Press Conferences

Fujikawa, TV Asashi: Regarding the issue of China’s establishment of an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), I understand that Security Council and other meetings were held and the Government’s response was discussed. Please provide us once again with the Japanese Government’s policy?

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: With respect to the substance of the Security Council meeting, I explained MOFA’s response to China’s establishment of the ADIZ in the current situation. I believe the contents will be announced by the Chief Cabinet Secretary. It is my understanding that participants in such meetings have avoided disclosing the contents. I ask you to refer to the Chief Cabinet Secretary.

Fujikawa, TV Asashi: Please tell us about the Government policy going forward?

Minister Kishida: After the Chinese side made the announcement, the Japanese Government has expressed its concerns, lodged protests and demanded China to revoke its measures through various diplomatic channels. In addition, I released a Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. For the future, we must work with relevant countries and with our partners while steadily seeking the understanding of the international community. MOFA will make such efforts going forward. Moreover, we will discuss whether further measures will be necessary to take while paying attention to China’s moves.

Fujikawa, TV Asashi: A telephone conference was held yesterday between you and U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Ms. Caroline Kennedy. Do you intend to make contacts with other foreign counterparts?

Minister Kishida: We must closely work together and keep steady communications with our ally, the U.S.

In addition, as the status quo was unilaterally changed in the East China Sea this time, the freedom of flight in international airspace has been threatened. I consider that is the situation. A large number of countries and our partners will be influenced by this. We must make steady communication with them as well.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: At yesterday’s stage, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Akitaka Saiki lodged a protest against Chinese Ambassador to Japan Mr. Cheng Yonghua. Do you intend to lodge a protest by yourself?

Minister Kishida: Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Saiki made a protest to Ambassador Cheng Yonghua and demanded China revoke its measures. In China, at the same time, Ambassador of Japan to China Mr. Masato Kitera made the same protest to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Going forward, while monitoring China’s moves and other developments, we will discuss further measures as needed.

Mizuuchi, Sankei Shimbun: Reportedly, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have already submitted flight plans to the Chinese side. The Japanese Government, I believe, maintain the stance that such an action is unnecessary, in principle. What will be the Government response for the future?

Minister Kishida: First, I am aware that, after the ADIZ was established on November 23, Japanese airlines submit flight plans to the Chinese authorities on their own judgment, considering passengers’ safety and other matters. However, on the 25th, yesterday, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan conveyed to Japanese air carriers the Government of Japan’s policy that Chinese measures have no validity whatsoever on Japan and that the Government of Japan will apply conventional rules to aircrafts flying in the airspace in question. I understand that Japanese airlines will make best judgment for themselves, considering passengers’ safety, while taking into account the Government of Japan’s policies, various situation and other issues comprehensively. At any rate, the Government of Japan will continue to firmly urge China to revoke the current measures.

Nakamura, Nippon TV: Regarding Japanese airlines’ best judgment, is it correct to take it as the Japanese Government’s intention that civil air carriers’ submission of flight plans should be abandoned?

Minister Kishida: The close cooperation between the Government and private sector is obviously vital so as to clearly express our will in response to China’s measures. Anyway I explained the Government of Japan’s stance. I will continue to make steady communication with civil airlines.

Lee, Hong Kong Phoenix TV: China refused to revoke their measures. However, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated yesterday that China’s measures would not target, nor have an impact on, any civil airlines. What is your view?

Minister Kishida: China’s measures were announced, but we must closely observe how they will be implemented on the ground. At any rate, these measures are problematic in light of the international law of freedom of flight in international airspace. The U.S., the Republic of Korea and Taiwan among others have expressed concerns to China’s measures as such. We must closely work with these countries and our partners.