Press Conferences

Nikkei Shimbun, Tobita: There have been reactions to the AUKUS, including France recalling its ambassadors to the United States and Australia, and some Southeast Asian countries expressing their concerns. You have already indicated that Japan welcomes AUKUS. Please tell us your view on these reactions taken by various countries.

Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I recently held telephone talks with Foreign Minister Payne of Australia and Foreign Secretary Truss, who is the new Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, and conveyed that Japan welcomes the launch of AUKUS in the sense of strengthening engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

There are various frameworks, including the Quad. In addition, ASEAN has released the ASEAN Outlook on the Pacific (AOIP), and the EU has recently released the Joint Communication on the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Efforts are also underway, including specific efforts on vaccines and climate change. Japan welcomes such cooperation being promoted.

I am aware that various opinions on AUKUS are being expressed. I would like to refrain from commenting on other country’s reactions. As for Japan, we will continue to advance dialogue and cooperation under various frameworks with related countries toward the major objective of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.