Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: I have two announcements at the outset.

The first is about the nomination of a candidate for the election of ICC judges.

At today’s Cabinet Meeting, I announced that the Government of Japan has nominated Mr. YAMAUCHI Yoshimitsu, who serves as Director of the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI), as Japan’s candidate for the election of ICC judges to be held at the end of next year.

Mr. YAMAUCHI is a leading expert in the field of criminal justice, and also serves as Ambassador for International Judicial Cooperation. The role of the ICC has become increasingly important in recent years for the eradication and prevention of serious crimes and for the thorough enforcement of the rule of law, and the election of a Japanese ICC judge would demonstrate Japan’s proactive efforts in the development of international criminal law and humanitarian law.

Japan will continue to actively contribute to the activities of the ICC and work toward promoting the rule of law in the international community.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: The second announcement is about AI policy officers.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that will serve as the foundation for economic and social development in the future. I believe this is true not only for Japan, but also for the entire world. AI is also an important field for diplomacy with direct links to security.

The Act on Promotion of Research and Development, and Utilization of AI-related Technology fully entered into force in September this year, and the Government is currently working as one to formulate the basic plan on AI at the AI Strategic Headquarters chaired by the Prime Minister.

In order to monitor AI-related developments in other countries and promote bilateral cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has decided to appoint “AI policy officers” at all embassies, permanent missions, and other overseas establishments. We intend to carry out initiatives for the realization of a safe, secure, and trustworthy AI ecosystem.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Kyodo News, ONDA: I would like to ask about Japan-China relations. At yesterday’s meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Liberal Democratic Party, some urged the Government to take all possible measures to protect Japanese citizens in China. In particular, December 13 is the day the “Nanjing Massacre” occurred and anti-Japanese sentiment tends to heighten. The Japanese side issued an alert last year. What measures will be taken this year? Last year, the Embassy of Japan in China issued an alert on December 6. I would like to ask whether, for example, the alert could be issued earlier this year. Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I believe one of the most important roles of MOFA is to protect Japanese citizens who are engaged in various activities overseas or traveling abroad. The decision to issue any alerts for overseas Japanese citizens has been based on a comprehensive assessment of various factors, including the public security, political, and social situations in the country or region concerned.

In cases where it is considered particularly necessary to issue alerts, such as certain dates associated with the history between Japan and China, MOFA has taken appropriate measures by providing region-specific information to raise awareness.

Most recently, on November 17, considering local media reports and other circumstances surrounding recent Japan-China relations, Japanese diplomatic missions in China once again urged Japanese residents to take adequate safety precautions.

MOFA will continue to closely monitor the local situation and take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens, including issuing alerts in a timely and appropriate manner going forward.

We monitor global developments on a daily basis, and in this process, we will determine for which regions and when such alerts should be issued.

Yomiuri Shimbun, UEMURA: I have a question regarding the G20 Summit. Several reports suggest that adopting a leaders’ declaration at the G20 Summit has become challenging. In the absence of U.S. President Trump, what role will Japan play in compiling outcomes and enhancing cooperation within the G20? I would also like to ask whether there has ever been a case where a leaders’ declaration was not finalized. Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: First, I believe there has never been an occasion when the G20 Summit did not issue a leaders’ declaration, a leaders’ statement, a leaders’ communique, or any other document of this kind. I believe such a document has always been issued. Generally, the content of the outcome document is decided during the course of the meeting. Since the G20 has not yet commenced, the fact is that nothing has been decided at this point.

As the international community faces multiple crises, I believe it is becoming increasingly important for the G20 countries to identify common ground and points of agreement. At the upcoming summit, Japan intends to clearly communicate its position and actively contribute toward advancing solutions to challenges facing the international community, in a manner where all G20 members share responsibility. That said, while closely monitoring various circumstances, such as the possibility that no representative from the U.S. may attend, Japan intends to fully play a role it is capable of fulfilling.

TV Asahi, KURUMADA: I would like to ask about the trade restrictions on eels under CITES. The meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES will begin next week and is expected to adopt a proposal by the European Union (EU) and other countries on regulating the international trade of all species of eel, including Anguilla japonica. Please tell us Japan’s position on this proposal. Additionally, what efforts will Japan make to enhance understanding of its position?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Firstly, Anguilla japonica is different from what the EU defines as eels. Because Anguilla japonica is subject to strict resource management measures, sufficient stocks have been secured, and they are not at risk of extinction due to international trade. For this reason, Japan has consistently conveyed its opposition to the EU’s proposal you mentioned.

The Government has been seeking understanding and support from relevant countries for Japan’s position at every opportunity.

