Press Conferences

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I would like to ask about the strikes against the Houthis, a pro-Iran group in Yemen, by the United States and the United Kingdom. What is the Government’s view on the legal justification of the strikes by their militaries on January 22, following the ones that took place on the 12th? In addition, in the Statement by the Press Secretary issued yesterday, it is expressed that Japan understands that this action was a measure for preventing the further deterioration of the situation. What response will Japan take to prevent a deterioration of the situation?

Ms. KOBAYASHI Maki, Press Secretary: First, regarding the legal assessment of the strikes, Japan is not a direct party and is not in a position to understand the facts in detail. Therefore, we would like to refrain from making any definitive legal assessment. In any case, Japan understands that the strikes by the U.S. and the UK were a measure for preventing the further deterioration of the situation in the waters around the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in the Red Sea.

On Japan’s response to prevent the deterioration of the situation, we cannot tolerate any actions that impede the free and safe navigation of vessels, including the “seizure” of a Japan-related vessel by the Houthis, and we firmly condemn such actions. At the same time, in cooperation with the U.S. and other relevant countries, we have been working to stop further obstructive behavior by the Houthis, including persistently approaching the parties concerned, neighboring countries, and other parties.

We will continue to work closely with the international community, including the forces of other countries, to appropriately conduct counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden. We will also continue our close coordination and cooperation with relevant countries to contribute to the stabilization of the surrounding waters, including the Red Sea.