Press Conferences

Sankei Shimbun, NAGAHARA: Prime Minister TAKAICHI will hold a meeting with Prime Minister Tusk of Poland tomorrow, April 15. Japan has affirmed its solidarity with Europe on successive occasions, including the Japan-France “2+2” meeting held on April 1, in conjunction with President Macron’s visit to Japan. Can you once again explain the importance of Japan-Europe cooperation? In addition, a G7 Summit will be held in France in June, but a Japanese Prime Minister has not visited Europe since before former Prime Minister ISHIBA. While visits by European leaders continue, please share your views on the importance of the Japanese Prime Minister visiting Europe and engaging in direct communication.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: As I have reiterated many times, the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable, and Japan considers it extremely important to strengthen cooperation with Europe, from the perspective of peace and stability in the international community and Japan’s national interests.

Against this backdrop, a Japan-France “2+2” meeting was held on the occasion of President Macron’s recent visit to Japan, and the two sides confirmed to further strengthen cooperation in both diplomatic and defense spheres.

This year, I visited Germany for the Munich Security Conference as well as France for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. We will continue to engage in communication with European leaders and foreign ministers by seizing various opportunities, including the Japan-Poland Summit Meeting tomorrow, April 15, and the G7 Evian Summit in June, as you mentioned.

Kyodo News, ONDA: I would like to ask about the situation in Iran. The U.S. Central Command announced that it would implement a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports from yesterday. Iranian military authorities have condemned this as an act of piracy, and there is a possibility of clashes in the Strait of Hormuz. I would like to ask for your assessment of the negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Regarding the U.S. announcement you mentioned, as I have already responded repeatedly in the Diet today, I would like to refrain from going into further details. The situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz is an important issue not only for Japan but also for the international community as a whole. Japan believes that it is essential to ensure the freedom and safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.

The situation is changing day by day. While closely monitoring these developments, Japan will continue to make the utmost diplomatic efforts, in coordination with the international community, to ensure that vessels of all countries, including Japan, can navigate the Strait of Hormuz freely and safely.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: What is Japan’s official position on the recent presidential election in Myanmar that was reportedly done peacefully with the existence of international observers? Do you plan to send your ambassador back to Myanmar, and also what are prospects for Japan’s future relations with Myanmar?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I am aware that Myanmar’s Assembly of the Union announced the election of Min Aung Hlaing as President on April 3.

I would like to refrain from commenting on the internal affairs of another country. That said, Japan believes that working toward political progress, such as the cessation of violence, the release of those who are detained, and sincere dialogue among the parties concerned, as well as working toward improving people’s lives are essential to improve the situation in Myanmar.

Regarding the Government of Japan’s policy, including the possible dispatch of an ambassador as you asked, we do not believe that we should comment at this stage, given that the future situation in Myanmar remains uncertain. We believe that it is necessary to continue to closely monitor the situation while strengthening our efforts and engagement toward the democratization of Myanmar.

We are taking such an approach toward the Government of Myanmar. At the same time, under the consistent policy to support the people of Myanmar in difficulties, Japan intends to continue providing humanitarian assistance and support for improving people’s lives in a manner that directly benefits the people of Myanmar.

Okinawa Times, TAMANAHA: A declassified U.S. document has revealed that, during the Japan-U.S. consultation in August 2000 regarding the deployment of U.S. Marine Corps CH-53D large transport helicopters to MCAS Iwakuni, the Government of Japan opposed the deployment, stating to the U.S. that it would undermine the critical premise for Okinawa’s acceptance of the relocation of MCAS Futenma within Okinawa. How does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assess the outcome of this consultation? Second, the Government of Japan has explained the reason for stationing the Marine Corps in Okinawa in terms of the need for “integrated air-ground operations.” Could you please once again explain how you understand “integrated air-ground operations”?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I have consistently refrained from commenting on each and every communication between Japan and the U.S.

That being said, the Governments of Japan and the U.S. have repeatedly confirmed that relocation to Henoko is the only solution to the issue surrounding MCAS Futenma. We believe that steadily proceeding with construction under this policy will lead to the total return of MCAS Futenma as early as possible and to the elimination of its dangers.

The Government will continue to make every effort to realize the earliest possible full return of MCAS Futenma and to mitigate the burden on local communities, while providing careful explanations to the local residents.

As for “integrated air-ground operations,” we believe that, in order to maintain the readiness and mobility of the U.S. Marine Corps stationed in Japan and to enable a rapid initial response, it is important to establish a system that allows for the swift transport of ground units by locating ground and air units in close geographic proximity.

Sankei Shimbun, NAGAHARA: In connection with the intrusion incident that took place on the premises of the Embassy of China in Japan, suspect MURATA Kodai from the Ground Self-Defense Force was rearrested today. Could you please share your thoughts on this incident once again? In addition, while some opposition parties are calling for an apology from Japan regarding this incident, IZUMI Kenta, House of Representatives member from the Centrist Reform Alliance, has raised objection, pointing out that when anti-Japanese protests occurred, China did not issue an apology and limited its response to expressions of regret. I would like to ask for your views whether the Government of Japan should apologize over the situation. Could you also tell us, to the extent that you are aware, how China responded in past cases in which the Embassy of Japan suffered damage.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I am aware of the rearrest.

It goes without saying that Japan ensures the safety of foreign diplomatic missions and diplomats in Japan, including the Embassy of China in Tokyo, in accordance with relevant international law and domestic laws and regulations. It is regrettable that this intrusion incident occurred, and we believe it should never have happened.

As for your question regarding cases in which Japanese diplomatic missions in China suffered damage—for example, following the protests that occurred in China in September 2012, I understand that a Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson stated that the Government of China ensures the safety of foreign institutions and nationals in China in accordance with the law, and that it would appropriately handle related issues in light of the specific circumstances.

Chugoku Shimbun, KOBAYASHI: Regarding the Government of Japan’s arrangements for the NPT Review Conference, you mentioned at a recent press conference that nothing had been decided at that time. Could you update us on the status of those arrangements?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: There has been no decision at this stage.

That being said, as the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings during war, Japan intends to continue advancing realistic and practical efforts to maintain and strengthen the NPT regime, in close coordination with the international community, and to play an active role at the NPT Review Conference toward achieving a world without nuclear weapons.