Press Conferences

Watanabe, HNK: U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden has visited Japan. During this visit, in relation to the relocation of the Futenma Air Station in Okinawa, are you going to reach any agreement on measures to reduce burden on Okinawa?

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: As for the Vice-President’s visit this time, I hope to make this visit an opportunity to firmly confirm the enhancement and partnership of the Japan-U.S. alliance. On that occasion, I assume specific issues involving Japan and the U.S. will be discussed, including the issue of reducing burden on Okinawa, China’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and TPP.

While in practice I cannot make any premature judgment at this point, these will presumably be among the discussion topics.

Watanabe, HNK: With respect to The Bill on the Protection of Specially Designated

under Diet deliberation, yesterday Liberal Democratic Party’s Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba has criticized in his blog demonstrations, of which opposition parties have increased criticism. Under this circumstance, what is your view particularly on the opposition’s criticism?

Minister Kishida: The LDP Secretary General’s remarks are considered as those of the senior ruling party member, and therefore, I will refrain from making any comments from a position in the Government. However, I am aware that he has retracted a part of his remarks, saying that has been striving to explain his true point. In any event, my understanding is that demonstrations within the range of laws and ordinances shall fall under the freedom of speech.

Kikuchi, Asahi Shimbun: I understand that China’s ADIZ will be discussed with the U.S. Vice-President Biden.
 

Minister Kishida: I suppose that is highly likely, although I cannot make any definite statements to the contents of the exchanges between the two leaders, as it is a top-level meeting.
 

Kikuchi, Asahi Shimbun: Last weekend, the U.S. Department of State, on the website, admits civilian airlines to file flight plans with China as a general rule. Therefore, I see that Japan and the U.S. would somewhat differ in their views on China’s ADIZ.

Minister Kishida: Regarding the issue of the ADIZ, the U.S. Government has expressed strong concerns in the first place. In addition, with respect to the response to civilian aircrafts, I have confirmed through our diplomatic channel that the U.S. Government has not directed the submission of flight plans with regard to the ADIZ of China.

My recognition is that the U.S. Government has been maintaining a consistent position. I will thoroughly make sure cooperation between Japan and the U.S. on this matter as well.

Kikuchi, Asahi Shimbun: Meanwhile, regarding the response by commercial airlines, Japanese air carriers do not submitted flight plants, while American airlines do. Both sides respond differently. What is your view?

Minister Kishida: I will refrain from making any comments on the response of U.S. civilian airlines. At any rate, my recognition is that the U.S. Government is consistent in its stance and view.

Yamazaki, Fuji TV: As for the arrest of a MOFA’s official, there are reports such as a match found from the site and a polyethylene tank found from the room of the suspect, Shinya Yamada. Have you recognised them? In addition, as I heard that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would investigate this incident. What are specific points to be looked into going forward?

Minister Kishida: Above all, it is extremely regrettable that the MOFA’s official has been arrested, and for that I offer my sincere apologies as the Foreign Minister. In addition, we need to continue to cooperate in investigating the cause and in clarifying facts. Since the arson occurred, MOFA has been conducting investigation, which we intend to continue it going forward.

I will refrain from touching upon specific contents, as the suspect was recently arrested and the police authority is now further inquiring into the incident. We will steadily cooperate in investigating the cause and clarifying fact. I recognise that once they are investigated and clarified, MOFA will need to consider its response in an appropriate manner.

Imoto, TBS: How do you hope Japan-China and Japan-ROK bilateral relations to be addressed in the meeting with the U.S. Vice-President? Furthermore, how do you like Japan’s position to be conveyed to China and the ROK by the Vice-President as he will visit the two countries?

Minister Kishida: In the first place, as mentioned earlier, on this occasion of Mr. Biden’s visit, I hope that the enhancement and partnership of the Japan-U.S. alliance will be fully confirmed. At the same time, I expect that Japan will solidly explain its stance on our relationships with neighbouring countries, such as China and the ROK. That is necessary. I think that his understanding on our position prior to his next trip is important. In any event, the meeting will be held between the Japanese Prime Minister and the U.S. Vice-President, so I can only assume the contents of the discussion. That is all I can say.

Nakamura, Nippon TV: Regarding a 2+2 meeting, measures to reduce burden on Okinawa were referred to just before now. On the issue of the Hotel-Hotel training area and other issues, MOFA alluded to conclude by the end of last month. What is the current progress?

Minister Kishida: The measures to reduce burden on Okinawa, which was confirmed at the Japan-U.S. 2+2 meeting, have been intensively reviewed by relevant parties of our nations. I intend to publicly announce outcomes once they reach a conclusion. I receive a report that the measures are currently under review and adjustments. We will make a conclusion at the earliest opportunity and will work to publicly announce it.