Press Conferences

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: If circumstances permit, I will visit the Philippines from August 10 to 12. This is a milestone year, the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-Philippines relations. I intend to confirm efforts to strengthen the Japan-Philippines “strategic partnership” with the new administration in the Philippines, and to hold discussions regarding cooperation and other matters in a variety of fields, including security, the economic relationship, and support for Mindanao.

Reporter: First of all, who will you be meeting in the Philippines?

Minister Kishida: I of course intend to meet my counterpart, the Foreign Secretary. In addition, arrangements are currently being made for a meeting with the President.

Reporter: I may be getting ahead of myself, but the anniversary of the end of the war is approaching. Do you yourself intend to visit Yasukuni Shrine? Also, if newly appointed Minister of Defense Inada visits the shrine, as she does each year, there will be even greater opposition from China and the Republic of Korea, given that she is the Defense Minister. What are your views on this?

Minister Kishida: Speaking for myself, I will conduct myself appropriately as a member of the Abe Cabinet and as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. This is the answer that I have given every year.

There was also a question about Minister Inada. However, that was a hypothetical question, and I would like to refrain from discussing hypothetical matters. In any case, I believe that she too will conduct herself appropriately as a member of the Cabinet.

Reporter: I have questions regarding the response to North Korea, which launched a ballistic missile. The UN Security Council issued a sanction resolution that encompassed strong content in March, but North Korea has yet to demonstrate any self-restraint since then. Are the sanctions that have been imposed by the respective countries based on that resolution functioning effectively? Additionally, is it your understanding that the relevant countries are faithfully implementing them pursuant to the resolution? Furthermore, the March resolution clearly expressed the UN Security Council’s determination to take further significant measures in the event of a further nuclear test or missile launch by North Korea. What do you make of this point? I would like to hear from you on these three points.

Minister Kishida: On the first point, UNSC Resolution 2270 encompassing strong content was adopted in March. In addition, each of the relevant countries decided to take their own strong measures. I believe that it is important at this point in time to steadfastly implement the contents of the resolution and sanctions. Each country is making efforts to ensure implementation. I believe this is the stage that we are currently at.

In addition, it is important for the UN Security Council to demonstrate its strong will, and efforts have been made at the UN in this regard. That is the stage we are at in my view.

As for further significant measures, as I just said, I believe that at this stage we are making efforts to ensure the implementation of the contents of the resolution and other related measures. Upon taking thorough steps to that end, we will then consider what will be effective in urging North Korea to take a constructive attitude. I believe this is an appropriate response.

Reporter: I have a related question. In the emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, China expressed its objection and the UN Security Council has therefore yet to announce a statement of condemnation. You just said that it is important for the UN Security Council to demonstrate its strong will and that efforts have been made in this regard. How do you view the fact that China has expressed its objection and the UN Security Council has yet to announce a statement? How will Japan encourage the UN Security Council to take action?

Minister Kishida: Our intention is to continue our efforts to encourage the UN Security Council to demonstrate its strong will and send a message. At this stage, exchanges of views are ongoing and various arrangements are still being made. I would therefore like to refrain from discussing the details. We will continue our current efforts.

Reporter: It has been reported that the United States is considering proposing a draft Security Council resolution calling for a nuclear test ban. I believe that this is part of the discussion of a new nuclear policy in the United States. Could you give us your assessment of this policy?

Minister Kishida: First of all, I am aware of these reports. Japan’s position has been to promote the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), and we have been playing the role of coordinating to promote the initiatives. Based on this position, we have made various efforts to date to promote communication with the United States. As for the matter that you referred to, since the United States itself has yet to make any official announcements, I would like to refrain from commenting. Anyway Japan intends to continue to communicate with the United States. That is my view.

Reporter: If this is true, do you think that a new type of nuclear test that is not accompanied by an explosion should also be included?

Minister Kishida: I would like to refrain from answering hypothetical questions.

Reporter: I have a related question. If the United States were to make such an announcement, is there a good chance that Japan would consider co-sponsoring the resolution?

Minister Kishida: Based on the position that I have just explained, we have made various efforts to date to communicate with the United States. As for the matter that you referred to, it too is a hypothetical matter. I would like to refrain from commenting on such a hypothetical scenario from the Japanese side.

Reporter: Were you originally planning to visit the Philippines, or does this have anything to do with the arbitral ruling?

Minister Kishida: I am not sure how far back you are referring to when you say “originally,” but in any case, a new administration has entered office in the Philippines. It has been my understanding that communication with the new administration is very important. With that in mind I have been considering the possibilities to visit the Philippines, and this is the result of it.

Reporter: Do you think the matter of the South China Sea will certainly come up?

Minister Kishida: As I mentioned earlier, I wish to exchange views on a wide range of areas as “strategic partners. I intend to thoroughly confirm the friendship between our two countries in a year that marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-Philippines relations. That is my view.