Press Conferences

Nikkei Shimbun, Miki: It has become known that environmental organizations from Japan, the United States, and Australia have requested that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigate bonds issued by JICA. They believe it is problematic that although JICA specified that it will not knowingly allocate any funding raised through the bonds to finance coal-fired power generation, it has continuously provided financing to coal-fired power generation projects in Bangladesh and elsewhere. Please share with us what the Government of Japan knows about the situation.

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I am aware of the reports. I would like to request you to ask JICA for details. I have received an explanation from JICA that as specified in the issuance conditions, the funds raised through the bonds you mentioned are not allocated for financing expenditures for coal-fired power generation projects.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Abe: During a recent television program, I believe you stated that State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China invited you to visit China during your recent telephone talk with him. How do you intend to respond to his invitation?

Minister Hayashi: During the recent Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk on November 18, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang requested me to visit China. However, nothing has been decided at this point.

Sankei Shimbun, Chiba: Concerning the question just now, during the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Foreign Affairs Division meeting today, concerning State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang’s invitation, Division Director SATO Masahisa stated that if you were to visit China amidst discussions on a diplomatic boycott of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, it would do nothing but send a completely wrong message overseas. He requested you to take a careful response. Please tell us your opinion on whether you visiting China would send a wrong message internationally.

Minister Hayashi: As I stated before, nothing has been decided on my visit to China as of now. If I were to say anything further, it would be that I will approach this with the stance of continuing dialogue and cooperating on various common issues with China while resolutely stating what needs to be said to China in cooperation with countries with which we share universal values, and requesting China to take responsible actions.

Kyodo News, Maeda: I would like to ask about the Government of Japan’s response to the issue of the Chinese tennis player. While criticisms are erupting from Europe and the United States, how will the Government of Japan respond, such as investigating what happened?

Minister Hayashi: I believe that many relevant parties have expressed concerns over the situation concerning the Chinese female tennis player Peng Shuai. The Government of Japan strongly hopes that such concerns will be dispelled as soon as possible. We will closely monitor the situation.

Kyodo News, Maeda: Related to the previous issue, I would like to ask about the boycott of the Beijing Games. Amidst the tennis issue and the human rights situation, is the Government of Japan considering a diplomatic boycott?

Minister Hayashi: Japan believes it is important that China also respects freedom and fundamental human rights, as well as ensures the rule of law, which are universal values in the international community. Concerning Japan’s position, Japan has directly urged China at various levels so far. In any event, nothing has been decided at this point on the Government of Japan’s response to the Beijing Winter Games.