Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: As this is the last press conference of the year, at the outset, I would like to reflect on the three months since my appointment and share my aspirations for the coming year.

This year, we continued to see a very severe international situation, including the aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and the security environment in East Asia.

I was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs at this critical juncture in a turbulent world. Firstly, I have engaged in diplomatic activities under three pillars: deepening the Japan-U.S. Alliance and strengthening its deterrence and response capabilities; enhancing cooperation with our ally and like-minded countries for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”; and fostering close collaboration with the Global South. During these three months, I have already held over 50 in-person meetings and 35 telephone talks.

At a time when the rule of law is being challenged across the international community, we reaffirmed at last month’s G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to strengthen G7 unity. I believe I have been able to build relationships of trust with the foreign ministers of member countries, including the U.S. In addition, following the APEC Ministerial Meeting, I visited Ukraine and conveyed Japan’s unwavering position of standing with Ukraine.

Furthermore, I visited China just this week. I have made steady efforts to enhance Japan’s relationships with our neighboring countries, China and the Republic of Korea.

Wars continue to ravage around the world, and the divisions within the international community are growing increasingly severe. Under such circumstances, in the coming year I will continue to advance diplomacy based on dialogue and cooperation and make a proactive contribution to peace, stability, and prosperity in the international community, building on the trust Japan has cultivated since the end of World War II.

I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the Kasumi Club for their support and cooperation this year.

I ask for your continued support and cooperation next year.

That is all from me at the outset.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: I would like to ask about the Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting you referred to at the end of your opening remarks. According to China’s announcement, regarding historical issues, you stated at the meeting that Japan continues to uphold the position established in the “Murayama Statement,” and expresses deep introspection and offers a heartfelt apology. I would like to confirm whether you made such remarks word for word. If not, could you please tell us how you worded Japan’s recognition of historical issues to China? That is my first question.

Minister Iwaya: I would like to first state that the announcement made by the Chinese side is not accurate.

Regarding the remarks you noted, at the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, when the discussion turned to historical perceptions, I explained, “The Ishiba Cabinet upholds the statements of previous prime ministers, including the 1995 Murayama Statement and the 2015 Abe Statement,” and that “The Ishiba administration upholds the four documents between Japan and China, beginning with the Japan-China Joint Communique.”

Announcements were made after the meeting by Japan and China, respectively. The two sides did not align the announcements in advance.

Regarding what I was cited as saying in the Chinese announcement, the essence of my remarks is as I just explained. Despite this, the Chinese side made a unilateral announcement. We lodged a protest in response with the Chinese side on the same day.

Deutsche Welle, Cheng Chung Lan: I am Cheng Chung Lan from Deutsche Welle, a German state broadcaster. I am from Taiwan. Thank you for taking my question.

In a recent television interview with a Hong Kong station, you stated that it is important for Taiwan to remain at peace, without any incidents, rather than becoming involved in a “Taiwan contingency.” In this connection, I would like to ask about the buoy China has installed within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Yonaguni Island, Okinawa Prefecture. When Japan asked the Government of China to remove the buoy, what was its response? Is the Chinese side demonstrating a positive attitude? Do you consider the buoy installation as evidence that China has a Taiwan contingency in mind? Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: First of all, in principle, I think the matter of a Taiwan contingency or peace and the matter of buoys are separate issues.

On Taiwan, I stated that it is important for Taiwan to remain at peace, and that it is important to resolve the Taiwan issue peacefully.

As for the buoys, during my meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, I asked the Chinese side to immediately remove the buoys installed within Japan’s EEZ, including the newly identified buoy within Japan’s EEZ south of Yonaguni Island.

The Government of Japan has called the Chinese side for a proper explanation and is conducting investigations and analyses from various angles, including collecting information in the waters in question. I am aware that the Japan Coast Guard has identified an object believed to be meteorological observation equipment, I would like to refrain from responding about China’s intentions based on speculation.

The discovery and confirmation of a new buoy is extremely regrettable.

I would like to refrain from disclosing the details of the Chinese side’s response as it is diplomatic communication. Japan will continue to call on the Chinese side at all levels for the immediate removal of buoys installed within Japan’s EEZ.

Mainichi Shimbun, Kim: I would like to ask about the Prime Minister’s overseas visit at the beginning of the new year. In his address yesterday, the Prime Minister announced that he will be visiting Malaysia and Indonesia at the start of the year. He noted that Malaysia will assume the Chair of ASEAN next year and that Indonesia has the largest population in the region, and that both are Muslim states. In your earlier opening remarks, you shared your view on the current international situation. Amid such a situation, what is the significance of the Prime Minister visiting these countries to kick off Japan’s diplomacy in 2025?

