Press Conferences

Sankei Shimbun, NAGAHARA: About one week has passed since the Government of China notified the Government of Japan that it would stop accepting import applications for Japanese aquatic products for the foreseeable future. Some have pointed out that China may even suspend exports of rare earths and other minerals. Aren’t there any problems with the current distribution of rare earths? What countermeasures is the Government of Japan considering in the event that China suspends rare earth exports?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: Regarding the current distribution of rare earths, please direct your question to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

In any case, Japan will continue to closely monitor various developments and take necessary measures.

Nikkei Shimbun, HORIKOSHI: I would like to ask about the move to strengthen the regulation on the international trade of eels. A committee of the CITES CoP was convened on November 27. The European Union (EU) proposed a draft to tighten international trade of all eel species, including Anguilla japonica. However, Japan has consistently opposed this proposal. The proposal ended up being rejected, with a majority of countries voting against it along the lines of Japan’s position. First, I would like to hear your thoughts on this outcome. In the committee, 100 votes were cast against the proposal. How do you assess the reason that Japan’s position was supported by those countries? Could you share what Japan focused on in its diplomatic efforts?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: In the committee, Japan’s position received broad support from many countries, and it led to a very positive outcome.

The proposal targeted all species of eel regardless of their stock status, including Anguilla japonica, which is not at risk of extinction due to international trade. The Government of Japan has been working as one in carefully explaining to the countries that the proposal lacked scientific evidence. I believe that these explanations, along with favorable bilateral relations with Japan, contributed to the support we received, leading many countries to vote against the proposal.

Since assuming the office of Foreign Minister, I have continued to explain Japan’s position to various countries on such occasions as foreign ministers’ meetings. I understand the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries conducted its own outreach, and Japan’s diplomatic missions also engaged in outreach through their respective channels. I believe the outcome was the result of these fine-tuned diplomatic efforts.

Japan will continue to make efforts with a sense of urgency until the outcome of the vote is reported at the plenary meeting of the CITES CoP on December 5 and a final decision is made.

Ryukyu Shimpo, JAHANA: My question concerns unilateral patrols conducted by the U.S. military police in Okinawa to enforce an order under the liberty policy. It has been found that the military police detained a foreign civilian man who is not a military personnel. Is it legally permissible for the U.S. military to exercise police authority over a civilian in Japan? It has also been reported that, when this man asked, “Can you randomly detain a Japanese citizen?” the military police responded, “Yes.” Could you please share your thoughts on this matter? In the wake of this incident, does Japan plan to make any request to the U.S. side?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I am aware of the reports you referred to. However, we are currently confirming the facts with the U.S. side, and I would like to refrain from responding at this time. The U.S. side is also currently in the process of confirming the facts.

Kyodo News, SAKAGUCHI: My question is related to the first question on Japan-China relations. It is about MOFA’s social media posts. I understand that MOFA has continued to counter China’s assertions using social media, and there was another rebuttal yesterday regarding the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. First, what is the purpose behind these posts? China is expected to continue taking similar countermeasures, often described as “information warfare.” How does the Government of Japan intend to deal with them? Additionally, there are concerns that an exchange of criticisms could further intensify the Japan-China confrontation. I would also like to ask how you intend to balance MOFA’s social media activities with efforts to improve relations with China. Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: There is the question of whether the word “counter” is appropriate or not, but MOFA communicated accurate information because the Embassy of China in Tokyo posted unfounded criticism on social media regarding such matters as Japan’s Three Non-Nuclear Principles.

I believe that the Government needs to closely follow the situation and accurately convey the facts if any statements made by the Chinese side are inconsistent with the facts.

The Japanese side remains open to various forms of dialogue with China. There is no change in our stance to reduce the issues and concerns and increase mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and respond appropriately.

CGTN, TERASHIMA: In the party leaders’ debate, Prime Minister TAKAICHI responded that Japan has renounced all rights under the San Francisco Peace Treaty and is therefore “not in a position to recognize Taiwan’s legal status.” Does this also mean that Japan does not recognize China’s sovereignty over Taiwan? Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: In accordance with the San Francisco Peace Treaty, Japan has renounced all right, title, and claim to Taiwan and is not in a position to make an independent judgment on the legal status of Taiwan. The Government of Japan’s basic position on Taiwan is as articulated in the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique. There is nothing more or less to it.

Asian News International, ITAGAKI: H.E. Ms. Mallick has assumed the post of India’s Ambassador to Japan. She arrived from Poland and her résumé indicates that she has deep ties with Africa, having served as Ambassador to Tunisia and engaged in work related to Africa. I personally think that her background aligns very well with the initiatives being promoted by Japan and other countries, such as the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) and the “Economic Region Initiative of Indian Ocean-Africa.” Meanwhile, the date for the next QUAD Leaders’ Meeting in India has yet to be decided. While I understand that there are various circumstances, could you share your views on the recent developments and the situation as well as your future outlook?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I believe H.E. Mr. George, former Ambassador of India to Japan, was actively engaged in his duties. The newly appointed Ambassador also has extensive experience, including her tenure as Ambassador to Tunisia and various duties related to Africa. India is an important partner for the realization of FOIP. With India, Japan intends to advance mutually complementary cooperation by drawing on each other’s strengths in wide-ranging areas, including through QUAD and the “Economic Region Initiative of Indian Ocean-Africa” that you mentioned, and I sincerely wish the new Ambassador great success in her role. While the date for the next QUAD Leaders’ Meeting is not decided at this time, Japan will continue advancing practical cooperation with India for the realization of FOIP.

