Press Conferences

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

First, I will visit Laos from July 25 to 28 to attend the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings. As partners both striving for peace and prosperity through co-creation based on trust, Japan and ASEAN are addressing the contemporary challenges we face in common. I will participate in the meeting with this stance.

In particular, I intend to focus on the following two points. The first is initiatives for realizing prosperity. Japan has supported ASEAN centrality and unity, and has contributed to strengthening connectivity in the region. We will confirm whether the Implementation Plan adopted at the Commemorative Summit last December is making steady progress, and strive to “co-create” solutions.

The second is actions for realizing peace and stability. We will aim for a future in which both Japan and ASEAN contribute to the peace and stability of the region and the world, as we seek to do with the mine action package announced during my recent visit to Cambodia. In addition, we will discuss regional and international affairs. I intend to further spread the idea of protecting human dignity by maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

At the meeting with Mekong countries, which will be held in person for the first time since August 2019, we will demonstrate that Japan aims to prosper with the Mekong region.

In addition, arrangements are being made to hold bilateral meetings on this occasion. Coupled with the five ASEAN-related meetings, I will engage in multilayered diplomacy.

Minister Kamikawa: Second, as part of our support for Japanese companies with the ASEAN market in mind, it has been decided that we would take the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings as an opportunity to newly appoint officials in charge of cross-border economic affairs. Specifically, we will appoint the officials of six diplomatic missions in five countries: the Embassy of Japan in Singapore; the Embassy of Japan in Thailand; the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia; the Embassy of Japan in Viet Nam; the Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh; and the Embassy of Japan in India.

Over the years, Japan has provided support for the integration and strengthened connectivity of the ASEAN Community. Considering that there is active regional trade in ASEAN, it is important to fully support Japanese companies’ role in promoting regional trade and to encourage growth by seeing the ASEAN market as a whole for incorporating its vitality into the Japanese economy. Primarily from such a perspective and based on the needs of Japanese companies, we will support Japanese companies in the ASEAN region through officials in charge of cross-border economic affairs.

We will continue to gradually expand the areas in which such officials are appointed, aiming to create a structure that comprehensively covers the Global South by the end of the year. We hope that more companies will take advantage of the support provided by the officials in charge of cross-border economic affairs.

Minister Kamikawa: Third, Secretary of State Blinken of the U.S. will visit Japan from July 28 to 29. On July 28, I will hold the Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Secretary of State Blinken.

In addition, Secretary of Defense Austin of the U.S. will also visit Japan at the same time, and the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (Japan-U.S. “2+2”) and Japan-U.S. ministerial meeting on extended deterrence will also be held on July 28.

As the security environment surrounding Japan becomes more severe, the Japan-U.S. Alliance has gained further importance. Building on the outcomes in the area of security of Prime Minister Kishida’s official visit to the U.S., which I accompanied, the meetings will offer a valuable opportunity to welcome the two secretaries to Japan and further deepen discussions.

This will be my first time attending the Japan-U.S. “2+2” since assuming the office as Foreign Minister. I look forward to conducting candid discussions with the two secretaries on future cooperation toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” strengthening of the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and the direction of their security and defense cooperation in the region.

Minister Kamikawa: Fourth, on July 29, in Tokyo, I will hold the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (Quad) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Secretary of State Blinken of the U.S., Foreign Minister Wong of Australia, and Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar of India. I will be the chair of the meeting. It will be the second Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Japan since October 2020.

The Quad is an initiative in which four countries that share fundamental values will work together to realize FOIP by advancing concrete cooperation in various areas, including maritime, Women, Peace and Security (WPS), critical and emerging technologies, cyber, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and disinformation.

Following on from the previous meeting in New York last September, strategic and candid exchange of views will be held among the foreign ministers at this year’s meeting. Through the meeting, the Quad will demonstrate, from Tokyo to the world, our strong commitment to realize cooperation that truly benefits the countries in the region.

Minister Kamikawa: Lastly, today, on July 23, I will receive a courtesy call from the ambassadors from the five Central Asian countries to Japan, as part of my outreach diplomacy in Japan.

