Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have two announcements.

Today, we hold the second meeting of the Advisory Panel on Sustainability of the International Community.

We launched the Advisory Panel this April, from the perspective that we will lead the international community by once again creatively considering approaches toward achieving growth and sustainability simultaneously, with efforts for ensuring the sustainability of the entire international community confronting significant challenges.

At today’s second meeting, we plan to further deepen the discussions with a particular focus on Japan’s sustainable growth. Through these discussions, we will consider how Japan can lead the international community in ensuring the sustainable growth of Japan and the sustainability of the international community as a whole, not limited to the current SDGs but also looking toward 2030 and beyond.

Minister Kamikawa: Second, today, I received a courtesy call by Mr. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and head of UNDRR.

I conveyed to Special Representative Kishore that disaster risk reduction is critical for creating an international community where human dignity is protected, based on the human security approach promoted by Japan.

In addition, we concurred on the importance of integrating the perspectives of vulnerable people, such as women and children, and ensuring the participation of multiple stakeholders in advancing disaster risk reduction initiatives. Keeping these points in mind, Japan will continue to deepen cooperation with UNDRR.

That is all from me.

NHK, Igarashi: My question is related to Russia-North Korea relations. For two days starting on June 18, President Putin of Russia will visit North Korea for the first time in 24 years. He is expected to hold a meeting with Chairman Kim Jong-un and sign a treaty on strategic partnership, which includes cooperation in the fields of economy and security. The two sides are anticipated to confirm the further strengthening of their relationship. What are the thoughts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) regarding this visit, and what actions will MOFA be taking?

Minister Kamikawa: On Russia-North Korea relations following President Putin’s visit to North Korea, the Government of Japan believes that it is not appropriate to comment based on speculation. Generally speaking, we consider that the regional security environment surrounding Japan is becoming ever more severe, including the enhanced military collaboration and cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

Japan will continue to gather and analyze related information and work closely with the U.S., the Republic of Korea (ROK), and other members of the international community, including for the full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.

Kyodo News, Nishiyama: I would like to ask about China’s nuclear arsenal. On June 17, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute in Sweden announced that the number of nuclear warheads possessed by China as of January had increased to an estimated 500 warheads, 90 more than the same month last year. China claims that it is implementing a “nuclear strategy for self-defense.” Does the Government of Japan have a similar view? Please explain MOFA’s view, including future responses.

Minister Kamikawa: First, while we are aware of the announcement you referred to, we would like to refrain from responding about the content of a private think tank’s announcement and about individual remarks made by Chinese government officials.

That being said, China has been increasing its defense expenditures at a continuously high level. Furthermore, it has been extensively and rapidly enhancing its military power, including its nuclear and missile capabilities, without sufficient transparency. Moreover, China has expanded and intensified its military activities that affect Japan’s national security in the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and other areas as well.

We consider the current military developments in China to be a matter of serious concern to Japan and the international community. We believe it is necessary to continue closely following the developments with strong concern.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama: I would like to ask about Japan-China relations. Yesterday, Director-General NAMAZU Hiroyuki of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau and Director General Liu Jinsong of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a meeting in Beijing, and it was announced that they concurred to accelerate the consultation process on ALPS treated water. Could you tell us about the progress to the extent that you can? Additionally, if there were any outcomes from yesterday’s meeting, including those related to treated water, please share those as well.

Minister Kamikawa: First, at the meeting you mentioned, the two sides held candid exchanges of views on Japan-China relations, issues of concern including ALPS treated water, and common interests, and concurred to remain in close communication on the matters.

Regarding ALPS treated water, the two sides decided to accelerate the consultation process, building upon the progress made in the bilateral communications to date, including at the leader level. The Japanese side also reiterated its call for the immediate lifting of import restrictions on Japanese food products by China.

In addition, the Japanese side reiterated its position on the situation surrounding the Senkaku Islands, China’s maritime activities including the buoy in the East China Sea, and detention of Japanese nationals in China, and reconfirmed Japan’s position regarding Taiwan.

