Press Conferences

Sankei Shimbun, NAGAHARA: I would like to ask about Japan-China relations. China has been seeking to gain an advantage over Japan by spreading inaccurate information, including bringing up the “enemy State” clauses that are already obsolete. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has taken actions, such as countering China’s assertions on social media, I would like to hear your views on what measures Japan should take t in response to these posts by China.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: As you just mentioned, the information posted by the Embassy of China in Japan implies that the “enemy State” clauses in the Charter of the United Nations (UN), which are recognized as obsolete, remain in effect. This is inconsistent with the facts.

It was from this perspective that MOFA posted information about the facts of this matter, which I believe you have seen.

If there are any assertions or information that are inconsistent with the facts, we will continue to explain and communicate our country’s position, perspectives, and the correct facts, including the appropriate dissemination of factual information, so that an understanding based on objective facts thoroughly prevails.

Nikkei Shimbun, HORIKOSHI: I have a question concerning China. U.S. President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephone meeting on the evening of November 24. The Chinese side reportedly explained its principled position on Taiwan, while President Trump reportedly stated that the U.S. understood the importance of the Taiwan issue for China. Additionally, on the morning of November 25, a telephone meeting between Prime Minister TAKAICHI and President Trump took place, and the Prime Minister informed the press that strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance and the situation in the Indo-Pacific region were brought up. First, could you share your views on these two meetings? Second, please tell us whether you have any plans to hold a meeting, including a telephone meeting, with your counterpart, Secretary of State Rubio at this point.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: First, regarding the sequence of events, Prime Minister TAKAICHI returned to Japan late last night and held the telephone meeting today. Since the Prime Minister had just come back from the G20 Summit, I believe this was also an opportunity to brief the President about the summit. Japan and the U.S. regularly maintain communication at various levels on a wide range of areas. As part of such communication, Prime Minister TAKAICHI held a telephone meeting with President Trump this morning, shortly after returning to Japan. That is my understanding.

I have been informed that, during the meeting, President Trump made an explanation on the latest situation of U.S.-China relations, including the recent U.S.-China summit meeting.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister TAKAICHI explained about the G20 Summit, among other matters, as I mentioned at the outset. I believe it was very meaningful that the two leaders affirmed that they would continue working closely in the current international situation.

I intend to continue communications with Secretary Rubio, but no specific details have been decided as of now, including the date of a telephone meeting. In any case, I will work closely with our ally, the U.S., at multiple levels, including with Secretary Rubio.

Kyodo News, SAKAGUCHI: I have a follow-up question. Following the meeting between the U.S. and Chinese leaders, President Trump remarked that the U.S.-China relationship is extremely strong, and the Chinese side stated that the U.S. recognizes the importance of the issue surrounding Taiwan. Was there any exchange of views or did the discussion touch upon these points during the Japan-U.S. telephone meeting this morning? Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Prime Minister TAKAICHI has already outlined to the press the outcome of the Japan-U.S. summit telephone talk, so I will refrain from making any further comment.

Asahi Shimbun, MIYAWAKI: I would like to ask about China’s intensifying appeals to the international community regarding the Prime Minister’s responses in the Diet on a Taiwan contingency. China has been intensifying its criticism of Japan on the international stage through, for example, conveying its concerns during the U.S.-China telephone talk, sending a letter, as mentioned earlier in Sankei Shimbun’s question, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi criticizing Japan during his visit to Central Asia. Japan is responding by sending a letter of rebuttal through Mr. YAMAZAKI, Ambassador of Japan to the UN, among other measures. How does the Government of Japan intend to reach out to the international community in response to these moves by China on the global stage?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I mentioned earlier that Japan posted information in response to China’s assertions. In connection with the letter China sent to Secretary-General Guterres, Ambassador YAMAZAKI sent a letter to the Secretary-General to explain Japan’s position. It is not our intention to counter every statement made by China. Rather, we believe that any statements that are inconsistent with the facts should be corrected.

If I may repeat what I have stated before, naturally there are concerns and issues between Japan and China. However, precisely because there are concerns and issues, it is essential to reduce them through dialogue, increase areas where we can work together, and broaden mutual understanding and cooperation.

Yomiuri Shimbun, UEMURA: My question slightly overlaps with Asahi Shimbun’s question. Over the past several weeks, China has stepped up its information dissemination targeting Japan, both domestically and internationally, escalating so-called cognitive warfare and propaganda warfare activities. What are your thoughts on the Government of Japan’s policies and the importance of its efforts in the field of strategic communication, as well as so-called public diplomacy, in response to China’s recent moves? Please also share with us how Japan will work to prevent unfavorable reports or negative perceptions of Japan from being created, particularly overseas. Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: It is essential to disseminate accurate understandings to strengthen our communication efforts to ensure a clear understanding of Japan’s position. I myself am making all possible efforts towards that direction.

As I have been stating, we believe it is necessary to squarely counter and provide information in response to any assertions that are inconsistent with the facts, and this goes beyond China.

While actively providing information to foreign media and international experts, and collecting and analyzing information on developments in the information space, we aim to promote strategic public diplomacy, including by using social media effectively.

There are already people who hold a very favorable view of Japan, and I believe it is extremely important to broaden this foundation. From this perspective, we would like to continue providing information on Japan’s attractiveness. I am not sure if the wording “friends of our country” is appropriate, but we will further enlarge the circle of “Japan’s friends” who have a very positive view of our country. We will make fundamental efforts to fully carry out public diplomacy, which is also linked to cultural diplomacy.

NHK, YAMAMOTO: I would like to ask about the trilateral summit among Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea (ROK). Yesterday, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China stated that the Japanese leader openly made erroneous remarks on the Taiwan issue, which have damaged the foundation and atmosphere for trilateral cooperation, showing a negative attitude toward the summit. Japan will be chairing the meeting. What is your outlook on the prospects for holding the summit?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: First, Japan remains open to various forms of dialogue with China. This remains unchanged.

I believe the remarks made by the spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry of China are incompatible with the broad direction to comprehensively promote a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and building “constructive and stable Japan-China relations,” which was confirmed between the leaders. Japan will chair the next Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit. At this stage, the date has not been decided. Japan will continue to communicate appropriately with both China and the ROK.

Reuters, Kelly: I would like to ask about Japan-China relations. Neither President Trump nor Secretary Rubio hast expressed support for Japan yet. What are your thoughts on this situation? Does this come as a surprise to you? Do you have any concerns?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: If I may, could you repeat your question one more time?

Reuters, Kelly: Neither President Trump nor Secretary Rubio has expressed support for Japan yet. What are your thoughts on this situation? Is this surprising? Are there concerns?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Excuse me, but could you clarify support for Japan’s what, exactly?

Reuters, Kelly: On the issue of Japan-China relations and diplomacy, Ambassador Glass has expressed support for Japan through Twitter and various other platforms. However, neither President Trump nor Secretary Rubio has said anything. They have made no comments on X or Threads and have not expressed support for Japan on this issue. What are your thoughts on this?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Japan, for example, has various diplomatic relations with a range of countries. Some countries have very good relations with us, while others have issues on which our opinions differ. As I recall, neither the White House nor the Department of State has commented on whether they support each and every issue or not.