Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: If circumstances permit, I will visit Malaysia from the 26th to the 28th of this month and attend ASEAN-related summit meetings on behalf of the Prime Minister. Specifically, I will attend the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit, and the East Asia Summit on October 27.

Through these series of meetings, I intend to promote a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) and further strengthen cooperation with ASEAN, a “Trusted Partner” and the key to the realization of FOIP.

In addition, I will clearly convey Japan’s position on regional and international issues, and will advance efforts that contribute to the peace and prosperity of the region. On this occasion, I also hope to hold meetings with my counterparts, likely on the margins of the summit meetings, and build relationships of trust with them.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Jiji Press, CHIBA: My question is about ASEAN that you mentioned in your opening remarks. You stated that ASEAN countries will be the key to the realization of FOIP. Please tell us how ASEAN will be positioned in Japan’s diplomatic strategy under Minister MOTEGI going forward.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: ASEAN is located at a geopolitical strategic point and is also a global center of growth. As I stated at the outset, I believe ASEAN is the key to the realization of FOIP.

Strengthening Japan’s relations with ASEAN, which has a growing presence both politically and economically, is one of the top priorities of our diplomacy. I will aim to further strengthen the relationship between Japan and ASEAN as “Trusted Partners” with “heart-to-heart” ties in a wide range of fields, such as maritime security, digital technologies including AI, and green technologies.

Mainichi Shimbun, TADOKORO: I have a related question on FOIP. The Prime Minister and you will be attending the summit meetings of ASEAN, which shares the same principle as Japan’s FOIP, emphasizing the “rule of law” and rules. After Japan and ASEAN confirm the importance of FOIP, the Prime Minister and U.S. President Trump, who will be visiting from Malaysia, will reaffirm the importance of FOIP in Japan. What is your view on the significance of this?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: FOIP, which Japan has been advocating to the world, is a pillar of Japanese diplomacy. ASEAN, for its part, has released the “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific” (AOIP). I believe FOIP and AOIP share quite a lot in common. To promote FOIP and evolve it in accordance with the changes of the times, it is necessary to work closely with our ally, like-minded nations, as well as countries in the Global South through multifaceted efforts.

The reason we attach particular importance to ASEAN in this context is as I stated earlier.

President Trump's visit to Japan is scheduled immediately after the ASEAN meetings and this will be his first in-person meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi shortly after she took office. I believe that it will offer an excellent opportunity for the two leaders to build a personal relationship of trust and forge a relationship of working together toward further strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance and the realization of FOIP, which I just mentioned.

TV Tokyo, SHIRAISHI: I would like to ask about the Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea. Yesterday, during a meeting with families of those abducted by North Korea, Prime Minister TAKAICHI expressed her commitment to achieving a “breakthrough” and a willingness to hold a Japan-North Korea Summit meeting at an early date. How does the Government of Japan intend to reach out to North Korea? Do you intend to include the abductions issue as a major agenda item of the summit meeting with President Trump next week?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I was also present at the meeting yesterday between Prime Minister TAKAICHI and the families of abductees. I felt deep compassion for the families’ long-held yearning for the return of their loved ones, and I am reminded of the importance of immediately resolving the abductions issue. In order to resolve the abductions issue, it is essential for Japan not only to reach out to the international community, but above all, to take proactive actions.

The Government, under its responsibility, will exert all possible efforts to realize the return of all abductees to Japan as quickly as possible, as well as to resolve the various outstanding issues with North Korea.

As to how we will proceed, since this will directly determine the success or failure of resolving the issue, I hope you will understand that I cannot disclose the details.

When President Trump visits Japan next week, we will naturally ask for the cooperation of the U.S. in the resolution of the abductions issue. President Trump has very proactively reached out to North Korea about this issue. We will certainly reaffirm and once again ask for the continued cooperation of the U.S.

Chugoku Shimbun, MIYANO: I would like to ask about the national policy of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. Of the three principles of “not possessing, not producing, and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons,” Prime Minister TAKAICHI has previously referred to the possibility of revising “not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons”. I would like to ask you whether the Government is considering the revision of this principle even as U.S. nuclear deterrence capabilities are being enhanced.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: The Government adheres to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles as a set of policy guidelines.

Regarding “not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons” of the three principles, the Government intends to maintain the answer that then-Foreign Minister OKADA gave at the Diet in 2010.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: Congratulations on your second appointment as Minister. May I inquire about the central focus of Japan’s diplomatic goals under the new government, particularly related to East and West Asia? Is there a possibility for engagement and diplomacy instead of confrontation and sanctions against the north Koreans and Russians? And additionally, could Japan potentially pursue a peace initiative in West Asia to stop Israel’s war against Gaza, Syria and Lebanon? Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: First, I believe it is necessary to thoroughly assess what is happening on the ground.

North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons and missiles poses a threat to the peace and security of Japan and the international community and is totally unacceptable. Furthermore, the abductions issue is a matter of infringement of the sovereignty of Japan and a top priority for the administration.