Independent Web Journal, HAMAMOTO: I would like to ask about the Japan-China Joint Communique. Mr. MAGOSAKI Ukeru, former Director-General of the Intelligence and Analysis Service Bureau of MOFA, has stated that “the Japan-China Joint Communique has a causal relationship. The Chinese side renounced its claims for war reparations in exchange for stating in the Joint Communique that Japan fully understands and respects China’s position on the Taiwan issue. By ignoring this important commitment and abandoning the part about respect, Japan is becoming a country that violates good faith.” He also stated that “MOFA should bear the responsibility for explaining this commitment to Prime Minister TAKAICHI.” How do you perceive Mr. MAGOSAKI’s remarks? Please also share your views on the significance of the Japan-China Joint Communique, which was agreed upon following extremely tough negotiations by the TANAKA Kakuei Cabinet and other Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) predecessors to forge a cooperative bilateral relationship between Japan and China. Furthermore, does the TAKAICHI administration consider that the issue of China-Taiwan unification to be an internal matter under the “one China” policy or an issue that would require Japan’s military intervention with the U.S. to prevent the annexation of Taiwan, and that Japan would not rule out war with China? Please choose between these two positions. Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I appreciate your understanding that it is difficult to answer one or the other on certain matters.

Additionally, we at MOFA seek to present consistent views, including remarks made by current directors-general, senior officials, and ambassadors. Meanwhile, critics and various other individuals, including former ministry officials, express their views almost daily in various media such as magazines, newspapers, and social media, and I would like to refrain from commenting on each and every statement or remark. Japan’s basic position on Taiwan is as articulated in the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique.

It remains Japan’s consistent position to expect that the issue surrounding Taiwan will be resolved peacefully by dialogue.

Hong Kong Phoenix TV, Li: I would like to follow up on your remarks about Japan-China relations. In 1972, Japan’s then-Foreign Minister OHIRA Masayoshi responded in the Diet that the Taiwan issue is basically China’s internal matter. Does the current TAKAICHI administration and the Government of Japan still uphold this position? Could you please clarify on this point? Also, the topic of the Japan-China Joint Communique was raised earlier, about which I have asked you several times. You have repeatedly stated that Japan’s position on the Taiwan issue has not changed. Could you explain specifically what has not changed? Please tell us whether Japan supports China’s assertion that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China.”

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Then-Foreign Minister OHIRA’s response is exactly as is stated. If you read the minutes, I believe you will gain an understanding on this matter. Japan’s position has been consistent and remains unchanged. There is nothing more or less to it.

CGTN, TERASHIMA: An economist has estimated that, if the deterioration in Japan-China relations continues through 2026, Japan’s tourism industry alone could face revenue losses of JPY 1.5 trillion. How do you assess these potential losses? Additionally, please tell us what diplomatic measures Japan intends to take to restore mutual trust and prevent further deterioration in Japan-China relations and Japan-China economic relations.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: If I may, you said an economist, in Japan’s tourism industry, JPY 1.5 trillion yen?

CGTN, TERASHIMA: According to an economist’s estimate, there may be JPY 1.5 trillion in losses.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Economist?

CGTN, TERASHIMA: An economist’s estimate.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: By economist, are you referring to a magazine?

CGTN, TERASHIMA: Sorry, I was referring to an individual economist. An economist at a securities company estimated that losses could reach JPY 1.5 trillion. Could you share your thoughts on this and what diplomatic measures Japan intends to take to restore mutual trust?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Various economists make various estimates, as you are aware. I would like to note that I am not in a position to assess the accuracy of those estimates.

That being said, as I have stated on several occasions, there are naturally a range of concerns and issues between neighboring countries. At the same time, there are areas where cooperation is possible. Therefore, it is extremely important to reduce the concerns and issues through dialogue, even slightly, while expanding mutual understanding and cooperation.

We believe that this aligns with the broad direction of comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and building “constructive and stable Japan-China relations” reaffirmed by Japan and China. Japan remains open to various forms of dialogue.

Phoenix TV, Li: Earlier, you mentioned that the Government of Japan’s position has been consistent. I understood this to mean that the issue of Taiwan is China’s internal matter. Is this understanding correct? Please also clarify the Government of Japan’s position on Taiwan’s independence.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: My understanding and yours may differ in certain respects.

Phoenix TV, Li: Could you clarify in what way they differ?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I will respond if you could be more specific.