Press Conferences

Ojima, TV Asahi: Last night you held a telephone talk with Mr. Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China. While the Chinese side had not responded to a suggestion on telephone talk following North Korea’s nuclear test, what were your thoughts about the first meeting in some time?

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan: Yesterday’s telephone talk was very constructive, and we exchanged views on issues concerning North Korea and on future plan on Japan-China relations. Additionally, while I have had meetings with Minister Wang Yi six times thus far, this was our first telephone talk. I believe this type of exchange of views is very important, and I think our contact was meaningful in confirming an improving trend in Japan-China relations.

Ojima, TV Asahi: I believe you also discussed your visit to China this spring during the telephone talk. What kind of exchange was held regarding a schedule for the visit?

Minister Kishida: We exchanged our views and continue coordination.

Fukai, TBS: Do you still hope to visit China in the spring?

Minister Kishida: I have said for some time that I would like to visit China by spring. I believe it is important for Japan and China to engage in dialogue.

Li, Hong Kong Phoenix TV: I would like to ask about your visit to China. At the moment, what types of issues between Japan and China do you hope to discuss with China in more detail, and what would be the significance of your visit to China should it take place?

Minister Kishida: I believe Japan and China have many things to discuss, including the areas where they should cooperate. The Japan-China relationship is a relationship of important neighbors, and I believe Japan and China also have major responsibilities for the peace and prosperity of the international community.

I think it is extremely important for those who are responsible for foreign affairs in Japan and China to meet and hold discussions, and I expect those interactions to cover a wide range of issues. Japan should utilize various opportunities to continue this type of dialogue.

Abe, Asahi Shimbun: Regarding China, the Cabinet Office conducted an opinion survey on diplomacy, and the results showed that over 80% of people, which is the record-high rate, did not express an affinity toward China. What is your assessment of this cold reception?

Minister Kishida: I intend to use the opinion survey as a reference, and would like to more closely study the content. At any rate, as the person responsible for Japan’s diplomacy, I believe it is important to move forward with bilateral relationships by taking steps to improve mutual understanding with diplomatic representatives, including our counterpart’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and by engaging in specific cooperative efforts. I expect the results from these individual efforts to ultimately influence the views and reactions of the general population.

Ukai, TV Tokyo: Regarding North Korea, it is continuing its provocative actions, and Kim Jong-un, the First Secretary of the Workers’ Party of North Korea, has suggested that he intends to conduct further missile and nuclear tests. What is your current assessment of the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution following its adoption, in addition to the other pressures on North Korea from the international community?

Minister Kishida: While the resolution has been adopted, the implementation from here on is important. I believe it is vital to ensure the effectiveness of the measures. Japan intends to consider its future approach while closely monitoring North Korea’s response. The first step is the implementation of the resolution, and Japan intends to carefully confirm the progress.

Odanaka, Mainichi Shimbun: I have a question regarding the issue of judicial jurisdiction over the Senkaku Islands. The Chief Justice of China’s Supreme Court claimed at the National People’s Congress that a collision accident involving a fishing boat in September 2014 clearly demonstrated China’s judicial jurisdiction over the Senkaku Islands. However, some media reports are stating that the accident occurred on the high seas and that a discussion of jurisdiction does not make sense in this context. Could you again explain your view of the facts?

Minister Kishida: I believe the point you mentioned refers to a collision between a Panama-flagged cargo ship and Chinese fishing boat that occurred about 40 nautical miles to the north-northwest of the Senkaku Islands in September 2014. While it is not clear exactly what judicial jurisdiction means in this case, the accident in question took place outside of the Senkaku Islands’ territorial waters, and was not even within the contiguous zone. I believe the accident took place in a location unrelated to the rights of coastal countries and has no relationship to the Senkaku Islands under international law.

The Senkaku Islands are an inherent part of the territory of Japan, in light of historical facts and based upon international law, and they are under the valid control of Japan. I find the claim by the Chinese side regarding the Senkaku Islands very regrettable.

Odanaka, Mainichi Shimbun: When has Japan lodged a protest, and at what level?

Minister Kishida: Japan has already protested the claim on March 14.