Japan has been reaching out to North Korea through various channels. We intend to continuously examine the most effective approaches for achieving a comprehensive resolution of various outstanding issues with North Korea, such as the abductions, nuclear, and missile issues.

Additionally, we regard Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as an extremely serious issue that shakes the very foundation of the international order. Japan has imposed sanctions against Russia in coordination with the international community, including the G7.

At the same time, as neighboring countries, Japan and Russia face numerous pending issues that must be resolved as neighbors. We intend to continue communicating with Russia through diplomatic channels in an appropriate manner.

In particular, we intend to persistently call for the resumption of visits to the Northern Territories graves, which is an earnest wish of the former island residents.

Meanwhile, the situation in the Middle East, such as the situation in Palestine including the Gaza Strip, the Iranian nuclear issue, and Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, remains unstable.

Japan has built relationships of trust with Middle Eastern countries. Building on these relationships, Japan has made various diplomatic efforts toward achieving peace and stability in the Middle East while working together with the U.S. and other relevant countries.

In Gaza, where a ceasefire agreement was recently reached between the parties concerned, Japan intends to actively contribute to international efforts for the improvement of the humanitarian situation and for the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.

Moreover, Japan intends to continue playing a proactive role toward achieving peace and stability in the Middle East, harnessing initiatives unique to Japan, such as the Corridor for Peace and Prosperity and the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD).

Sankei Shimbun, NAGAHARA: I would like to ask about the arrangements for a Japan-China Summit meeting. It has been announced that President Trump of the U.S. and President Xi Jinping of China will meet on the occasion of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting to be held in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Prime Minister TAKAICHI, too, is scheduled to attend the APEC meeting. Could you update us on the arrangements for a meeting with President Xi? Additionally, with various concerns existing between the two countries, what are your thoughts on the need for holding a Japan-China Summit meeting at an early date?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Nothing has been decided at this time about a Japan-China Summit meeting.

Furthermore, as I mentioned during the recent press conference, it is true that there are concerns and issues between Japan and China. Precisely because of this, I believe we must engage in thorough discussions. Through such talks, Japan will maintain and assert its position and call for responsible actions by China.

At the same time, we will advance cooperation in areas where it is possible. Through dialogues and other efforts, we aim to reduce concerns and issues as much as possible, and increase mutual understanding and cooperation.

Kyodo News, AYUKAWA: I would like to ask about the relationship between Japan and the ROK. Since June of this year, the Japan-ROK Agreement concerning Joint Development of the Southern Part of the Continental Shelf, which entered into force in 1978, has entered a period in which either party may terminate it by giving written notice of termination. Regarding whether or not to terminate this agreement, the previous ISHIBA administration indicated at the Diet that this was an issue that required close communication with the ROK side to settle and must be resolved amicably based on the favorable bilateral relations. I would like to ask whether there will be any changes in the stance of the new TAKAICHI administration.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: The Governments of Japan and the ROK have repeatedly exchanged views on the future direction of the Japan-ROK Agreement concerning Joint Development of the Southern Part of the Continental Shelf.

We believe it is important to continue discussions with the ROK Government regarding this agreement and the future status of the southern waters of the continental shelf between the two countries, taking into consideration the period of validity of the agreement and the provisions concerning its termination.

On this basis, Japan intends to make a comprehensive judgment on this matter considering the developments in the Japan-ROK relationship and other relevant circumstances.

NHK, YAMAMOTO: Prime Minister TAKAICHI delivered her policy speech at the Diet today. Please share with us your candid reaction or thoughts upon listening to the speech. Also, the current approval rating for the TAKAICHI administration is very high, according to the public opinion polls of various media outlets, including Yomiuri. What do you think the public expects from the administration? Do you think the policy speech met their expectations?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I believe today’s policy speech by Prime Minister TAKAICHI was very powerful and went into detail.

In terms of diplomacy, the Prime Minister set out a vision to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance and continue to vigorously promote FOIP and evolve it in accordance with the times. I felt her strong determination to restore Japan’s diplomacy that truly flourishes on the world’s center stage. With the security environment surrounding Japan being the most severe and complex since the end of the war, I renewed my commitment to conduct diplomacy unique to Japan, in order to protect our national interests and enhance Japan’s presence in the international community by fulfilling Japan’s roles and responsibilities expected by the international community.

I highly appreciate that the TAKAICHI administration receives very high approval ratings in various public opinion polls. We currently face numerous challenges domestically and internationally, including rising prices and a volatile international situation. Under these circumstances, I believe what is expected of Japan is to take proactive measures to resolve the issues with a sense of urgency and this high expectation is contributing to a high approval rating. To maintain this, I believe it is essential to work toward resolving the challenges with a sense of urgency and courage.

Chugoku Shimbun, MIYANO: I would like to ask for some clarification related to my earlier question about the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. I understood that the position taken by previous governments will be upheld. Just to confirm, is it correct to understand that, by Foreign Minister OKADA’s answer, you were referring to his statement that the government would stake its fate in determining whether to permit the introduction of nuclear weapons for the safety of its citizens in the event of a contingency?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Yes, that is correct.