Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have an announcement at the outset.

I will visit Italy from November 24 to 27 to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

This will be my second overseas visit following on from my recent attendance at the APEC Ministerial Meeting and visit to Ukraine. This will also be my first time attending a G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

At this meeting, I intend to fully participate in the discussions, given the increasing importance of the G7 working together, uniting, and playing a role in addressing the issues facing the international community, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and the situation in the Indo-Pacific.

Along with the G7 members, outreach countries are also invited to this meeting. Japan, by collaborating closely with these wide-ranging countries, intends to lead the discussions for upholding the international order based on the rule of law. Japan will actively contribute to the discussions of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

That is all from me at the outset.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: I would like to ask about the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting you just mentioned in your opening remarks. When U.S. President-elect Trump was first in office, he appeared to place emphasis on bilateral deals and not so much on multilateral meetings. As the situations in Ukraine and Gaza become severer, how will the G7’s unity be deepened at the upcoming meeting? Additionally, please share with us how Japan envisions the future of the G7.

Minister Iwaya: The international community now faces deepening division and confrontation, including the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. This makes it all the more important that the G7 members, with shared values and principles, continue to work together closely and strengthen our cooperation.

Therefore, at this meeting, the foreign ministers will meet face to face and engage in thorough discussions over the course of two days on the various challenges facing the international community. I hope to hold candid exchanges of views with my counterparts and strengthen the G7’s unity.

Regarding the future of the G7, I believe the recent international situations make it all the more important that the G7 members continue to work together closely and strengthen their cooperation. Furthermore, as I stated earlier, it is becoming essential that we collaborate closely with non-G7 countries as well.

Through these efforts, we intend to uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Oyabu: My question is about the situation in Ukraine. Ukraine has announced that Russian forces launched an ICBM in an attack on the country. Some suggest that this act, which comes after Russia’s revision of its nuclear doctrine, hints at the use of nuclear weapons. Could you share your thoughts on the announcement of the launch? I would also like to ask what efforts the Government of Japan will be making to prevent the escalation of the situation.

Minister Iwaya: We are aware that the Government of Ukraine announced on November 21 that Russia carried out an attack on Dnipro in central Ukraine, using a missile that has characteristics of an ICBM. We are also aware that, on the same day, the Governments of Russia and the U.S. stated publicly that the attack was conducted using a medium-range ballistic missile.

The Government of Japan would like to refrain from giving detailed assessments of each development in the war. In any case, as I have been stating, we consider that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine itself is an outrageous act that shakes the very foundation of the international order.

Japan once again strongly condemns Russia’s series of attacks, including the latest one, and the Government will continue to closely follow the ongoing war situation with a sense of vigilance.

Moving forward, Japan will continue to steadfastly cooperate with the international community to restore a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.

Mainichi Shimbun, Kim: Regarding the situation in Ukraine, I also have a question on the U.S.’s provision of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine. Recently, the U.S. newly announced its decision to provide anti-personnel mines to Ukraine based on its request. Japan and Ukraine are parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. Even during your recent visit to Ukraine, I understand you explained to the Government of Ukraine that Japan would provide continued support for anti-personnel mine actions. I believe the U.S. under the Biden administration, while not being a party to the Convention, had maintained the posture of respecting its provisions and had limited its support for Ukraine to the provision of anti-tank mines. Nevertheless, the U.S. recently shifted its policy following the changes in the international situation. I believe Japan has played a leading role in global mine actions. Could you share with us any personal opinion you have on the ideals enshrined in the Convention and the reality on the battlefield that runs counter to these ideals?

Minister Iwaya: Japan attaches importance to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. Therefore, we are strongly concerned about a situation arising that would require the use of anti-personnel mines.

As you are aware, once anti-personnel mines are scattered, they cause significant harm for many years. Japan has contributed to their removal and believes it must continue to do so resolutely. In this sense, we are strongly concerned about such a situation arising.

In any case, it is critical that the current situation is quickly brought to a conclusion, in other words, that Russia ceases its aggression as soon as possible, and Japan will be strongly reiterating this point.

