Press Conferences

Sankei Shimbun, Harakawa: I would like to ask about the Memorandum of Cooperation on Countering Foreign Information Manipulation, which was just signed between Japan and the U.S. What specifically will cooperation between Japan and the U.S. entail? According to the press release, the two countries “aim to improve capacities to counter foreign information manipulation,” but what specifically are these capacities to jointly counter? In addition, please tell us what kind of information manipulation by foreign countries does it have in mind.

Ms. KOBAYASHI Maki, Press Secretary: At this year’s G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the G7 Hiroshima Summit as well, we shared deep concern about the information manipulation including disinformation by foreign countries, and recognized that this is something we should address with a sense of urgency.

Japan has shared such recognition in consultations with NATO, the EU, the UK, and France, and among Japan, the U.S., and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

We consider that it is important to improve capacities to counter at each stage of detecting, analyzing, and then responding to such information manipulation. The memorandum of cooperation confirms information exchange to that end, and the direction of our broad cooperation.

We believe that by cooperating with countries that share our concerns, our capacities to counter will be more effective against disinformation in general. Currently, various countries truly sense the threat of disinformation. Since it is a global and extremely complex issue, we think that the appropriate sharing of our respective information and experiences to deepen our understanding will enable us to improve capacities to counter the threat.

I think that we should consider flexibly when assuming cases.

It is important to consider and prepare for a variety of scenarios, so rather than assuming a specific case, we will continue to explore various cases and the way to respond.

NHK, Igarashi: I have related questions. Please share with us what subjects were discussed at today’s meeting with the Under Secretary of State. The Under Secretary of State mentioned the ALPS treated water from Fukushima. Did you discuss that matter? In addition, I believe this memorandum of cooperation on disinformation agreed upon by Japan and the U.S. is the first such memorandum between two countries. Could you tell us Japan’s intention to counter disinformation, including exchanges of such memorandum with other countries in the future.

Press Secretary Kobayashi: As to whether there is anything else specifically, there is not, but as I mentioned earlier, we affirmed the importance of cooperation with countries that share concerns about countering disinformation on various occasions. Since the Charlevoix Summit in 2018, the G7 has shared an understanding on the importance of cooperation, including information sharing, and we have also had various exchanges of views bilaterally.

NHK, Igarashi: I would like to ask about the details of the discussion.

Press Secretary Kobayashi: Since this was a kick-off meeting, the discussion was not very long. This time, we signed the memorandum of cooperation that specifically confirms the direction of our cooperation. We shared the view that, based on this memorandum, we will make opportunities for detailed discussion to produce concrete outcomes while considering areas and arrangements for concrete cooperation to improve capacities for countering at various stages.

Your previous question was also about the details, so I repeat that we discussed about appropriately sharing information on each party’s detection activities, conducting analysis, carefully confirming and comparing with each other, and how we should respond, including technical matters, institutional issues, and how to actually carry out a response, we discussed the direction of our cooperation on such a very wide range of topics.

Mainichi Shimbun, Murao: I would like to change the subject. At a press conference on April 4, U.S. National Security Advisor Sullivan stated that the U.S. and its allies are considering a response by multinational force to attacks by the Houthis. In the area, the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) have already dispatched ships and patrol aircraft to the area to counter piracy and gather information, and it seems that Japan is taking action due to the importance of the sea lanes there. What will be Japan’s response to such a call from the U.S. side? And how does Japan see the problem and what considerations are being made?

Press Secretary Kobayashi: Generally speaking, as you just mentioned, on safeguarding Japanese commercial vessels, Japan has been working closely with the international community, including the forces of other countries, and appropriately conducting counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, while ensuring the safety of our forces. Coordinating with the relevant ministries and agencies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work closely with countries concerned to ensure the stable use of the sea lanes in the Middle East.

I am aware of reports regarding statements by National Security Advisor Sullivan that you asked about. The Government of Japan has been calling on all parties to restrain themselves from any actions that would impede the free and safe passage of vessels.

I will refrain from commenting on the details, but in light of the recent incident, we are communicating with the countries concerned, including the U.S., in order to ensure safe navigation. As I mentioned earlier, ensuring the stable use of the sea lanes in this region is an extremely important matter for Japan, so we intend to continue to work closely with the countries concerned through various interactions.