Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs:I will visit the Independent State of Samoa and the Republic of Fiji from February 9 to 12. This will be the first visit to Samoa by a Japanese Foreign Minister since it gained independence in 1962. In addition, in Fiji, I will attend the Fifth Ministerial Interim Meeting of the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, or PALM, as co-chair.

Regarding the Tenth PALM, it was announced today that it will be held in Tokyo from July 16 to 18. I hope to assist summit diplomacy through the Ministerial Interim Meeting I will be attending by following up on the outcomes made since the previous PALM and conducting discussions to prepare for the next PALM.

Japan launched PALM in 1997 as a forum to discuss cooperation for the future with the Pacific Island region. A special bond connects Japan and the region, as exemplified using the Japanese term “kizuna” to describe the relationship.

Ahead of this visit, I received a courtesy call from a group of ambassadors from Pacific Island countries on January 31, as part of my outreach diplomacy in Japan. We concurred to cooperate with each other for the success of PALM-related meetings.

Pacific Island countries are increasing in geopolitical importance and constitute a key region both for the security of Japan and for realizing the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” based on the rule of law.

Through this visit, I will seek to strengthen the relationship of trust founded on shared values and principles, such as the rule of law and democracy. Furthermore, we plan to exchange views on climate change and Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

On the occasion of this visit, I also plan to hold bilateral meetings with the individual countries and discuss bilateral relations and regional affairs.

That is all from me.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama:I have a question about PALM in your opening remarks. There is concern over China’s growing influence in South Pacific Island countries, including China’s conclusion of a security agreement with the Solomon Islands in 2022 and the announcement of Nauru’s severance of diplomatic relations with Taiwan on January 15. Some note that the island countries are caught in the middle between the U.S. and China, the latter of which has been rising militarily by providing economic assistance to the region. At the Ministerial Interim Meeting and PALM, how will Japan reach out to the participating countries regarding their relationship with China?

Minister Kamikawa:PALM and its Ministerial Interim Meeting are forums for Japan and the Pacific Island countries and regions to conduct wide-ranging discussions toward strengthening their cooperative relations based on the international community and the changes in regional affairs. They were not designed with any particular third country in mind.

At the PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting, the two sides will seek to strengthen their relationship of trust based on shared values and principles, such as the rule of law and democracy, while sufficiently considering the importance of the region.

Under this approach, I will also make use of the opportunities for bilateral meetings with individual countries during my visit and exchange candid views with Pacific Island countries on regional affairs.

Mainichi Shimbun, Murao: I would like to ask about the buoy in the East China Sea. At yesterday’s divisional meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP), members shared the view that Japan should demand China remove the buoy as soon as possible and, if it cannot, that Japan should remove it. Could you please tell us about the response of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially your opinion on the possibility of Japan removing it?

Minister Kamikawa:Prime Minister Kishida has been directly demanding President Xi Jinping to remove the buoy immediately, while I have been doing the same with Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Japan deplores that the buoy has not been removed to date despite our demands.

Japan will continue to seize all opportunities to strongly urge China to remove the buoy immediately. In addition, we will carry out necessary monitoring and surveillance, and gather information in the waters where the buoy is located, as well as conduct an investigation and analysis from a variety of angles.

Japan takes seriously the fact that China has left the buoy as it is. With regard to responses such as the removal or relocation of the buoy and Japan’s installation of buoys, we will implement feasible and effective responses after conducting careful consideration in coordination with the relevant ministries and agencies. When doing so, we will also consider the rights and obligations of the countries concerned in the relevant waters, Japanese laws and regulations, and the buoy’s potential impact on ship traffic and Japan’s fishing activities.

Furthermore, on January 29, the Japan Coast Guard spotted a buoy-like floating object in Japan’s exclusive economic zone in the East China Sea, which was different from the buoy spotted last July.