That said, as I am not aware of the detailed facts of this matter, I would like to refrain from giving a legal assessment at this stage.

Hokkaido Shimbun, Matsushita: I, too, would like to ask about Ukraine. My question is about nuclear weapons. As was mentioned earlier, President Putin of Russia approved revisions to the nuclear doctrine, which have eased the conditions for using nuclear weapons. While this move is seen as a warning to the West, some suggest that the likelihood of the actual use of nuclear weapons is low. What is the analysis of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the current nuclear risk? Furthermore, such nuclear threats by a nuclear-armed state could fundamentally undermine the NPT regime, which Japan has upheld as a basis for the elimination of nuclear weapons. As the government of a country that has suffered atomic bombings during wartime, what is Japan’s specific plan for promoting the reduction of nuclear risk and rebuilding momentum toward nuclear disarmament and elimination?

Minister Iwaya: As I stated earlier, the Government of Ukraine announced that Russia launched a missile that has characteristics of an ICBM-class missile. We are also aware that the Governments of Russia and the U.S. stated publicly that the attack was conducted using a medium-range ballistic missile.

Needless to say, the use of nuclear weapons is absolutely unacceptable, and we strongly condemn the act of hinting at the use of nuclear weapons itself.

Japan remains committed to working toward the ultimate goal of eliminating nuclear weapons.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: Changing subjects, my question is about the memorial ceremony of the Sado Island Gold Mines scheduled on November 24. In the statement delivered at UNESCO this July, the Government of Japan promised to hold a ceremony. First, could you explain the significance of this memorial ceremony? My understanding is that the holding of the ceremony by an executive committee comprised of a civilian organization, Niigata Prefecture, and Sado City was announced at the last minute two days ago. The attendance of Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs IKUINA Akiko was also just announced today. Please tell us the reasons for this short notice.

Minister Iwaya: I am aware that the ceremony you mentioned is a related event that will be held by an executive committee comprised of local governments and civilian organizations involved in the inscription, in line with the statement made by the Japanese delegation at the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee.

In addition, as has already been announced on MOFA’s website, as you indicated, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs IKUINA Akiko will be attending from the Government of Japan.

The event will be hosted by the local executive committee, and I ask that any questions are directed to the executive committee about the details of the event.

The Government has been coordinating with the local organizer about this event and has been in communication with the Government of the Republic of Korea. As they are diplomatic communications, I will refrain from disclosing the details.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: I have a question regarding Chinese visas. It has been reported that China is making arrangements for the resumption of the short-term stay visa exemption for Japanese nationals in the near future. Has the Government of Japan already been notified about this? That is my first question. Secondly, many Japanese companies wished for this exemption. How does the Government expect the visa exemption to help revitalize economic and people-to-people exchanges? Additionally, China, emphasizing the principle of reciprocity, has requested information on visas for Chinese nationals visiting Japan. Please update us on the Government’s considerations regarding this matter.

Minister Iwaya: We are aware of the reports you are referring to. In March 2020, the Government of China provisionally suspended the visa exemption for short-term stays in China of up to 15 days for Japanese nationals, citing the spread of COVID-19, and the visa exemption has not been resumed as of now.

Japan-China relations are founded on, above all, exchanges between the people of both countries. In this sense, the resumption of the visa exemption would contribute to facilitating mutual visits and, as you pointed out, was requested by the business community.

With this in mind, Japan has repeatedly requested China to resume the visa exemption as soon as possible. To this end, we have also been in communication with each other at various levels, and we hope that it will be resumed in the near future. That said, I would like to refrain from disclosing the detailed discussions.

As for visas for Chinese nationals visiting Japan, we have been taking related measures to facilitate mutual visits and will continue to consider measures in line with the changes of the situation.

TBS, Osaki: I have a question on Prime Minister Ishiba’s actions in Latin America. During the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting held in Peru, the Prime Minister shook hands with world leaders while remaining seated, and at the Japan-China Summit Meeting, he shook hands with Mr. Xi Jinping using both hands. These actions have raised questions about Prime Minister Ishiba’s diplomatic etiquette. MOFA is the expert on diplomacy, and please share with us your view on this matter. Additionally, some hold MOFA responsible, noting that it should have sufficiently briefed the Prime Minister on diplomatic etiquette beforehand. What are your thoughts on this?