In 2004, Japan launched the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue ahead of other countries. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Dialogue. The geopolitical importance of Central Asia, surrounded by China, Russia, Iran, and Afghanistan, has further increased in recent years. In addition, the region possesses energy and mineral resources, including oil, natural gas, and uranium, and it has a market that continues to see high growth and a rising population.

With that in mind, if circumstances permit, Prime Minister Kishida will visit Kazakhstan next month and hold the first Summit meeting of the Dialogue. In order to achieve favorable outcomes at the meeting, I would like to take today’s courtesy call as an opportunity to confirm with the ambassadors our cooperation toward the Summit meeting.

These are all the five announcements from me.

NHK, Igarashi: I have a question concerning Japan-China relations. According to some reports, coinciding with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to be held in Laos this week, a Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will be held between you and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China. What arrangements has the Government made in relation to the meeting? Please share with us your thoughts on the significance of the meeting.

Minister Kamikawa: Nothing has been decided about the Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the occasion of the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings.

That being said, it is the Kishida administration’s consistent policy that both Japan and China will comprehensively promote a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests,” and the two sides will strive to build “constructive and stable Japan-China relations.” We will continue to maintain communication at various levels.

In any case, arrangements are being made to hold meetings with various countries in attendance during the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I would like to ask about the Japan-U.S. ministerial meeting on extended deterrence, which was mentioned in your opening remarks. Based on the current situations in China, Russia, and North Korea, could you explain again the significance of holding a meeting on extended deterrence at the ministerial-level?

In addition, please tell us about your view on the need to compile a joint document between Japan and the U.S. on extended deterrence.

And one more question. In dealing with the nuclear threat in the Far East region, Prime Minister Nakasone’s exchanges with President Reagan played a critical role in the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty). What are your thoughts on the role Japan should play in maintaining a nuclear balance or nuclear control in this region?

Minister Kamikawa: At the Japan-U.S. ministerial meeting on extended deterrence, which I referred to earlier, in-depth discussions on extended deterrence will be held among the ministers, based on the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting held this April.

As the security environment becomes ever more severe, including in areas surrounding Japan, we consider it extremely meaningful to have not only the Japan-U.S. Extended Deterrence Dialogue, but also ministerial discussions on bilateral cooperation for continuing to strengthen the extended deterrence by the U.S.

In response to your second question, Japan has always attached importance to fully involving the countries concerned in arms control efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. Based on the foundation of trust with our only ally, the U.S., we will continue to advance realistic and practical measures and pursue arms control and disarmament in a way that involves the countries concerned.

Jiji Press, Murakami: I would like to ask about the U.S. presidential election. President Biden has announced his withdrawal from the presidential election. Following his announcement, there are concerns about the administration becoming a lame duck. What is your view on its expected impact on both the Japan-U.S. “2+2” and the extended deterrence discussion, which you have just announced, and on the security of the Indo-Pacific region?

Minister Kamikawa: The Japan-U.S. Alliance is the linchpin of Japan’s foreign and security policy. Our two governments have constantly stayed in close communication at all levels.

At the next Japan-U.S. “2+2” to be held on July 28, we will discuss future cooperation toward the realization of FOIP, strengthening of the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and the direction of their security and defense cooperation in the region based on the outcomes of security and defense cooperation of Prime Minister Kishida’s official visit in April.

Based on the results of the Japan-U.S. “2+2” and other factors, we will continue to stay in close communication with the Government of the U.S.

That being said, we consistently maintain a keen interest in U.S. domestic affairs, including impacts on the Indo-Pacific security environment, and we will continue to closely follow them.

Kyodo News, Nishiyama: I would like to ask about information sharing for crimes involving U.S. military personnel. For Okinawa Prefecture, I believe the Government has changed its policy so that sexual related crimes involving U.S. military personnel be reported without exception, even if investigative bodies do not make them public. How will such information be shared with prefectures other than Okinawa? Please explain the difference between Okinawa and other regions. Additionally, yesterday, the U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) announced measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. It states that a new forum will be created in coordination with the Government of Japan. What exactly will the forum be doing? How is it different from the Cooperation Working Team (CWT) requested by Okinawa Prefecture?