Recently, I had a meeting with Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar of India and raised this issue. When I mentioned “eel,” he asked, “What is eel?” When I said “unagi,” he understood. The Minister is very knowledgeable about Japan, and it was interesting that he did not know “eel” but understood “unagi.” We have been making various efforts in this way. The meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES will begin on November 24. During this meeting, Japan intends to coordinate with parties that share similar positions and make every effort to broaden understanding of Japan’s position among the relevant countries.

Phoenix TV, Li: The Government of Japan has consistently stated that its position on Taiwan, as articulated in the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique, remains unchanged. You also reiterated this point at your previous press conference. Since you did not specify which part of the Joint Communique you were referring to, I would like to ask once again: Which part of the Japan-China Joint Communique represents the position of the Government of Japan? Could you please read out the text and explain?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I have provided detailed explanations on various matters at my press conferences. Since the part that refers to Taiwan is clear, I believe you are well aware of it. The Government of Japan’s basic position on Taiwan is as stated in the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique. I believe you know which part this is.

That being said, I believe peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are extremely important for the stability of not only Japan but also the entire international community. It has always been the consistent position of Japan to expect that the issue surrounding Taiwan will be resolved peacefully by dialogue.

Shanghai East Television, Song: I would like to ask about the citizens’ protests and rallies taking place in front of the Prime Minister’s Office. Many of the participants have expressed strong concern that Prime Minister TAKAICHI is seeking to drag Japan into war under the pretext of a survival-threatening situation. What are your thoughts on such public opinion?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: First, regarding the protests in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, I understand that protests against nuclear power stations were previously held every Friday, and that various other protests have also taken place in front of the Prime Minister’s Office.

That being said, I would like to make it clear that the concern you mentioned is completely unfounded and has no basis.

Whether any given situation constitutes a survival-threatening situation will be determined by the Government comprehensively, based on all available information and the specific circumstances of each individual case that occurred. The Government, including the Prime Minister herself, has repeatedly explained this, and its position has remained consistent.

Yomiuri Shimbun, UEMURA: My question concerns China. I would like to ask about the additional safety certification that China is demanding for imports of Japanese aquatic products. Although there are various reports, do you think that this situation constitutes a suspension of imports or a de fact suspension of imports, considering the aquatic products that have arrived in China have not cleared customs? If not, given that negotiations with the Chinese side on technical requirements have conducted mostly without interruption, do you think there is a reasonable possibility that this issue will be resolved promptly and that imports will resume? I would like to hear your view.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Regarding China’s import restrictions on Japanese aquatic products, we believe that what is most important is the steady implementation of the “Shared Recognition between Japan and China,” which the Governments of Japan and China announced in September last year in relation to the IAEA framework.

The Government has been urging the Chinese side to facilitate exports from Japan, including through the prompt re-registration of Japanese export-related facilities, and has been strongly calling for the lifting of import restrictions on aquatic products from the remaining 10 prefectures.

Regarding your question, we have not received any notification from the Government of China about suspending imports of Japanese aquatic products. The Government of Japan intends to continue engaging in necessary exchanges with the Chinese side while calmly following the situation.

Phoenix TV, Li: Minister, may I ask a follow-up question? Paragraph 3 of the Japan-China Joint Communique contains several elements. I would like to ask once again which element the Government of Japan is upholding? Furthermore, today, Prime Minister TAKAICHI stated that there is no change in promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has stated in its press conferences that Japan should retract its remarks immediately if it wishes to develop a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests.” Please share your thoughts on this response from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and building “constructive and stable Japan-China relations” are matters that have been confirmed between the two leaders. As we are neighboring countries, there exist concerns and issues. We intend to reduce these concerns and issues as much as possible through communication, and at the same time, deepen understanding and cooperation in areas where it is possible.

Regarding the first part of your question, as I believe you are aware of which text concerns Taiwan, I will refrain from making further remarks.

Asahi Shimbun, ONO: I would like to ask about Prime Minister TAKAICHI’s remarks on a survival-threatening situation. Earlier today, Chief Cabinet Secretary KIHARA stated in his press conference, and I quote, “Prime Minister TAKAICHI made remarks that could have been interpreted as a case study, and if such remarks lead to misunderstanding, we will need to respond with extreme caution going forward.” What are your thoughts on the Chief Cabinet Secretary’s remarks? It appears that the remarks were made with improving Japan-China relations in mind. What is your view?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: We respond to questions in the Diet every day. We receive various questions, and I think it is critical to convey the facts clearly and to ensure that there is no misunderstanding. I myself keep this in mind when responding to questions in the Diet or holding these press conferences, not only about issues between Japan and China but also about Japan’s relations with other countries.