As a result of our investigation, it was found that “China ocean monitoring” was written on the surface of the floating object. In this light, yesterday, Japan once again strongly urged China through diplomatic channels to immediately remove the buoy it has installed and requested China to explain the facts concerning the floating object.

Sankei Shimbun, Harakawa:I have a question concerning China-Taiwan relations. On January 30, China’s aviation authorities announced that the civilian aircraft route that is set near the median line in the Taiwan Strait will be changed from February 1, which will shift aircraft flights closer to Taiwan. Taiwan has condemned China’s unilateral change to the status quo, stating that it raises flight safety concerns. China may be putting pressure on Taiwan in response to its recent presidential election that made the Democratic Progressive Party’s continued rule certain. What is the Government of Japan’s opinion on this Chinese move?

Minister Kamikawa:We are aware of the relevant announcements you just noted.

Japan has consistently taken the position that ensuring the safety of civilian aircraft is of paramount importance.

From this perspective, we strongly expect that this matter will be resolved appropriately through dialogue between the parties.

Kyodo News, Hidema:I would like to ask about the Middle East situation. According to U.S. media reports, the U.S. Biden administration has approved an operation to attack pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the death of three U.S. personnel in the drone attack on a U.S. military facility in Jordan. If the U.S. goes through with the attack, further destabilization of the Middle East situation is inevitable. What is your view on the ongoing tense situation in the Middle East? President Biden has strictly ordered the retaliation. Is Japan’s position to support the retaliatory attacks by the U.S. forces? Please share with us your opinion.

Minister Kamikawa:First, we are aware from the U.S. Government’s announcement that a drone attack was carried out on January 27 against U.S. forces stationed in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border, which killed three U.S. service members and wounded many people. Japan strongly condemns such attacks.

I express my deepest condolences to the U.S. Government, the victims, and their families and pray that the wounded recover as quickly as possible.

While I am aware of the remarks by U.S. President Biden that you referred to, at this time I would like to refrain from commenting on future U.S. actions, and the like.

That being said, Japan is communicating closely with the U.S. and other countries concerned regarding the situation across the Middle East with serious concern and on high guard. We will continue to persistently and actively make diplomatic efforts toward calming down the situation surrounding the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, preventing spillover, and stabilizing the region.

NHK, Igarashi:I have a question related to the Middle East situation. Commissioner-General Lazzarini of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which is providing assistance in the Gaza Strip, issued a statement on February 1, stating that a total of USD 440 million of funding has been suspended so far, making it most likely that UNRWA will be forced to shut down its operations by the end of this month not only in Gaza but also across the Middle East. Please share with us the thoughts and position of Japan, which is one of the major donor countries to UNRWA.

Minister Kamikawa:Japan is extremely concerned about the recent allegations about UNRWA staff members. The United Nations (UN) is going to conduct an investigation into the matter and consider measures to address the allegations. As such Japan has decided to suspend additional funds to UNRWA for the time being.

Many UNRWA staff members have been dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza. UNRWA is an international organization that plays a crucial role in providing services such as health and medical care, education, and welfare to Palestine refugees.

Japan is strongly urging UNRWA to take appropriate measures, including strengthening governance within UNRWA, so that UNRWA can firmly fulfill the role it should play. At the same time, Japan will continue to actively provide humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in the region, including the Gaza Strip, through funding for other international organizations, such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Anadolu Agency, Mercan:I would like to ask about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Approximately 27,000 innocent civilians have lost their lives as a result of Israel’s attacks against Gaza. Could you please explain the Government of Japan’s latest position regarding the decision against Israel announced by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Netherlands? Is the Government of Japan concerned that suspending funding to UNRWA may cause hunger in the Gaza Strip?

Minister Kamikawa: I issued a statement the day after the ICJ delivered its Order on the provisional measures you mentioned.