Minister Iwaya: I expect that it will be an extremely meaningful visit.

As you just mentioned, Prime Minister Ishiba is scheduled to visit Malaysia and Indonesia from January 9 to 12 next year.

Malaysia and Indonesia are both comprehensive strategic partners of Japan. Malaysia is located in a nexus in the Indo-Pacific region and will assume the Chair of ASEAN in 2025. Indonesia has the largest population and economy in ASEAN, making it a leader or leading country of the Global South.

Southeast Asian countries are marine transportation hubs and are growth centers of the world. Accordingly, Japan attaches importance on collaborating with these countries and remains committed to working closely with them toward realizing FOIP based on the rule of law. It is in this context that the Prime Minister’s visit to these two countries has been decided.

I pray that it will be a fruitful visit, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be providing its utmost support to this end.

NHK, Shimizu: I would like to ask about suspect Paul Watson, the former President of the Sea Shepherd anti-whaling group. The Ministry of Justice of Denmark has decided not to approve his extradition to Japan and has released him. Since then, he has continued to criticize Japan. Please share your thoughts and explain the Government’s response going forward.

Minister Iwaya: First, regarding the Government of Denmark’s decision not to extradite Paul Watson to Japan, it is extremely regrettable that the extradition request was not accepted and that the decision was made in a manner that attributes responsibility to Japan based on its criminal justice system.

We immediately lodged a protest to this effect with the Danish side.

Furthermore, it is extremely regrettable that Paul Watson, who has entered France, has been making claims that are contrary to the facts.

For example, his claim that the Government of Japan threatened the Government of Denmark with the cancellation of a 2-million-euro offshore wind power project is completely unfounded.

The Government of Japan merely made repeated requests to the Government of Denmark to address the matter based on the law and evidence and to extradite the suspect to Japan.

In addition, his claim that Japan’s whaling is illegal whaling, citing the 2014 judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), is also contrary to the facts.

The 2014 ICJ judgment in the case concerning the whaling in the Antarctic was a ruling on Japan’s research whaling in the Antarctic Ocean at the time. It did not rule that Japan’s whaling as a whole was illegal.

Subsequently, Japan has resumed commercial whaling, restricting operations to its territorial waters and EEZ. It is conducted in compliance with international law and within the scope of not adversely affecting whale resources. In other words, it is conducted in a manner that ensures resource management.

In any case, we are requesting suspect Watson’s detention and extradition for reasons entirely unrelated to the debate over the merits or demerits of whaling, but from the standpoint of maritime law enforcement, namely, he was an accomplice to assault, and property damage offenses committed at sea.

Japan will continue to call on relevant countries, including the country where the suspect is, for his extradition.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: My question is about the Japan-U.S. Guidelines for Extended Deterrence. It was announced today that the Governments of Japan and the U.S. have formulated the Guidelines. What is the significance of formulating the Guidelines at this time? In addition, please share your view on how the two countries will be enhancing deterrence and response capabilities in line with the Guidelines.

Minister Iwaya: Based upon accumulated discussion primarily through the Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD), the Governments of Japan and the U.S. have formulated the Guidelines for Extended Deterrence.

This document reinforces the Alliance’s existing consultation and communication procedures related to extended deterrence. The Guidelines also address strategic messaging to maximize deterrence and enhance measures for U.S. extended deterrence, bolstered by Japan’s defense capabilities. These are the objectives of the Guidelines.

The document that was just formulated builds on Prime Minister Ishiba’s instruction to enhance the credibility of the U.S. extended deterrence more than ever before, in order to realistically deal with the pressing challenges we face in the current severe security environment. I believe the document is critically significant for advancing these efforts.

Based on the formulation of this document, we will continue to pursue the strengthening of deterrence and response capabilities of the Alliance, including extended deterrence, through various high-level discussions including the Japan-U.S. EDD and the Japan-U.S. ministerial meeting on extended deterrence held in July 2024.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: My question is about your recent visit to China. On December 25, in your destination city of Beijing, you announced some relaxation measures for Chinese citizens, including the establishment of new multiple-entry tourist visas valid for ten years for affluent visitors. Could you explain again why the visas will be available only for affluent visitors? Please also tell us about the criteria used to define affluent visitors, such as asset holdings and annual income. Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: On December 25, at the Second Japan-China High-Level People-to-People and Cultural Exchange Dialogue, I announced that Japan would implement visa relaxation measures for Chinese tourists, including the relaxation of requirements for group tourist visas and the establishment of new multiple-entry tourist visas valid for ten years, which you just mentioned.

