Press Conferences

Kikuchi, Asahi Shimbun: I would like to ask a question on the bill on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets. The bill was enacted and the media have reported that Cabinet approval rating was dropped. What is your view on the causes of the plunge?

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: Regarding the bill, while the security environment of Japan has become severer, I recognize that it is crucial to establish the credibility of Japan’s information security system, to enhance information sharing with our allies and to obtain intelligence with high quality. In these regards, I consider the law significant. I understand that this enactment and the National Security Council Bill will reinforce our country’s diplomatic and security environment.

The public opinion poll and the approval rating were just pointed out. I am aware that some Japanese people have concerns over the law. However, in terms of the contents of the law, the law will not expand the current scope of secrets, for instance. The law contains rules such as the clear designation of responsibility of information management and the clarification of information classification. I think that we need to continue to explain thoroughly on the contents of the law going forward. We will continue to work hard in that regard.

Kikuchi, Asahi Shimbun: As for the thorough explanation in the future, the Prime Minister expressed at his press conference yesterday that he should have taken more time to give detailed explanations and he repented for that. Do you view that somewhat the Diet spent insufficient time for deliberations and should have spent more?

Minister Kishida: As a member of the Government, I am positioned to entrust the deliberation of the law to the Diet. Therefore, as for the handling of the bill in the deliberations and the length of debate, I believe I have to leave the judgment to the Diet and directors as well as the Committee on Rules and Administration, the Diet Affairs Committee and those who are relevant. Based on that, regarding how substantial the explanation to Japanese citizens was, if concerns remain, we must continue to strive to explain in details, as I have mentioned.

Saito, Kyodo Press: I have a question on China’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Chinese media and government officials have repeated remarks and comments that they want to discuss crisis management with the Japanese side, as if they appeal to Japan, in addition to the establishment of the ADIZ. Do you recognize it in such a way? Do you think that China is calling for Japan in that way? In response, what are your candid views on whether it is appropriate for Japan to advance dialogue in response to China’s appeal and whether Japan should be proactive in this regard,?

Minister Kishida: The establishment of China’s ADIZ is an act that unilaterally changes the status quo and infringes on the freedom of flight in international airspace, the general principle of international law. Subsequently, we cannot accept it. In addition, China describes the airspace over the Senkaku islands, an inherent part of the territory of Japan, as if it were a part of China’s “territorial airspace”. In this point, Japan cannot accept it at all, either. Accordingly, Japan cannot consider or accept dialogue on the premises of China’s measure as such.

However, I consider that communication between Japan and China is important. I think it is important to avoid unexpected contingencies. There have been a variety of frameworks, including Japan-China Strategic Dialogue, Japan-China Security Dialogue and Japan-China High Level Consultation on Maritime Affairs. I think that restarting such communication at an early date is vital. Furthermore, between Japan and China there is an issue of starting a maritime communication mechanism between our defense authorities at an early point. I understand that communication between Japan and China through these frameworks is crucial.

Nakanishi, Nishinihon Shimbun: Returning to the topic of the bill, I understand you left the matter to the Diet, concerning the sufficiency of the deliberations. However, as you are also the leader of the Kochikai faction, what is your view from that capacity?

Minister Kishida: My view on the contents and the evaluation of the bill stay the same whether I am as the Foreign Minister or as the leader of the Kochikai faction. The Japanese citizens have concerns over the contents or there remain some parts where they do not understand sufficiently. On these, we need to explain in a thorough manner. This point remains unchanged whether I am in the capacity of the Minister or the faction’s leader.

Nakanishi, Nishinihon Shimbun: What is your view on the point that deliberations are said to be insufficient?

Minister Kishida: As mentioned earlier, the bill is important, and therefore, we have made efforts in giving substantial explanations. However, if they are seen to be insufficient, we need to continue our efforts. That is how I think.

Watanabe, NHK: A question on China’s ADIZ. Do you have an intention to set up specific channels for future dialogue with China or dialogue to avoid incidental contingencies?

Minister Kishida: As mentioned earlier, unexpected contingencies must be avoided. In addition, we have had various frameworks for dialogue and have agreed to resume some of them. Making them function appropriately is important in the first place.

Gomi, Tokyo Shimbun: China announced a member of the Inasawa City Assembly had been detained in China and he was arrested on the 6th. Presumably, two other arrests of co-offenders were reported. What is the situation that Japan has grasped? Furthermore, what are Japan’s further responses although criminal charges would take some time to be determined?

Minister Kishida: With regard to the points you referred to, on December 9, Chinese bureau of public security reported Japan’s Consulate-General in Guanzhou that it arrested the Inasawa City Assembly member on the 6th. On this matter, I am aware procedures are being taken following the Chinese judicial process.

Thus, I will refrain from making comments as the Japanese Government on the substance of it. However, I think that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs needs to offer necessary and possible assistances from the aspect of protection of Japanese nationals, such as a meeting with a Consular staff member when required and give various advices. Upholding this principle, I would like to observe further developments.

Mizuuchi, Sankei Shimbun: As for the downfall of Mr. Jang Sung-taek of North Korea, television footages of him being taken were broadcasted yesterday and greater attention is paid whether North Korea’s regime may change in many ways. As the Foreign Minister, how do you analyze the situation and what are your thoughts on the East Asian environment and on the influence to the abduction issue of Japanese nationals?

Minister Kishida: First of all, on the point you noted, I am aware that, on the morning of the 9th, North Korea announced the discharge of Mr. Jang Sung-taek, vice-chairman of the National Defense Commission, from all duties and his dismissal from the party. Japan will calmly and closely monitor the situation of the internal moves of North Korea and will continue to gather information. Especially, I recognize that we need to monitor the impact of these internal moves on the country’s diplomatic policy with interest. However, I will refrain from making further comments on specific contents.

In any event, Japan will maintain its line of bringing comprehensive solution to abduction, nuclear, missile and other pending issues based on our conventional policy of “dialogue and pressure” and on the Japan-North Korea Pyong Yang Declaration.

I will maintain to make an effort to gather information with interest and protect our policy firmly.

Imoto, TBS TV: A related question on Mr. Jang Sung-taek. As you said you would continue to pay close attention to the international situation, what is your view on the impact on the resumption of the six party talks?

Minister Kishida: As mentioned just now, we will monitor with interest the internal moves of North Korea and its influence on the country’s foreign policy. In the current situation, we are at the stage of continuing gathering information and analyzing it. I need to refrain from speaking clearly about concrete influence caused by the incident. We will continue to collect information with interest and work to analyze it. That is how I think.