As I stated in the statement, while the ICJ has not made a determination for the present time on whether Israel is in violation of the Genocide Convention, it indicates in the Order, inter alia, that Israel shall take measures to prevent genocide and its incitement, and take measures to enable the provision of humanitarian assistance. The order of provisional measures of the ICJ, the principal international judicial organ of the UN, is legally binding on the parties to the dispute, and to be observed in good faith. Additionally, the ICJ has referred to the compliance with international humanitarian law and the release of the hostages. Japan also has unequivocally condemned the terror attacks by Hamas and others, urged the immediate release of the hostages, and has urged Israel to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, in exercising its right to defend itself and its people.

As a country that attaches great importance to the rule of law in the international community, Japan avails this opportunity to reiterate its support for the ICJ’s role in this regard.

Japan will continue to urge all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and to act in good faith based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and will persistently and actively continue its diplomatic efforts toward the immediate release of the hostages, improvement of the humanitarian situation, and calming down the situation as soon as possible.

Freelance, Shiba:I would like to ask about the Middle East situation. Does the Government know whether Israel’s attacks on Gaza have caused any damage to schools, hospitals, or other infrastructure funded by Japan? Attacking facilities financed by Japanese public funds is a violation of international humanitarian law. Please tell us if Japan intends to hold Israel accountable for this. At this time, the Government of Japan has presently not held Israel accountable for attacking hospitals and schools and violating international humanitarian law. On the other hand, Japan suspended funding to UNRWA on the pretext of allegations about several of its staff members’ involvement in the terror attack by Hamas and others. It is considered that the responses are very one-sided and imbalanced. Please share with us the details and your opinion.

Minister Kamikawa:First, there was a question on damages to facilities funded by Japan.

In order to advance peacebuilding by promoting a self-sustained economy and society, Japan has provided various forms of cooperation to Palestine, including support for the construction of schools, health centers, and wastewater treatment plants. Given the current situation, it is challenging to visit the facilities constructed with Japanese funding and conduct an immediate investigation into the state of the damages. When circumstances allow, we intend to appropriately verify the damages.

With Israel, Japan has been emphasizing the importance of protecting not only civilian facilities funded by Japan but also civilians, and calling for actions that are in line with international law, including international humanitarian law.

With regard to the temporary suspension of funding to UNRWA, Japan is extremely concerned about the recent allegations about UNRWA staff members. The UN is going to conduct an investigation into the matter and consider measures to address the allegations. As such Japan has decided to suspend additional funds to UNRWA for the time being.

Many UNRWA staff members have been dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza. UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing services such as health and medical care, education, and welfare to Palestine refugees. Japan is strongly urging UNRWA to take appropriate measures, including strengthening governance within UNRWA, so that UNRWA can firmly fulfill the role it should play. At the same time, Japan will continue to make active efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip through funding for other international organizations, such as WFP and the IFRC.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama:I would like to ask about LDP Vice-President Aso’s remarks. At your last press conference after the cabinet meeting, you commented that you were “grateful” for Mr. Aso’s remarks about you. Some people wished that you had firmly protested as a female public figure in the positions of Diet member and Foreign Minister. I am well aware that the person who made the remarks was Mr. Aso, but even so, as a minister who has advocated the importance of integrating women’s perspectives into politics, could you tell us if you consider Mr. Aso’s remarks to be appropriate? You are also named as one of the candidates for the first female Japanese Prime Minister. Please share your thoughts again in this context.

Minister Kamikawa:Regarding the wording of my response to the question the other day, I would like you to understand me correctly.

Ever since I was elected for the first time in 2000, I have sought to fulfill my responsibilities as a politician based on my beliefs and convictions.

Now, I have been directly reaching out to leaders around the world and working steadfastly to implement the resolution on WPS adopted by the UN Security Council in 2000, which calls for mainstreaming WPS and embedding it into society.

I realize that there are various views and ways of thinking in society. My aspiration is to fulfill my present responsibilities with a sense of mission and unwavering dedication, without being swayed by momentary highs or lows and, like my senior Dr. OGATA Sadako, whom I respect, do so while keeping focused and working diligently.