Press Conferences

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: From today, we will hold the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Japan-ASEAN relations. The Commemorative Summit is planned to discuss mid- to long-term vision shaping future Japan-ASEAN cooperation, as well as Japan-ASEAN cooperation on regional and international issues, among other topics. We hope the discussions will lead to further enhancement of Japan-ASEAN relations in wide-ranging areas.

Minister Kishida: On December 16 and 17, we will hold the 3rd Japan-Arab Economic Forum with the attendance of related ministers from Japan, the League of Arab States and approximately 20 members of the League of Arab States, as well as relevant parties from both Japan and Arab private sectors. Through extensive exchange of opinions on strengthening Japan-Arab economic relations, we hope to strengthen our voice in the region and thereby enhance Japan’s economic diplomacy, especially resources diplomacy.

Minister Kishida: If circumstances allow, “Dialogue with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida,” co-hosted by Nagasaki University will be held in Nagasaki City on January 20, 2014. The theme is nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. As the Foreign Minister from Hiroshima, I have been especially committed to nuclear disarmament. On the occasion of the first anniversary since assuming office, I would like to take this opportunity to listen to the Japanese citizens’ opinions on foreign policies in the areas of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Regarding the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit you mentioned at the outset, ten ASEAN member nations have differences regarding their strength of friendships with Japan and with China, respectively. With respect to China’s Air Defense Identification Zone, what messages do you hope to deliver as Japan-ASEAN?

Minister Kishida: As for Japan-ASEAN relations, we hope to send out a strong message for the future based on various hitherto developments. Having said that, on the individual and specific contents to be included and what discussion will be done, since this is a summit meeting which is yet to be held, I will refrain from making any specific comments from my position. I hope that candid opinion exchanges on a wide spectrum of areas will be held at the Summit meeting and a future-oriented concrete message will be released.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: It has been announced that Jan Sung-taek has been executed following his downfall. What is your view on this and what are the implications on North Korea’s and international situations, going forward?

Minister Kishida: Regarding North Korea’s domestic movement such as this, we have been continuing our information gathering with great interest. Japan holds great interest on future impacts of North Korea’s domestic moves on its foreign policy. We are striving on information gathering and analysis. However, at this stage, I will refrain from speaking in specific terms. We will continue to pay close attention.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: What is your view on the impact of the execution on the Six-Party Talks gaining international attention and on the abductions issue to which Japan and the Abe administration have been strongly committed?

Minister Kishida: We will work earnestly for information collection and analysis. However, at this stage, at least, Japan’s fundamental position on North Korean issues, that is, continued policy of comprehensively solving the issues of concern including the abductions, nuclear and missile issues based on dialogue and pressure under the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, is consistent. We will stick to our basic policy.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Last evening, a telephone conference was held between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden. Will you explain the substance of this conference and the view of the Japanese Government?

Minister Kishida: With respect to the telephone conference, Vice President Biden expressed his gratitude for the warm reception during his visit to Japan. That visit was followed by his trip to China and the ROK, and information on his consecutive visits was shared. That was the substance. Japan will continue our efforts for regional stability and prosperity while maintaining close partnership and communication with the U.S.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: It is said that TPP was once again referred to.

Minister Kishida: I am told that TPP was also referred to and there was an exchange of opinions.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Were agricultural products and automobile discussed as was the case with their face-to-face meeting?

Minister Kishida: There was an exchange of opinions on TPP but due to the relation with our counterpart, however, I will refrain from referring to details.

Kikuchi, Asahi Shimbun: A question on China’s ADIZ. The ROK Government has shown its stance of permitting its civilian airlines’ prior submission of flight plans to China, resulting in the same response as the U.S.. Will there be any changes in the Japanese Government’s response?

Minister Kishida: Firstly, I am aware that neither the U.S. nor the ROK have directed their airlines to file flight plans to China. In addition, Japan’s stance stays unchanged. There will be no changes.

Kikuchi, Asahi Shimbun: At this point Japanese airlines are restraining at the request of the Government of Japan, but if an unexpected accident were to occur, to what extent can the Japanese Government take measures against the airlines?

Minister Kishida: Japan’s commercial airplanes take necessary measures which facilitates the easy identification of the number of flights, location information, etc. These airplanes are equipped with two-way radio telephone apparatus, automatic answering equipment among other devices, which enables communication at any time. Thus, unintended consequences such as our civilian aircrafts being tracked by Chinese military aircrafts will not and must not occur.

With regard to the safety of commercial airlines, the Chinese side has repeatedly expressed that their safety will not be impacted. We believe unintended consequences will not and must not occur.

Lee, Hong Kong Phoenix TV: As for China’s ADIZ, apart from the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit, how will the Japanese Government intend to partner with ASEAN countries?

Minister Kishida: China’s ADIZ measures unduly infringe the freedom of flight in international airspace, which is a general principle of international law. I regard the measure as an infringement of the principle.

I consider this a common concern of the international community. In this regard, Japan will address the issue in close contact and cooperation, and take responses with related countries. We will make such efforts. I believe this is a shared recognition with ASEAN members.

Watanabe, NHK: There are some reports that the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement is under revision. In practice, what is the current situation?

Minister Kishida: There is absolutely no truth to that. Japan has not revised the Agreement to this day but Japan and the U.S. have made various efforts. We hope to continue to make substantial and specific efforts.

Watanabe, NHK: Regarding the execution of Jang Sung-taek, what is your frank view and also your impression on the fact that an officer of a certain rank was executed in such a way, with videos and photographs made public? How about the DPRK’s set of international PR measures and their tactics of explaining the current situation?

Minister Kishida: I have no certainty over DPRK’s domestic moves and their intentions among other points but we retain strong interest. I hope to closely monitor developments while working to gather and analyze information.