Press Conferences

Morifuji, Yomiuri Shimbun: I have a question about the US presidential election. Ms. Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State of the United States, secured enough delegates for the Democratic Party’s nomination. I believe you met with Ms. Clinton during her time as Secretary of State. Please explain your impression from that time and your thoughts about her getting the nomination.

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I think Ms. Clinton was Secretary of State of the United States up until the month after I became the Foreign Minister of Japan. We spoke once by phone and met one time. My impression was that she is a very energetic and bright person.

However, I refrain from commenting on the results in the presidential primaries because it is an election in the United States and the election is still taking place. As for her getting the nomination as the Democratic Party’s candidate as you mentioned, there appear to be a variety of media reports regarding the number of delegates at this point. This is an additional reason for refraining from a comment. In any case, we will be closely monitoring the developments.

Kamide, Freelance Journalist: I would like to ask your view of results from the Okinawa Prefecture Assembly election. The ruling party of Mr. Takeshi Onaga, Governor of Okinawa, scored a victory, and this appears to reflect strong public anger regarding the base issue, particularly, the recent incidents involving a former military person as well as an active military person. The Okinawan public as well as Governor Onaga are strongly calling for revisions to the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement. Please explain your thoughts on the election results and also on whether the Government plans to conduct a full-fledged review of the Status of Forces Agreement or its reasons for not making a review.

Minister Kishida: Regarding Okinawa’s Prefectural Assembly election, the Government has refrained from commenting on elections held by local government entities. In general, in local elections, a variety of candidates putt forth various ideas about local economic trends or ways of improving the lives of residents. I believe Okinawa’s Prefectural Assembly election produced results from this type of process. Accidents or incidents by military personnel or those affiliated with the military stationed in Japan are not acceptable, and are very regrettable.

The Governments of Japan and the United States have agreed to discuss a review of the handling of US military personnel who have status under the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement, including people related to the military. I think it is important to promptly make efforts to formulate measures to prevent recurrences. The Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement is a large legal framework. I believe it is important to come up with the most appropriate way for effectively and promptly making adjustments depending on the nature of the issues. It is vital to address specific issues one by one through this type of initiative and accumulate such efforts.

Kamide, Freelance Journalist: You have provided this explanation in the past. Can I take this to mean that you do not intend to revise the Status of Forces Agreement itself and revisions are not part of the review scope?

Minister Kishida: The Japan-US Defense Ministers’ Meeting held on June 4 confirmed that the two sides will closely work together in formulating measures to prevent recurrences. They agreed that measures to prevent recurrences include a review of the handling of US people with status under the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement, including people related to the military, to strengthen monitoring of the current situation, and intensify education and training. In accordance with such policy, we will address the situation in a timely manner.

Okuma, Kyodo News: There are reports that the award in the arbitration proceedings the Philippines initiated against China in connection with the South China Sea will be issued soon. The importance of resolving disputes through legal procedures such as arbitration was confirmed at the Ise-Shima Summit, but amid that, China is declaring it will reject the arbitration. Could you once again explain the Government of Japan’s point of view with regard to the arbitration proceedings and how it views the current circumstances surrounding the Philippines and China?

Minister Kishida: Through reports and other information I am aware of the statement by China that you mentioned. The issue surrounding the South China Sea is an issue directly connected to the peace and prosperity of this region, and I am aware that it is a matter of concern shared by the international community, including Japan. I believe the international community must coordinate to ensure respect for the rule of law and free and peaceful seas.

Also at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit, with regard to maritime security the G7 leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining maritime order based on the principles of international law, the commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight, and the importance of dispute settlement through peaceful means such as legal procedures, including arbitration as well as concerns over the situations in the East South China Sea. The points that I mentioned now were agreed upon as a result of discussions by the G7 countries, and in light of that, the Government of Japan will continue efforts aimed at strengthening coordination with the relevant countries to realize the rule of law at sea, and achieving peaceful resolutions.

Kurihara, NHK: I would like to return to Okinawa and prevention of similar incidents by the US military. From the outset after the incident occurred, you have called for prevention measures that will gain the acceptance of the local population and are effective in preventing recurrences. Do you think this review of the handling of US people with status under the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement constitutes prevention that is acceptable to the local population, or is truly an effective way of preventing recurrences? Please explain your perception and thoughts regarding this point.

Minister Kishida: As I just explained, what was agreed at the Japan-US Defense Ministers’ Meeting held on June 4 include a review of the handling of US people with status under the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement, including people related to the military, strengthening monitoring of the current situation, and intensifying education and training. However, we need to come up with specific measures on each of these items in a way that is construed as effective. We will make efforts to come up with measures on the three points in a speedy manner in order to obtain an understanding of the people. I think we will quickly put together a set of effective measures to prevent recurrences, centering on the three points.

Fujita, Fuji TV: At the IISS Asian Security Summit that came up earlier, the Chinese side expressed a clear objection to the deployment of THAAD, the US interceptor missile system, in the Republic of Korea (ROK). How do you view the fact that China has lodged an objection to another country’s steps to defend itself?

Minister Kishida: First, I believe the ROK is our most important neighbor that shares strategic interests with Japan. With regard to the point that you raised, cooperation between the United States and the ROK contributes to regional peace and stability. And as I have said before, the Government of Japan also supports it. Those are my views on the point you mentioned.

Abe, Asahi Shimbun: A woman in the military was arrested for drunk driving in Okinawa the other day, and in response the US military has taken the unusual step of banning US Navy personnel throughout Japan from drinking alcohol. How do you view this alcohol ban, Minister?

Minister Kishida: First, I am aware of the official announcement by the US Navy. The Government of Japan continues to hope that the US side will strive to ensure that, as a result of this measure the US side is taking, accidents and incidents involving US military personnel and related personnel will not happen again. I intend to pay close attention to this effort by the US side.

Shimoe, Kyodo News: Today Cabinet meeting was held with members wearing Kariyushi shirts, and I would like to ask if you have any thoughts that you personally associate with the Kariyushi shirt, and what your views are on the circumstances in Okinawa recently or any such matters.

Minister Kishida: With regard to the Okinawan Kariyushi shirt, previously I also served as Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs. I undertook a variety of work in Okinawa and still have a lot of friends there as well. In the course of that experience and through conversations, I learned that the Kariyushi shirt contains a lot of history and feelings.

The Kariyushi shirt reflects the various feelings and history of the people of Okinawa, I believe. I am wearing a Kariyushi shirt myself today, and I am once again reminded that the Kariyushi shirt carries various feelings and significance.

Okinawa possesses a superb culture and history and is a region with a variety of potential in the future. The Government must make firm efforts for Okinawa’s peace and prosperity going forward as well. That is what I believe.