Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Yesterday, I heard the news of the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis. Since 2013, Pope Francis has dedicated himself to protecting the environment and promoting peaceful diplomacy with a strong voice. I would like to once again express my deep respect for his achievements and extend my heartfelt condolences.

Minister Iwaya: Another announcement is about Expo diplomacy.

From April 22 to 27, Foreign Minister Cassis of Switzerland, Foreign Minister Rasmussen of Denmark, and Foreign Minister André of Costa Rica will visit Japan to participate in the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. I will hold meetings with the ministers this week respectively.

Regarding Switzerland, it marked the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year. From Denmark, His Majesty King Frederik X will visit Japan this time. With Costa Rica, this year marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

All of these countries are important partners for Japan, sharing values and principles. I would like to strengthen bilateral relations with these countries through the meetings. I will also discuss regional affairs and various challenges facing the international community.

That is all from me at the outset.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: Yesterday, you met with Mr. Glass, the new ambassador of the U.S. Could you share your candid impressions following the meeting? During his confirmation hearing, the Ambassador-Designate mentioned about the requests he would be making to Japan in both the economic and security areas, indicating his intention to ask Japan to increase its share of the Host Nation Support (HNS). Considering this, what kind of a relationship do you hope to build and how would you like to deepen the relationship with him?

Minister Iwaya: As you have just mentioned, yesterday, I received a courtesy call from Ambassador-Designate Glass.

This was actually my second time meeting Ambassador-Designate Glass. I attended the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony in January, and at the celebration party that evening, I met Ambassador-Designate Glass and Mrs. Glass. At that time, he said something to the effect of, “If I am assigned to Japan, I will be looking forward to it very much. My son and his family also live there.” I am truly pleased that his assignment was realized. He is a very friendly person. The impression I got was that he deeply cares about his family, as I just stated, and attaches importance to having a trusting relationship with people.

He previously served as Ambassador to Portugal, and I heard that he was held in very high regard by the embassy personnel.

During yesterday’s courtesy call, we exchanged views on current Japan-U.S. relations, including U.S. tariff measures, as well as Japan-U.S. security and defense cooperation to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.

I will continue firmly communicating Japan’s views and position on security, economy, and other issues to Ambassador-Designate Glass, and I intend to closely work together and cooperate with the Ambassador-Designate toward further strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance, as well as further expanding and developing Japan-U.S. economic relations.

In the field of security, since this was our first formal dialogue, we exchanged views on a wide range of matters. However, as this was diplomatic communication, I would like to refrain from disclosing any further details.

As for HNS, we view that it has been divided appropriately based on an agreement between the two governments. Since the agreement will expire the year after next, in principle, we would like to engage in thorough discussions through appropriate channels from next year. We will be constantly considering what would be an appropriate amount for the Japanese side.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: I would like to ask about Secretary of Defense Hegseth. He has been criticized for poor information management, and a U.S. media outlet has reported that the White House has begun the process of selecting his successor. It is rumored that replacing Secretary Hegseth is under consideration. The tariff negotiations are ongoing, and President Trump has commented on Japan’s defense spending, as you just mentioned. If the Secretary of Defense were to change under these circumstances, what impact do you foresee on Japan’s security and related negotiations?

Minister Iwaya: I am aware of the reports you have mentioned, but at this stage, I would like to refrain from commenting on individual reports.

The Japan-U.S. Alliance is the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign and security policy. Japan will constantly consider efforts for strengthening its deterrence and response capabilities independently and continue to make steady progress toward a fundamental reinforcement of our defense capabilities. At the same time, Japan would like to work closely together with the U.S. to further strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Alliance.

Secretary Hegseth recently visited Japan. He has just held a meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba and also communicated closely with Minister Nakatani.

Japan will closely follow the developments on the U.S. side. At the same time, we intend to continue to work closely with the U.S.

Asahi Shimbun, Kato: I would like to ask about diplomacy with Southeast Asia, a region which is being affected by U.S. tariff measures. President Xi Jinping of China has completed his visits to three Southeast Asian countries. In the meantime, Prime Minister Ishiba held a telephone talk with the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Furthermore, China held its first “2+2” Ministerial Meeting with Indonesia. Does it appear to you that China is intensifying its diplomatic offensive toward Southeast Asia, keeping in mind the Trump administration that is imposing high tariffs? Please share with us your thoughts. Additionally, what kind of diplomatic relations is Japan aiming to build with Vietnam, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian countries in view of the current situation?

Minister Iwaya: Japan is closely following with interest the overseas visits of President Xi Jinping of China, which you referred to, as well as the activities of Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi.

However, regardless of China’s moves, it is critical that Japan strengthens relations with Southeast Asia, the growth center of the world. Southeast Asia is also the foundation, key, and cornerstone of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” We consider Southeast Asia as one of the top priorities of Japan’s diplomacy.

During the recent summit telephone meetings with Malaysia and Singapore, I understand Prime Minister Ishiba pointed out that the current situation also directly affects Japanese companies operating in Southeast Asia and contributing to local economies, and the Prime Minister conveyed that he would also like to listen intently to the voices of Southeast Asian countries.

Japan intends to continue to work closely with Southeast Asian countries, not only at the leader level but also including at the foreign minister level, to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order and a multilateral free trade system.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I have a question regarding China. I understand that a Chinese man who was sentenced to death for killing a Japanese boy in Shenzhen last September has been executed. What was the date of the execution? What has the Government of China explained to the Government of Japan so far? In addition, has the Government of China provided any details of the incident beyond what is stated in the judgment, such as the background or motive for the incident? I would appreciate if you can answer these questions, along with sharing your thoughts on the execution.

Minister Iwaya: On April 21, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China notified the Embassy of Japan in China that the death sentence was carried out on Zhong Changchun, who was convicted and on death row for intentional homicide in connection with the incident that occurred in Shenzhen, China.

The Chinese side notified only that the death sentence had been carried out. We are currently in the process of confirming the details, including the date of the execution.

The Government of Japan believes that the criminal act of murdering a completely innocent child cannot be justified, and we solemnly acknowledge the execution of the death sentence.

Ensuring the safety and security of Japanese people traveling or residing overseas is one of the most important responsibilities of the Government. Based on the incident, the Government of Japan will continue to take all possible measures to protect the safety of Japanese people and will continue to strongly urge the Chinese side to ensure the safety of Japanese people in China.