Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: I returned from Malaysia early this morning and attended the Japan-U.S. Summit meeting soon after my return. The two leaders held very substantive exchanges of views in a friendly atmosphere. I believe it was highly productive as the first in-person meeting between the two leaders, making the beginning of a NEW GOLDEN AGE for the Japan-U.S. Alliance. The meeting went well; both leaders seemed very relaxed and did not look as if they were meeting for the first time.

I also attended a meeting with the family members of the abductees. President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio listened attentively to the family members’ pleas, and the U.S. side once again expressed its full cooperation toward the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.

Then, I held a Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ meeting with Secretary Rubio. I was able to build a personal relationship of trust that will form the basis of our further collaboration. We held a candid and substantive exchange of views on Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) security cooperation, economic cooperation, recent international situation, and issues facing the international community.

Additionally, I just held a meeting with Secretary of Commerce Lutnick. Secretary Lutnick, the key figure in the Japan-U.S. trade agreement, and I, who am responsible for overseeing overall coordination with the U.S. on its tariff measures, concurred that we will further strengthen collaboration toward the implementation of the agreement.

Furthermore, we reaffirmed our commitment to deepening cooperation at various levels in a wide range of fields, including economic security. Further strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance remains a top priority of Japan’s foreign and security policy. We will continue to elevate the Japan-U.S. Alliance to new heights through a range of initiatives.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Next, this afternoon, commencing at 2:00 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, I held a telephone meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi of China. Foreign Minister Wang and I are longtime acquaintances, having engaged in exchanges for some 20 years. We reaffirmed our policy of comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and building “constructive and stable Japan-China relations.” Under this broad direction, we concurred that we would enhance communication at various levels.

In addition, I expressed serious concerns regarding China’s export control measures on rare earth elements. I also reiterated serious concerns over China’s activities in the East China Sea, including around the Senkaku Islands and the waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands, and called for the early release of detained Japanese nationals and for ensuring the safety of Japanese residents in China. I also raised the issue of import restrictions on Japanese food products.

I intend to maintain close communication with Foreign Minister Wang going forward to address outstanding issues and concerns, and to increase mutual understanding and cooperation.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Finally, from tomorrow, October 29 through October 31, I will visit Gyeongju in Republic of Korea to attend the APEC Ministerial Meeting.

At the Ministerial Meeting, I will discuss issues related to trade and investment as well as emerging challenges including artificial intelligence (AI) and demographic changes. In addition, as I did at the ASEAN-related Summit Meetings, I would like to demonstrate Japan's firm commitment to more sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, on this occasion, I also intend to hold meetings with my counterparts from other economies, including the Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to further advance the building of relationships of trust.

There was quite a lot to cover today, but I have briefed you on today’s outcomes. That concludes my opening remarks.

Kyodo News, KAJIKAZAWA: I would like to ask about today’s Japan-U.S. Summit meeting. I understand you also attended the Japan-U.S. Summit meeting that was held earlier today. Please share with us your assessment and outcomes of the meeting and its outcomes. Successive Japanese prime ministers have built a personal relationship and enhanced the Japan-U.S. Alliance by taking the opportunity of the U.S. president’s visit to Japan. Do you view that the two leaders were able to build a personal relationship through today’s meeting? Furthermore, past prime ministers and foreign ministers tend to visit the U.S. soon after assuming office. Could you tell us about Prime Minister TAKAICHI’s plans and yours to visit the U.S.? Lastly, President Trump met with the family members of the abductees. How do Japan and the U.S. intend to work together to resolve the abductions issue, and what are your expectations for the realization of a U.S.-North Korea Summit meeting?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I attended the Japan-U.S. Summit meeting this morning. I believe substantive exchanges of views took place in a friendly atmosphere, and it was a highly meaningful meeting in terms of ushering in a NEW GOLDEN AGE for the Japan-U.S. Alliance. From what I observed, the two leaders held candid discussions throughout the events. It was hard to believe that they were talking in-person for the first time. I am convinced that they were able to build a personal relationship of trust that will contribute to future cooperation.

In addition, as I mentioned in my opening remarks, I held my first meeting with my counterpart, Secretary Rubio. As you know, he is a very honest and intelligent person. I believe we had a good meeting and were able to build a personal relationship of trust, and we even discussed calling each other “Toshi” and “Marco” from now on.

Regarding the possible visit to the U.S., there are currently no dates scheduled for either Prime Minister TAKAICHI or myself.

We fully recognize the need to elevate the Japan-U.S. Alliance to new heights at various levels going forward.