Needless to say, Japan-China relations are founded on people-to-people exchanges. From this perspective, we have been implementing related visa measures for Chinese visitors to Japan. We expect that the latest visa relaxation measures will further promote and facilitate exchanges between the two countries, resulting in further deepening of mutual understanding.

The recently announced relaxation measures include extending the maximum period of stay for group tourists visas from 15 to 30 days and simplifying application forms for senior citizens. Applicants were previously asked to provide a certificate of employment, that is, proof of where they are working. This certificate will no longer be required for senior citizens aged 65 and older. As such, these measures are not preferential treatment measures limited to a specific demographic.

Furthermore, the new ten-year multiple-entry tourist visas to be established do not enable unlimited stays in Japan over a ten-year period. The maximum period of stay allowed per single entry into Japan is 90 days. Additionally, as this is a tourist visa, visitors will not be permitted to engage in activities that provide remuneration during their period of stay.

As I stated earlier, the latest visa relaxation measures are not preferential treatment measures limited to a specific demographic. Please understand that Japan’s visas for various countries, not limited to China, have established certain economic requirements for public security and other considerations.

NHK, Shimizu: I would like to ask about the incidents related to Japanese schools that occurred in Suzhou and Shenzhen, China. Could you tell us what you know about the updates of the criminal justice procedures for the two incidents? In addition, have you received any reports on the motive or background of these incidents? Please also share with us the Government’s policy for responding to the incidents.

Minister Iwaya: We have confirmed that the suspect behind the stabbing of a Japanese mother and child in Suzhou, China as well as the suspect behind the killing of a Japanese school student in Shenzhen have been indicted recently.

The Chinese side has informed us that the details of these incidents will be explained in an appropriate manner during the judicial process. We will continue to maintain close communication with the Chinese side.

Kyodo News, Ayukawa: With the U.S. Trump administration to be inaugurated shortly, I would like to ask about your hopes for Japan-U.S. relations in the coming year. Additionally, a press release was issued earlier regarding the Guidelines for Extended Deterrence on which a question has already been asked. Can I also ask how Japan expects to work with the incoming U.S. administration for the Japan-U.S. Alliance, including Japan-U.S. extended deterrence?

Minister Iwaya: At the outset, I reflected on the past three months and shared my aspirations for the coming year. As the Japan-U.S. Alliance will remain the cornerstone of Japan’s diplomacy and security, the Government of Japan will be in close communication with the incoming Trump administration and strive to enhance the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance and further elevate it in all fields.

In this regard, in addition to a meeting between the Prime Minister and President-elect Trump, I too hope to meet in person with my counterpart at the earliest opportunity and build a relationship of trust and maintain close communication.

With the global situation changing this rapidly and in a state of chaos, we hope the incoming U.S. administration will demonstrate leadership and ability in calming and stabilizing the situation as soon as possible, and Japan will encourage the U.S. in this way. Believing that the Japan-U.S. Alliance must serve world interests, we will work to steadily build such a relationship between the two countries.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: I'm afraid to return to my earlier question. Japan issued the Abe Statement on the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. However, the recent announcement from the Chinese side seems to reveal that it attaches importance to the Murayama Statement. Next year...

Minister Iwaya: You said it was revealed to whom?

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: In the Chinese side’s announcement.

Minister Iwaya: The Chinese side’s announcement may suggest that, but I touched on all the statements. I hope there is no misunderstanding on this.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: I am sorry. What I meant was that Japan has mentioned the latest statement and conveyed its position that the current administration continues to uphold all previous statements; on the other hand, China’s explicit mention of the Murayama Statement in its recent announcement seems to suggest that China attaches importance to this statement. This is what I explained earlier. Given that such differences in emphasis are becoming evident between Japan and China, I would like to know how Japan intends to address the matter of historical perceptions as we approach the 80th anniversary next year.

Minister Iwaya: I would like to refrain from commenting on the Chinese side’s intentions based on speculation.

The two sides did not align their announcements in advance, and I gather that emphasis was placed on what the Chinese side wanted to highlight.

Let me reiterate that I explained that the Ishiba administration continues to fully uphold the four documents between Japan and China, as well as the Murayama Statement, the Koizumi Statement, and the Abe Statement, which all share the same fundamental views.

The 80th year since the end of the war will indeed be a significant milestone year. As for what we will be doing or what the Prime Minister will be doing on this occasion, this will be considered going forward.

Minister Iwaya: Thank you very much. I look forward to seeing you all next year.