Press Conferences

Kyodo News, ONDA: I would like to ask about the protest lodged by China. The Embassy of China in Japan announced that, on July 13, Deputy Chief of Mission Shi Yong lodged a strong protest with Director-General KANAI of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan over the joint statement issued by 14 countries, including Japan, the U.S., and the Philippines, regarding the tenth anniversary of the Arbitral Tribunal’s award. While Japan maintains its position of being open to dialogue with China, the Chinese side has repeatedly lodged protests and issued condemnations, and no constructive dialogue has yet taken place between the two countries. Some point out that, with exchanges between Japan and China largely limited to protests and few opportunities for dialogue, these circumstances could lead to an unforeseen security situation. I would like to ask about your views on the importance of communication amid deteriorating Japan-China relations.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: We are aware of the announcement you mentioned. Japan has, as appropriate, explained its position to the Chinese side numerous times, including that the award rendered by the Philippines-China Arbitral Tribunal is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute.

That being said, Japan’s policy of comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” with China and building “constructive and stable Japan-China relations” has remained consistent.

Precisely because there are concerns, it is all the more important for Japan and China to communicate with each other. It is as you mentioned. As I have stated previously, Japan remains open to a range of dialogues with China. Japan intends to maintain communication with China and to continue responding calmly and appropriately in consideration of its national interests.

Financial Times, Lewis: Secretary Marco Rubio has reportedly used strong language regarding U.S. plans to dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC). There are also reports that the U.S. intends to put pressure on countries that support the ICC to withdraw that support. Our questions are as follows: Does the Government of Japan anticipate pressure from the U.S. to withdraw its support for the ICC? Does Japan have any current plans to withdraw its support for the ICC? Lastly, does the Government of Japan have a public message of support for the ICC at this time?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: We are aware that Secretary of State Rubio announced that the U.S. Government will eliminate the ICC’s threat using all the tools at its disposal, stating that the ICC poses a threat to U.S. sovereignty and its citizens.

Japan attaches importance to the eradication and prevention of serious crimes and the thorough enforcement of the rule of law. In line with this stance, Japan has consistently supported the ICC, a permanent international criminal court.

We are closely monitoring developments following the U.S. announcement with concern. In any case, taking into account U.S. actions and other developments going forward, the Government of Japan intends to address the matter appropriately while maintaining communication with the ICC, the U.S., and other States Parties.