Regarding the abductions issue, in addition to proactive efforts by Japan, it is essential to coordinate with the international community, including the U.S., for resolving the issue immediately. During the meeting with the family members of the abductees today, President Trump and Secretary Rubio expressed their full cooperation toward the immediate resolution of this issue. This was yet another profoundly meaningful occasion. We intend to continue working with the U.S. and further mobilize international opinion for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.

Yomiuri Shimbun, KURIYAMA: I would like to ask two questions. Firstly, at the Japan-U.S. Summit meeting that you attended, what discussions took place on Japan’s defense spending and efforts to reinforce Japan’s defense capabilities? The U.S. Government has been asking allies to increase their defense spending. At today’s meeting, do you think you were able to gain the U.S.’s understanding of Japan’s efforts? Secondly, could you share what you discussed today during the Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ meeting and your meeting with Commerce Secretary Lutnick, and what points the two sides concurred on? What kind of relationship of trust do you aim to establish with the two secretaries?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I believe the Prime Minister will be providing further details on the Japan-U.S. Summit meeting later today. At the outset of the meeting, President Trump stated that he is aware that Japan is substantially increasing its defense capabilities. Beyond that, I understand that Prime Minister TAKAICHI will be providing details during her press conference later today.

During the Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Secretary Rubio and I exchanged views on further strengthening Japan-U.S. Alliance deterrence and response capabilities, further advancing initiatives in the field of economic security, as well as regional situations and regional challenges. I believe we were able to build a personal relationship of trust.

I also held my first meeting, since assuming office as Foreign Minister, with Commerce Secretary Lutnick, who plays a key role in the agreement between Japan and the U.S. I believe this was a valuable opportunity as I will see to it that the overall implementation of the agreement is carried out. I intend to continue to strengthen collaboration toward the implementation of the agreement.

Ryukyu Shimpo, JAHANA: I believe the new Cabinet also emphasizes the importance of mitigating the impact of U.S. military bases in Okinawa. At today’s Summit meeting or Foreign Ministers’ meeting, did issues concerning U.S. bases in Okinawa, such as the safety concerns surrounding the U.S. forces’ Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma, or the need to revise the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement come up? May I ask whether you urged the U.S. to resolve these issues? If not, may I ask the reason why?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Today’s Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held within a very limited timeframe, and it was my first meeting with Secretary Rubio. We discussed how to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance, enhance cooperation in the economic and security fields, and address the international situation, with. various developments currently unfolding around the world, including in Ukraine, Gaza, and Southeast Asia. Furthermore, the security environment surrounding Japan is undergoing significant changes. We shared our perspectives on these issues and aligned our policies. Given the broad scope of our discussions, we did not engage in detailed exchanges on specific issues today, including those related to Okinawa. That said, we recognize that obtaining local understanding and cooperation is essential for the smooth stationing of U.S. forces in Japan. We intend to continue thorough discussions with the U.S. regarding the reduction of the burden of the bases, including those in Okinawa Prefecture going forward.

Shanghai East Television, Song: I would like to ask one question related to China. While it is important for Japan and the U.S. to coordinate on policy toward China, I believe Japan also values its Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests with China. How do you intend to strike a balance?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: The Japan-U.S. Alliance is the cornerstone of Japan’s diplomacy and security, and the foundation for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

As for the U.S., on numerous occasions, including today’s Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting and the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting between Secretary Rubio and myself, we have confirmed that Japan and the U.S. will exchange views and work closely together on issues concerning China.

As for China, on the other hand, it is true that there are concerns and issues between our two countries. Precisely for this reason, I believe it is necessary to engage in candid dialogues through which Japan will maintain and assert its position and call for responsible actions. On this basis, we will cooperate in areas where it is possible. We will pursue this realistic diplomacy.

To date, the Japanese and Chinese leaders have confirmed a broad direction of comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and building “constructive and stable Japan-China relations.” Today, I directly confirmed this with Foreign Minister Wang.

Under this broad direction, we will further strengthen communication and, through mutual efforts, reduce issues and concerns and increase mutual understanding and cooperation. This is our policy.

Based on our strong relationship of trust with our ally, the U.S., Japan will continue to encourage China to fulfill responsibilities commensurate with its international standing.

Jiji Press, CHIBA: Regarding the telephone meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that you mentioned in your opening remarks, I understand you will be attending the APEC Ministerial Meeting from tomorrow. Was there any mention of an in-person meeting with Foreign Minister Wang? If so, could you tell us the current status of the arrangements?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: No, there was not.