Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: I would like to make one announcement at the outset. I will be attending the Munich Security Conference this weekend. From February 13 to February 16, I will visit Munich, Germany, and attend the Munich Security Conference.

At the conference, I will participate in a panel discussion on the theme of European and Indo-Pacific security. Through discussions with participants from various countries, I intend to clearly convey Japan’s foreign and security policy, which places importance on cooperation with our ally and like-minded countries, including the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP).

On this occasion, I will also be attending the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Amid the turbulent international situation, close communication and unity among the G7 members are of utmost importance. I intend to engage in candid exchanges of views on the major issues facing the international community and reaffirm the G7’s cooperation. In addition, we are currently arranging meetings with my counterparts, the foreign ministers of various countries on the margins of the meeting.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Kyodo News, ONDA: The House of Representatives election was held on February 8, and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won a landslide victory, securing two-thirds of the seats on its own. With the TAKAICHI administration having gained a stable political foundation, some have expressed hope for an improvement in Japan-China relations. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit the U.S. in March. How does Japan intend to approach its diplomacy going forward?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: In the run-up to the House of Representatives election, I traveled across the country to support the campaign, and emphasized responsible and proactive public finances, along with advancing a strong diplomatic and security policy amid the extremely severe international environment and the circumstances surrounding Japan. As the security environment surrounding both the international community and Japan has been becoming increasingly severe at an accelerating pace, I believe that a stable political foundation will serve as a major driving force for pursuing robust diplomacy.

In that sense, given the significant support we received in this election, I now feel that our responsibility going forward is all the greater. For my part, building on the relationships of trust and cooperation I have developed with my counterparts in various countries since last year, I intend to work even more proactively on deepening the Japan-U.S. Alliance, advancing multifaceted cooperation with like-minded countries, and strengthening relations with countries of the Global South.

At the same time, this year marks ten years since Japan proposed FOIP. We intend to robustly promote it as a pillar of Japan’s diplomacy and evolve FOIP itself in line with the changes of the times.

We received tremendous support in this election. In order to meet the expectations of the public, we will continue to pursue diplomacy unique to Japan, which will protect our national interests and enhance Japan’s presence in the international community—what I have emphasized as “vigorous diplomacy with a broad perspective.”

Deutsche Welle, Cheng Chung Lan: I have two questions. First, following the LDP’s stunning victory in the House of Representatives election, President Lai of Taiwan commented on X that he looked forward to the further deepening of Japan-Taiwan relations and to opportunities for cooperation. How does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) view this, and how will it respond? My second question concerns Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong’s Apple Daily. Mr. Lai was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment yesterday. This means it is highly likely that he will spend the rest of his life in prison, which is a serious blow. How does the Government of Japan view this judgement? Does it have any intention to align with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio in calling on the Chinese side to release Mr. Lai? Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: First, elections are determined by the votes of the Japanese electorate. That said, we are aware that many people in Taiwan have conveyed messages in various forms regarding the results of the House of Representatives election.

For Japan, Taiwan is an extremely crucial partner and an important friend, with which it shares fundamental values and enjoys close economic relations and people-to-people exchanges.

The Government of Japan will continue working toward further deepening cooperation and exchanges between Japan and Taiwan, based on our fundamental position to maintain a working relationship on a non-governmental basis.

Regarding the case of Mr. Jimmy Lai, we have grave concerns about the impact this case may have on the freedoms of speech, association, and assembly, which have underpinned the democratic and stable development that Hong Kong has enjoyed.

It is important that a free and open system is upheld and that democratic and stable development is ensured in Hong Kong. This has been Japan’s consistent position.

In Hong Kong, developments that undermine trust in the “One Country, Two Systems” framework continue, including the case in question. The Government of Japan will call on China and Hong Kong authorities to respect the rights and freedoms of the people in Hong Kong, and will also coordinate closely with the international community in pursuing such efforts.

Radio France, NISHIMURA: Please explain why the Japanese government does not view President Trump’s interference in Japan’s domestic affairs during the election period as a problem.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: It is as I responded in the earlier question.

Elections are conducted domestically. Each political party campaigns by advocating itspolicies on economic issues, social security issues, and foreign and security policy. I believe the outcome reflects the judgment of the people of Japan.