Minister Kamikawa: Regarding information sharing for crimes involving U.S. military personnel, this concerns the new scheme for the domestic sharing of information on sexual related crimes involving U.S. military personnel and others, announced by Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi on July 5. This scheme was launched, taking into account the need to swiftly consider responses to crimes involving U.S. military personnel and others with a view to preventing them in Okinawa, where approximately 70% of the USFJ facilities and areas in Japan are concentrated.

If an incident covered by the scheme occurs in prefectures other than Okinawa, the relevant prefecture will be consulted individually based on the investigative authorities’ decision on what information will be shared, considering factors such as the victim’s privacy and impact on the investigation.

Concerning measures to prevent the recurrence of incidents, following the sexual related crimes involving U.S. military personnel and others, an op-ed co-authored by Ambassador Emanuel and Commanding General Turner of III Marine Expeditionary Force was published on July 11, and a press release from III Marine Expeditionary Force was issued on the 19th. They were followed by a press release from USFJ Commander Rupp issued on the 22nd. Through these statements, the U.S. announced a series of measures to prevent the recurrence of incidents, including, first, increasing the frequency of sobriety check points for those entering and leaving U.S. force facilities; second, strengthening U.S. military police patrols; third, enhancing training and education; and fourth, reviewing the liberty policy.

In addition to these measures, the U.S. included the creation of a new forum for cooperation between the USFJ, the Government of Japan, the Government of Okinawa, and local residents, which we believe indicates the U.S. side’s serious commitment to preventing the recurrence of these incidents. We understand that yesterday, Governor Tamaki of Okinawa commented that the USFJ’s proposal to create the forum reflects their sincere efforts to prevent the recurrence of incidents.

The members, agenda, and other details of the new forum announced by the U.S. have not been decided at this time. The Government of Japan will fully cooperate with the U.S. to ensure that constructive discussions take place with local communities to realize the common objectives of the two countries, including the prevention of incidents and accidents involving U.S. military personnel.

In this process, it is important to ensure that these U.S. measures are implemented and lead to preventing the recurrence of incidents.

We will urge the U.S. to steadily implement the measures, including at the Japan-U.S. “2+2” scheduled at the end of this month.

Hokkaido Shimbun, Imai: I would like to ask about the Northern Territories. Early this month, during informal talks with the Special Committee on Okinawa and Northern Problems of the House of Representatives, Governor Suzuki of Hokkaido stated that he would like you to attend and hear former islanders speaking at the “memorial services at sea,” in which former islanders pray for the repose of their ancestors’ souls aboard a ship in the vicinity of the Northern Territories starting in early August. I believe you have yet to visit the areas around the Northern Territories since you assumed the office of Foreign Minister. Do you plan to attend the memorial services at sea as requested by the Governor or visit the areas around the Northern Territories?

Minister Kamikawa: This May, Governor Suzuki of Hokkaido, President Matsumoto of the League of Residents of Chishima and Habomai Islands, and other members made a request to the Prime Minister. I was also in attendance.

The members requested support in facilitating the “memorial services at sea” when the prospects for Visits to the Graves remain uncertain. Prime Minister Kishida stated that the Government will make thorough efforts for the “memorial services at sea.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will take appropriate steps in close collaboration with relevant agencies.

There was a question about my attendance at the “memorial services at sea” and visit to areas adjacent to the Northern Territories. I will consider these properly based on my upcoming diplomatic schedule and other factors.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama: I have two questions. My first question is about the ministerial meeting on extended deterrence, which the reporter from Yomiuri Shimbun asked about earlier. Please tell us about the arrangements for a joint document slated to be formulated by the end of the year, as was mentioned by some reports over the weekend. Please also tell us about if a joint statement or a document of any kind is planned to be released at the upcoming ministerial meeting. My second question is in connection with the incidents involving U.S. military personnel. You mentioned earlier about the measures to prevent a recurrence. Are the measures that were announced yesterday, including the establishment of a forum, all the U.S. measures that MOFA is aware of? You have been vowing to eliminate sexual related crimes. Do you believe that these recurrence prevention measures are adequate? I would appreciate if you can share your opinion.

Minister Kamikawa: Regarding your first question, Japan and the U.S. regularly hold close exchanges of views on wide-ranging matters related to the deterrence policy of the Alliance, including through Japan-U.S. extended deterrence dialogues at the working-level.

