Relief Rescue Team and Japan Disaster Relief Medical Team to Türkiye. We have also implemented transportation of assets and equipment needed by the Medical Team through the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in order to deliver the items quickly and reliably.

In addition, Japan has already decided to provide emergency relief goods, including tents and blankets, to Türkiye and Syria. Japan is also coordinating to promptly provide emergency assistance through ODA as financial humanitarian support for both countries.

The Government of Japan will continue to quickly provide necessary support based on the local needs of the areas where the damages inflicted. We are also requesting the support and cooperation of the people of Japan for the victims of the earthquake.

Jiji Press, Tanaka: I would like to ask the earlier question about Japan-ROK relations again because you did not answer it. The G7 Hiroshima Summit will be a major event for Japan’s diplomacy, and some people in the LDP are expressing that they want the issue of Former Civilian Workers from the Korean Peninsula to be resolved by the time of the Summit. What are your thoughts on that?

Minister Hayashi: I would like to refrain from commenting one by one on the discussions of the ruling party and the like. As I stated earlier, talks between the diplomatic authorities of Japan and the ROK have been accelerated due to the leaders concurring on pursuing an early resolution of the issues at the Japan-ROK Summit Meeting. We will continue to closely communicate with the Government of the ROK.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Abe: I would like to ask about the balloons. During your press conference last week, you were asked for your opinion about the United States shooting down China’s balloon. After that, several balloons have been detected and confirmed in the United States and Canada. On the other hand, China has claimed that U.S. balloons illegally entered China’s territory. Please tell us your current reaction to the issues surrounding issues of balloons.

Minister Hayashi: We are aware that on February 4 local time, the Government of the United States announced that it shot down a high-altitude surveillance balloon launched by China. We believe that no country should be allowed to violate the sovereignty of another country. With regard to this case, we are aware that the Government of the United States explained that China committed an unacceptable violation of U.S. sovereignty, and that the United States took deliberate and lawful action to protect U.S. sovereignty and the American people. Japan supports the position of the United States. We believe that it is important for China to fulfill its responsibility of explaining this matter.

In addition, we are aware that unidentified high-altitude flying objects threatening to civilian aircraft were shot down by U.S. fighter aircrafts off the coast of the state of Alaska in the United States on February 10 local time, over the Yukon Territory in Canada on February 11, and over the state of Michigan in the United States on February 12. We understand that the Governments of the United States and Canada are currently confirming these objects.

Furthermore, we are aware that it is being reported that on February 13, China detected and was prepared to shoot down an unidentified flying object off the coast of Shandong Province.

Japan will continue to monitor the relevant circumstances.