Minister Iwaya: We are aware that there are various reports regarding the matter you noted. I believe that, when the Prime Minister was already seated in the room, other leaders approached him, and the Prime Minister involuntarily extended his hand while seated. In addition, I do not believe shaking hands with both hands is inappropriate. In any case, we do not consider that these were problematic behaviors for diplomacy.

That said, I believe MOFA must take thorough note of the various observations and reports and ensure that it fully supports the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister attended the sessions over two days. I believe he clearly articulated Japan’s position and demonstrated his presence. Additionally, he firmly built relationships of trust with the U.S. and Chinese leaders through bilateral meetings and other opportunities. MOFA will continue to provide full support for a range of diplomatic situations.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: I would like to change the topic to cabinet members’ assets that are to be disclosed today. Please share with us your assessment and opinion on your assets. Additionally, can you share with us your views regarding the significance, effectiveness, and need of the disclosure system in the future?

Minister Iwaya: To be honest, I do not really have a full grasp of my assets. I believe they are by nature not meant to be compared with other people’s, and I do not have any particular comments.

The asset disclosure system is in place for the purpose of securing people’s trust in politics and government. Therefore, as a politician and as someone who is currently in public office as minister of state, I intend to properly comply in line with this purpose.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Oyabu: My question is about the intrusion into Japan’s territorial airspace by a Chinese military aircraft in August. Recently, MOFA and the Ministry of Defense announced that the Chinese side explained the entry was due to the air current. What are your thoughts on this Chinese explanation? Furthermore, what will Japan be urging China to prevent the recurrence of such incidents?

Minister Iwaya: Regarding the incident in which a Chinese military aircraft intruded into Japan’s territorial airspace on August 26, Japan has strongly urged China at various levels to swiftly provide appropriate explanations, and we have just received some explanation from China.

The Government of Japan will closely follow China’s actions, bearing in mind that China acknowledged the facts of this incident and explained that it will work to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

In any case, Japan remains seriously concerned about the increasing activity of the Chinese military around Japan, and will firmly urge China to improve the situation at various levels, including at the leader level.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: Considering the American veto at UNSC against a ceasefire in Gaza the day before yesterday, do you believe that this veto is a help or an obstacle to end the Israeli war on Gaza that is effectively expanding to include Lebanon? On that, and what is Japan’s official position on Israel’s war against Lebanon’s civilians?

Minister Iwaya: As a Security Council member, Japan made various diplomatic efforts for the draft resolution you referred to, and it is regrettable that it was not adopted.

At the same time, Japan appreciates the vigorous diplomatic efforts made by the U.S. toward an immediate ceasefire and release of the hostages, and we will continue to persistently reach out to the countries concerned.

Furthermore, Japan is strongly concerned about the escalation of tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. We are deeply saddened by the numerous civilian casualties.

Japan will urge all parties to prevent civilian casualties and fully implement United Nations Security Council Resolutions, as well as abiding by international law, including international humanitarian law. At the same time, Japan will continue to strongly urge all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid further escalation.

NHK, Yonezu: I would like to ask about the issue of Ukraine. As was mentioned in previous questions, in response to Russia’s recent launch of a missile that has ICBM characteristics, we continue to see the launch of long-range missiles supplied by the West and the launch of missiles in retaliation. Under these circumstances, what stance will Japan take at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting? I gather that it is important to strengthen the G7’s unity, and that there are points Japan can make from its unique position. Please speak on this.

Minister Iwaya: The situation in Ukraine is changing day by day, and I think that this matter will be naturally raised and discussed at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

What is most important is what the G7 can and should do to restore a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible. Accordingly, I suppose the G7 will discuss the assessment of the current situation and the ongoing developments.

Fundamentally, the escalation of the situation must be avoided. Otherwise, a ceasefire or lasting peace would not be possible. I intend to actively engage in the discussion at the G7 meeting considering the latest situation.

At this stage, Japan would like to refrain from making any definitive statements on its assessment of the situation.