As this matter pertains to the security of Japan and also concerns the U.S., I would like to refrain from responding about any more details.

Regarding the recent incidents in Okinawa, we take extremely seriously the fact that sexual related crimes have been committed one after another by U.S. military personnel. My heart is full of pain when I think of the victims.

As a WPS advocate, personally, it is intolerable that such incidents have continued to occur.

My understanding is that various efforts are being implemented through active coordination at various levels. Japan is urging the U.S. side to strengthen discipline within the USFJ and to take concrete and meaningful measures to prevent the recurrence of these incidents. The U.S. has been announcing such responses as needed. As I stated earlier, however, it is critical, above all else, that these measures are practically effective. From such a perspective, we will build a structure including the forum the U.S. has announced, and other mechanisms for implementing all measures and attempts to improve the situation, and exert every effort to create an environment to ensure that these incidents never happen again.

Pan Orient News, Azhari:

What is the Japan's position on the Israeli attack on the civilian facilities, especially power stations in the city of Hudaydah, Yemen? Do you support it? Thank you.

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware that, according to the announcement by the Government of Israel, a drone attack targeting Tel Aviv was carried out by Yemen’s Houthis on July 19, local time, causing multiple casualties. We also understand that, on the following day, July 20, local time, the Israeli military responded with airstrikes on Yemen’s Hudaydah port and other locations, citing their use for military purposes.

The Government of Japan condemns these attacks by the Houthis. We are deeply concerned about the current situation in the Middle East and urge that there be no further escalation of the situation.

We will continue to make persistent and proactive diplomatic efforts toward easing tensions and stabilizing the situation in the Middle East.

Dong-a Ilbo, Lee: I would like to ask about the “Sado complex of heritage mines.” UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee will be holding a meeting later this week, beginning on July 26, regarding the inscription of the “Sado complex of heritage mines” on the World Heritage List. It is believed that the Governments of Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) are currently discussing about this. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) ordered Japan to comprehensively explain and exhibit the entire history and formulate a strategy. Please explain Japan’s position on this order. In addition, please tell us about if the Governments of Japan and the ROK will be able to reach an agreement before the meeting.

Minister Kamikawa: On the ICOMOS recommendation you are referring to, the Government will take the recommendation seriously and work closely with local governments. We will also work collectively in advancing a comprehensive review from the perspective of what would be most effective to realize the inscription of the “Sado complex of heritage mines” at the World Heritage Committee session currently being held.

Japan has engaged in discussions sincerely with the ROK to realize the inscription of the “Sado complex of heritage mines.”

I will refrain from disclosing the details of our dialogue with the ROK as it is diplomatic communication. Japan will continue to engage in discussions with the ROK in a sincere and thoughtful manner.

Jiji Press, Murakami: My question is about Japan-China relations. Mr. Ma Zhaoxu, Vice Foreign Minister of China, who is visiting Japan, held the Japan-China Strategic Dialogue for the first time in four and a half years with Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Okano yesterday. This morning, he paid a courtesy call on Minister Kamikawa. What was discussed about Japan-China relations with Vice Foreign Minister Ma? Also, could you tell us about if the issues of concern between the two countries, including ALPS treated water and the detainment of Japanese nationals, were discussed?

Minister Kamikawa: On July 22, in Tokyo, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Okano and Vice Foreign Minister of China Ma Zhaoxu held the Japan-China Strategic Dialogue.

The two sides welcomed the holding of the Dialogue for the first time since January 2020. They reaffirmed that both sides will strive to comprehensively promote a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and build “constructive and stable Japan-China relations.” On this basis, an honest exchange of views was held from a mid- to long-term perspective, including those on Japan-China bilateral relations and regional and international affairs.

Additionally, today, July 23, I received a courtesy call from Vice Foreign Minister Ma.

During the courtesy call, I welcomed his visit to Japan by the Vice Foreign Minister, and the holding of the Japan-China Strategic Dialogue yesterday, July 22, for the first time in approximately four years. We exchanged views on various themes in working toward comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and building “constructive and stable relations,” and I expressed my expectations about continuing to deepen our multilayered dialogue in a wide range of areas.