Press Conferences

Sankei Shimbun, ISHINABE: I would like to ask about the South China Sea issues. It is being reported that China launched four ballistic missiles into the South China Sea. In relation to this, can you please tell us the facts known by the Government of Japan, your reaction, and about the Government’s response?

Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I am aware of the content of the reports and the statement by the U.S. Department of Defense. Japan is monitoring with concern the recent actions by China in the South China Sea.

The South China Sea issues are directly related to regional peace and stability, and are a legitimate cause for concern for the international community including Japan. Japan strongly opposes any actions that raise tensions in the South China Sea.

Japan has consistently supported upholding the rule of law in the seas through now. I would like to emphasize the importance of all the parties involved in issues related to the South China Sea working toward a peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law, rather than through force and coercion.

I recently visited countries in Southeast Asia. During these visits, I held lengthy discussions with the respective countries on the South China Sea issues, and we shared our recognitions of the issues.

We will continue to cooperate with countries such as the United States in order to protect free, open, and peaceful seas.

Japan Times, OSUMI: I would like to ask two questions. I have heard that the restrictions on entering Japan for foreign people will be relaxed. My first question is whether the policy will be for foreign residents to have the same or similar conditions on entry into Japan as Japanese nationals. My second question is, can you please specifically explain the scientific basis that is the background for the restrictions on entering Japan particularly aimed at foreign residents of Japan?

Minister MOTEGI: Firstly, the final coordination is currently being conducted to allow entry or re-entry into Japan by people with status of residence in Japan who are currently in Japan or are temporarily overseas.

Amidst the spread of the novel coronavirus, various countries are currently implementing border enforcement measures, not just Japan. Although the methods are different depending on the country, each country’s infection control measures are a matter of sovereignty. Each country is implementing its own measures, and I believe Japan too is implementing appropriate measures.

Japan Times, OSUMI: Excuse me, can you please explain the scientific basis?

Minister MOTEGI: What do you mean by scientific?

Japan Times, OSUMI: It’s fine to use Japanese. You do not need to look down on me.

Minister MOTEGI: I’m not looking down on you. No, I’m not. I’m not looking down on you at all.

Japan Times, OSUMI: If we’re speaking in Japanese, please answer in Japanese. By scientific basis, I mean the scientific basis for the completely different conditions for Japanese nationals and foreign nationals returning to Japan from the same areas. For example, the completely different conditions have led to cases in which foreign residents of Japan have not been allowed to return to Japan despite taking a coronavirus test in advance from areas where Japanese nationals were allowed to return from. I would like to ask about the scientific basis that is the background for establishing the different conditions on entering Japan that differentiate between Japanese nationals and foreign people with status of residence in Japan.

Minister MOTEGI: The Immigration Services Agency has jurisdiction over this issue, so please ask them. Did you understand? Did you understand my Japanese?

NHK, YAMAMOTO: In regard to the EPA with the United Kingdom, I believe that it is being aimed to have an agreement in principle within August. Can you please tell us the status of the negotiations and if it seems like there will be any developments today?

Minister MOTEGI: In regard to the Japan-U.K. Economic Partnership, I visited the United Kingdom in early August and held negotiations with Secretary of State for International Trade Truss over two days. We independently agreed on most of the content, which is quite lengthy and has various items and 24 sections. Secretary of State for International Trade Truss and I reached a consensus on the major points in question. Since then, for several days in a row, negotiations based on that have been held at the working level between Japan and the United Kingdom. We have narrowed down the points in question and are currently exerting all efforts toward an agreement in principle. I do not plan to make any major movements today.

Independent Web Journal, SHIOZAWA: On July 13, regarding China’s actions in the South China Sea, Secretary of State Pompeo issued a statement on a U.S. Government website that the U.S. Government will maintain cooperation with its allies in the Asia-Pacific region for regional peace and stability. Although part of what you stated earlier covers this, how will Japan respond as an ally of the United States?

Minister MOTEGI: My answer will be the same as before, but should I repeat it? I’ll say it, so please sit down.

Japan is monitoring with concern the recent actions by China in the South China Sea.

The South China Sea issues are directly related to regional peace and stability, and are a legitimate cause for concern for the international community including Japan. Japan strongly opposes any actions that raise tensions in the South China Sea. I believe that Secretary of State Pompeo has the same thoughts.

Japan has consistently supported upholding the rule of law in the seas through now. I would like to emphasize the importance of all the parties involved in issues related to the South China Sea working toward a peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law, rather than through force and coercion.

We will continue to firmly cooperate with the international community, including the United States.