Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: First, since yesterday, the plenary sittings of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors have been holding an interpellation session, and various discussions have been taking place also on diplomacy and security.

In addition, today, I received a resolution from the LDP calling for the fundamental reinforcement of diplomatic capabilities. The resolution expresses the need to reinforce Japan’s diplomatic and defense capabilities in a balanced manner, and to fundamentally reinforce Japan’s diplomatic capabilities from the perspective of achieving peace in Japan and stability in the region.

Fully taking into account the outcomes of such Diet discussions and the discussions of the relevant policy divisions and research commissions of the LDP, we will work to secure the necessary budget and personnel, and construct a structure to ensure we can advance diplomacy based on dialogue and cooperation.

That is all from me at the outset.

NHK, Yonezu: I would like to ask about the UN Security Council (UNSC). At the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary’s press conference this morning, it was explained that Japan decided to become a member of the Security Council. What is Japan’s objective in announcing its candidature for the UNSC for the 2043, following on from the announcement for the 2032 election? Additionally, I would like to ask for your thoughts on Japan’s long-standing aspiration to become a permanent member and what efforts Japan will make toward reforming the UNSC. Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: The election on the UNSC has become increasingly competitive with each passing year. Therefore, it has become more necessary than ever to prepare meticulously and well in advance.

For some people, the 2032 election may seem far off, never mind the 2043 election. However, as I just mentioned, it is necessary to prepare well in advance and meticulously. That is why we have decided to also run in the 2043 election and have registered our candidacy in accordance with United Nations (UN) procedures.

The UNSC bears primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, Japan will continue to place great importance to this.

That being said, unfortunately, it is a matter of fact that the current UNSC has become significantly dysfunctional. For this reason, Japan believes it is necessary to firmly pursue UNSC reform, and by extension, UN reform, and we will make efforts to fully lead these discussions on reform.

Mainichi Shimbun, Kim: I would like to ask about nuclear sharing. During the interpellation session at the plenary sitting of the House of Councillors this morning, the Prime Minister was asked about nuclear sharing, and he responded, “Upon declaring my commitment to upholding the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, I instructed officials to enhance the credibility of U.S. extended deterrence more than ever before.” I understand that, during the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting in April this year, the two countries confirmed their intent to continue enhancing U.S. extended deterrence, which is bolstered by the reinforcement of Japan’s defense capabilities, and that in June, a Japan-U.S. Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) was held at a higher level than before. Does the Government believe that these existing efforts need to be further strengthened? Or are you supposing, for instance, the creation of a new framework for extended deterrence like the NATO Nuclear Planning Group or the U.S.-Republic of Korea extended consultation group?

Minister Iwaya: As I understand it, the Prime Minister’s response today does not mean any new, additional instructions had been issued. Rather, the Prime Minister was referring to all of the efforts made to date for enhancing and strengthening nuclear deterrence.

Japan and the U.S. regularly hold close exchanges of views at various levels on wide-ranging matters related to the deterrence policy of the Alliance, including through the EDD at the working level.

During the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting this April, which, of course, was before the Ishiba government came into office, the two sides reaffirmed the critical importance of continuing to enhance U.S. extended deterrence, bolstered by Japan’s defense capabilities, and concurred to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Furthermore, as you just noted, on the occasion of the Japan-U.S. “2+2” this July, a Japan-U.S. ministerial meeting on extended deterrence was held. That is, the EDD was elevated to the ministerial level. The ministers confirmed that both countries, through the EDD, will continue to explore how best to reinforce extended deterrence in order to promote regional stability and deter the outbreak of conflict.

I believe Prime Minister Ishiba was expressing his intention to continue advancing these various initiatives. Please understand that the Prime Minister has not instructed any additional new measures.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: I have a question on U.S. Steel. President-elect Trump of the U.S. posted on his X account that he is totally against U.S. Steel being bought by NSC and would “block this deal from happening. Buyer Beware!!!” He also wrote that he would quickly make U.S. Steel strong and great again through tax incentives and tariffs. Could you share the comments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)?