While there are various potentials for improved ties between Japan and China, there are also many challenges and concerns. However, we will continue to maintain multi-layered communications at all levels.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I have a question concerning the recent graffiti incident at Yasukuni Jinja, allegedly committed by a Chinese national. In response to this incident and other affairs, on June 16, the Consulate-General of Japan in Guangzhou reportedly revoked the authority of 11 travel agencies in Guangdong and Fujian Provinces to handle tourist visa applications, according to some Taiwanese media outlets. Could you tell us about the facts and MOFA’s response?

Minister Kamikawa: In China, applications for tourist visas to Japan are made through travel agencies designated by Japan’s diplomatic missions in China. If the designated travel agencies do not handle very many visa applications and do not appear to be promoting tourism to Japan, the diplomatic mission for the area has the discretion to revoke the designation, add a different travel agency, or make other changes. Such review is conducted around twice a year.

The Consulate-General of Japan in Guangzhou recently conducted a routine review of the designated travel agencies in its area. As a result, it revoked the designation of 11 travel agencies in Guangdong and Fujian Provinces, as you mentioned, as they did not handle very many visa applications and did not appear to be promoting tourism to Japan. The travel agencies were notified of the reason for the revocation, and it is completely unrelated to the incident.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: I have a question on the situation in Ukraine. The G7 agreed on a scheme to lend USD 50 billion, or approximately 7.85 trillion yen, to Ukraine by leveraging the profits of the immobilized Russian sovereign assets. President Meloni of Italy reportedly stated that EU members will not be directly involved in the loans and that the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Japan will be providing the funds. Is this true? How much will Japan be providing? Furthermore, if Mr. Trump is elected President in the U.S. election in November, the U.S. may withdraw its support for Ukraine. Is it not possible that Japan will then be left alone to finance the support for Ukraine? Please share your thoughts with us.

Minister Kamikawa: First, regarding your question on Japan’s position on the loans, the G7 leaders concurred at the G7 Apulia Summit to launch “Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine.”

Japan intends to provide a loan if the conditions for the loan are met. The details, including the amount and form of the loan from each member, including Japan, have not been finalized. In any case, we will first discuss the details among the G7 members.

On your second question, the policy adopted by the Government of the U.S., our ally, regarding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a matter of significant concern to Japan. Our two governments continue to constantly stay in close communication.

That being said, it is quite difficult for the Government of Japan to respond to hypothetical questions about the domestic affairs of another country based on speculation. In any case, it is important to address the various situations that may arise, regardless of the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, and to make necessary policy adjustments with the U.S. Government. We will continue to work toward achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine in close communication with the U.S. Government.

Freelance, Takahashi: I would like to inquire about the resolution on amendments to the IHR adopted at the World Health Assembly. On June 1, after 9 p.m. local time, it was decided at the final meeting of Committee A of the World Health Organization that the proposed amendments to the IHR, along with a proposed Pandemic Agreement, would be transferred to the plenary meeting. Although there were many empty seats in the chamber, the President did not count the quorum. There was neither deliberation nor the passing of a resolution. During the plenary meeting that was held immediately afterwards, the President read out the draft of the proposed IHR amendments for about ten minutes, asked if there were any objections to the adoption of the draft resolution, and then unilaterally approved the resolution, saying no objections are noted. The Rules of Procedure of the World Health Assembly stipulate that a majority quorum is required for both committee and Health Assembly decisions. Nevertheless, at the plenary meeting too, the number of attendees was not counted, and there was neither deliberation nor voting. Moreover, Article 55 of the IHR requires any proposals to be communicated to States Parties at least four months before the Health Assembly. Please explain the basis on which the Government of Japan recognizes that the adoption of the amended IHR is valid.

Minister Kamikawa: We understand that the IHR you mentioned was adopted by consensus at the World Health Assembly on June 1 following discussions at the Drafting Group, in accordance with customary practice.