Press Conferences
Press Conference by Foreign Press Secretary OHTAKA Masato
Thursday, July 2, 2020, 4:42 p.m. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japanese
Situation in Hong Kong (Enactment of the National Security Law)
Sankei Shimbun, HARAKAWA: In the “Statement by Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu” concerning the situation in Hong Kong that was recently issued, it is stated that “Japan expresses its regret over the enactment of the national security law.” People have already been arrested under the law at issue since its enactment. Are you considering responding further based on the situation, such as by issuing another statement besides the recent Foreign Minister’s statement?
Mr. OHTAKA Masato, Press Secretary: As you stated, there are various reports about the situation in Hong Kong following the enactment of the national security law. The Government of Japan is monitoring the situation with high interest.
In that sense, as various developments are happening, we will firmly monitor the effects of these developments and developments from the perspective of protecting Japanese nationals. However, I would like to refrain from commenting based on speculation about our further response going forward. In any event, Japan’s position on this issue is as we have stated thus far, including in the “Statement by Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu.” We have repeatedly conveyed our position to China, and believe that it is necessary to continue to firmly cooperate with related countries and respond appropriately. However, beyond that, I would like to refrain from commenting based on speculation at the present point.
Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) Relations (Japan-ROK General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA))
Mainichi Shimbun, AOKI: I would like to ask about Japan-ROK relations. In relation to export control, when Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha was asked what would happen with GSOMIA, she answered that the ROK has the right to terminate the GSOMIA at any time, and that the ROK will monitor the situation. What is Japan’s position?
Press Secretary OHTAKA: The details concerning the GSOMIA and related matters are as we have stated. In any event, there is no change to our position, which we have repeatedly stated in great detail, of requesting the ROK to take sensible actions regarding the GSOMIA, as it is a matter concerning regional security.