Minister Iwaya: We are aware of the reports on the remarks of President-elect Trump of the U.S. you referred to. However, in the first place, as this matter concerns the business of an individual company, the Government would like to refrain from making comments.

That being said, we regard that expanding mutual investment opportunities between Japan and the U.S. and further strengthening their economic relations are essential for both countries.

We believe initiatives that contribute to the sustainable and inclusive economic growth of the Indo-Pacific region should be pursued.

While I can comment on these broader aspects, I would like to refrain from making comments on this matter as it concerns the business of an individual company.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: In an interview with us, Kyodo News, President Zelenskyy acknowledged that it would be difficult to reclaim some of the Russian-occupied territories by force, stating that Ukraine must aim to restore all territories through diplomacy. I know you visited Ukraine last month. At that time, did President Zelenskyy convey such thoughts or any similar views to you? Please also share with us your views on the role Japan should play after conflict has ended.

Minister Iwaya: During my visit to Ukraine last month, I held meetings with dignitaries, including President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Shmyhal, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sybiha. However, I would like to refrain from disclosing the details as they are considered diplomatic communication.

In any case, the realization and restoration of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine is most important, and I conveyed that Japan would provide utmost support toward its achievement.

I believe Japan has a very significant role to play after the termination of conflict. While there are limitations on Japan’s military support, we are engaged in a variety of efforts, including support for energy-related facilities for winterization, and demining efforts. We intend to provide utmost support for the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine as well.

I consider that the reconstruction of Ukraine following Russia’s aggression and the termination of conflict will lead to benefits for the entire international community. From this perspective, we intend to strongly support the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine through public-private cooperation.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: I have a follow-up question about Ukraine. During your meeting with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv on November 16, you pledged additional support for Ukraine in the amount of USD 3 billion, approximately 460 billion yen. So far, Japan has provided support for Ukraine totaling approximately USD 12 billion, or 1.8 trillion yen. In an interview with Ukrainian media, former Deputy Labor Minister Piotr Kulpa of Poland indicated that Ukrainian officials have been embezzling funds from Western countries, including the U.S. and Japan, and that some of these funds have flowed to the U.S. Democratic Party. He indicated that up to 50% of the funds have been embezzled. Right now, revising the 1.03-million-yen income tax exemption threshold, which would result in a tax revenue shortfall of 4 trillion yen, is a significant domestic issue. I believe channeling Japanese taxpayers’ hard-earned money toward support for Ukraine should be reviewed by tracking its use. What are your thoughts on these circumstances?

Minister Iwaya: First, I have no knowledge of any reports on the embezzlement you just mentioned.

That being said, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an act that undermines the international order. The security of Euro-Atlantic and the security of Asia and the Indo-Pacific have become inextricably inseparable. Even just the mere fact that North Korean troops are in Ukraine, it shows this inextricable inseparableness. I believe this constitutes a significant issue for the entire world.

If unilateral changes of borders by force are tolerated, it would mean such acts could occur anywhere in the world. In this regard, such changes cannot be accepted.

From this perspective, Japan has consistently provided strong support for Ukraine. As you noted, we have committed a total of more than USD 12 billion in support and have been steadily implementing it.

We will continue these efforts in coordination with the Government of Ukraine, relevant organizations, and the international community.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: China resumed the exemption for short-term stay visas for Japanese nationals on November 30. I believe MOFA worked on this issue for some time. Please first share with us any candid opinions you have on this outcome? Additionally, while there remain issues of concern between Japan and China, what impact on the bilateral relationship do you expect from the visa measure resumption?

Minister Iwaya: Japan has repeatedly requested at all levels the resumption of the visa exemption for short-term stays. Therefore we welcome the resuming exemption from November 30.

I believe that, above all, exchanges between the people of Japan and China will form the foundation for building a friendly and constructive relationship. I hope that this measure will further step up exchanges between the people of both countries. The resumption of this visa exemption has long been requested by the business community, and I expect that it will also further invigorate economic activities.