Press Conferences

Reporter: I have a question about the relationship between Japan and China. You will be visiting China during Golden Week, the first such trip by Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs in four and a half years. Please explain the meaning and aim of the visit to China and the holding of a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at this timing.

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have mentioned on previous occasions that the Japan-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships for Japan, and Japan hopes to advance this relationship based on mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests. I have also mentioned the importance of dialogue at a variety of levels. As part of political dialogue, I thought it was important for me to visit China as much as possible and engage in frank exchanges of opinions. While coordination is still taking place, I intend to visit China during Golden Week if various circumstances allow.

Reporter: I have a question about North Korea. North Korea launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) during the weekend. Did Japan lodge a protest? If so, specifically which route did Japan use and what type of exchange took place?

Minister Kishida: Japan’s stance is that North Korea’s nuclear weapon tests, ballistic missile launches, and other provocative actions are totally unacceptable. Japan lodged a protest. The protest was made through the embassy route in Beijing.

Reporter: If possible, could you shed light on the exchange?

Minister Kishida: I would like to refrain from giving details beyond the fact that Japan lodged a protest through the embassy route. This is the same as always.

Reporter: I think North Korea might be holding a national congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea as early as next week, and there is speculation about the risk of a nuclear test ahead of this event. What are your thoughts on this?

Minister Kishida: Japan has been working to collect and analyze information related to developments in North Korea with strong interest. Japan intends to continue efforts to collect and analyze information in cooperation with other countries, and must be fully prepared to respond to any circumstances. I would like to refrain from providing any more details because of the nature of the matter.

Reporter: Some media sources are reporting that Australia informed Japan that it was not chosen in the selection process for Australia’s submarine project. Please explain your understanding of the current situation.

Minister Kishida: I am aware of the media reports. However, this is something for the Australian Government to determine and decide. I would like to refrain from making comments from the Japanese side at this stage prior to an official announcement by Australia.