Press Conferences

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: A Cabinet Decision held just before now adopted the National Security Strategy (NSS), the first NSS ever adopted by the Government of Japan. The Strategy clarifies the fundamental principle of Japan’s national security, namely “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will promote strong diplomacy based on this Strategy so as to create a stable and foreseeable international environment, thereby preventing threats from emerging. As part of such diplomacy, MOFA will enhance Japan-U.S. alliance as well as the relationships of trust and cooperation with our partners both inside and outside the Asia-Pacific Region.

Furthermore, the Ministry will steadily take the strategic approach presented in the NSS such as enhanced diplomacy through the UN, promotion of disarmament and non-proliferation as well as international peace cooperation, and the realization of human security. We will also continue to explain the fundamental principle of Japan’s national security laid out in the Strategy to relevant countries including our neighbors.

Imoto, TBS: As for the Strategy adopted by a Cabinet Decision, it contains stern references to China. These include remarks, such as taking a resolute attitude toward China bearing in mind the establishment of the Air Defense Identification Zone. That will provoke a backlash from China. How do you intend to respond to that?

Minister Kishida: The Strategy presents the content of Japan’s policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation. We will continue to firmly explain it to relevant countries. Such disclosure of our strategy demonstrates the transparency of Japan’s policy. We will strive to gain the international understanding of our policy.

Imoto, TBS: Reportedly Mr. Hayato Sumi was released in the Philippines. How have you been reported on the case?

Minister Kishida: I am aware of the report. However, I have refrained from making specific comments on the grounds of the nature of the case, which is kidnapping. On the report, we are currently gathering information, and we will strive to identify the fact.

Imoto, TBS: Has his safety been confirmed?

Minister Kishida: Currently under confirmation.

Imoto, TBS: There are reports that Mr. Lee Kyung-soo of the ROK is currently in Japan, and that during his visit, he said that he would like to prepare for a Japan-China-ROK trilateral Summit. Please clarify the fact and tell us your hope on what you would like to do going forward, if you have any.

Minister Kishida: Today on December 17, at the request of the ROK side, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Shinsuke Sugiyama is scheduled to discuss with Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Lee Kyung-soo, who is staying in Japan, bilateral and related issues. In addition, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Akitaka Saiki intends to receive a courtesy call from Mr. Lee tomorrow on the 18th. I am aware that various opinions will be exchanged on these opportunities.

Imoto, TBS: What do you expect as the Foreign Minister?

Minister Kishida: Our countries have various bilateral and regional challenges. Thorough communication and opinion exchanges on them are vital. I hope that they will confirm whether anything can lead to the next step through such communication.

Imoto, TBS: I understand that the Okinawa Policy Council was held earlier and that there are various moves related to the application of land reclamation in Okinawa by the end of year and budget among others. Toward an unofficial announcement, how do you hope that the reclamation application will be advanced? In addition, I would like to hear from you on some reports on the addition of a special clause, i.e. a revision of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement.

Minister Kishida: As for Okinawa, we have made continued efforts to this day toward securing budget for the promotion of Okinawa regional development and the reduction of the impact on Okinawa. Furthermore, in today’s Council, we received a request directly from Governor of Okinawa Hirokazu Nakaima. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe responded that he would earnestly take the request. In response to Prime Minister’s intention as such, we will continue to make steady efforts. Specifically, I believe each of us needs to address each challenge in their position.

Kikuchi, Asahi Shimbun: A question on the NSS. I understand that diplomatic relations with neighboring countries constitute one of the three diplomatic policies that you uphold. This time, there is an expression that China causes concerns. What kinds of thoughts did you put into the NSS?

Minister Kishida: With respect to the NSS, my recognition is that presents the content of Japan’s policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation. I believe we must strive to earn the deep understanding of our neighboring and related countries on our policy. We have made continued efforts in providing explanations for our neighboring countries including China by directly dispatching individuals among others. Going forward, we would like to endeavor to gain understanding among other countries.