Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have an announcement.

In Myanmar, even three years after the coup d’état in February 2021, there is news about the killing and injuring of many innocent people due to fighting. It is very heartbreaking.

Ever since the coup d’état, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in Myanmar has continued to rise every year. The number has reached 18.6 million people, according to a report released by the United Nations (UN) last year. Japan has continuously provided various humanitarian assistance since immediately after the coup d’état. The Government has now decided to provide additional humanitarian assistance totaling approximately USD 37 million.

Specifically, through international organizations such as the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), and ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) as well as NGOs. The assistance will include medical services, improved nutrition for pregnant women and infants, water and sanitation infrastructure, access to education, food and medicine distribution, and support for women victims of trafficking in persons. The Government of Japan will closely determine the needs of the people of Myanmar who are facing difficulties and continue to stand by them.

In addition, the introduction of conscription was announced in February as the humanitarian situation deteriorates, and we are seriously concerned about the situation being thrown into further confusion. Japan will continue to strongly urge the Myanmar military to take concrete steps toward a peaceful resolution.

That is all from me.

Sankei Shimbun, Okada I would like to ask about the import restriction measures on Japanese food products, which countries and regions continue to impose following the accident at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. As of the end of January, seven countries and regions, including China, Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Taiwan, and Russia, have suspended imports, require the submission of inspection certificates, and/or have other restriction measures in place. Please tell us what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is doing now to urge these countries and regions to lift their restrictions. Furthermore, China and Russia have suspended imports of Japanese aquatic products related to the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea. Please also explain what MOFA intends to do for the lifting of these suspension measures.

Minister Kamikawa: With regard to your first question, the lifting of import restriction measures on Japanese food and other products following the Great East Japan Earthquake is a priority of the Government.

We have been urging countries to lift the restrictions as soon as possible at various levels, making use of diplomatic opportunities including bilateral and international meetings. In addition, our ambassadors and others stationed in capital cities have been actively urging the countries to lift the restrictions. Additionally, we have been working with relevant ministries and agencies in urging the ambassadors and others of the countries who are stationed in Tokyo.

The second question was about the measures related to the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea. The import restriction measures on Japanese aquatic products by China, Russia, and others in response to the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea are not based on scientific evidence and are extremely regrettable.

At bilateral meetings and multilateral fora, and at various levels, Japan has consistently urged these countries to immediately lift the import restriction measures that are not based on scientific evidence. During the Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting last November, I explained Japan’s position on ALPS treated water and directly urged Foreign Minister Wang Yi to immediately lift the restrictions, including those on aquatic products.

Japan has also urged China, Russia, and others to immediately lift the measures on such occasions as the meeting of the World Trade Organization’s Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.

We will continue to explain to China, Russia, and others, thoroughly and in a highly transparent manner, Japan’s initiatives related to the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea and the monitoring results, along with calling for the immediate lifting of import restriction measures on Japanese food products.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I have a question on the situation in the South and East China Seas. On March 6, MOFA expressed serious concern over collisions between Filipino and Chinese vessels in the South China Sea. The China Coast Guard and the Chinese military have also been stepping up their activities in the East China Sea. Please explain again about Japan’s understanding of the current situation in the East China Sea, as well as the progress of Japan’s response to the buoy that China installed near the Senkaku Islands, which has been an issue of concern since last year.

Minister Kamikawa: About our understanding of the current situation of China’s actions in the East China Sea, We perceive that unilateral attempts to change the status quo have been continued and intensified in the East China Sea, including repeated intrusions into Japan’s territorial waters by Chinese Government vessels since December 2008, China’s establishment of the “East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone” in November 2013, and China’s unilateral development of resources. This situation is extremely regrettable and never acceptable.

Based on our determination to firmly and perpetually defend Japan’s territorial land, sea, and airspace, we will firmly maintain and assert our position and continue to deal with the situation in resolute and calm manners.

The second question was about the buoy installed by China. Japan has urged China to immediately remove the buoy through high-level and other channels, including the Japan-China Summit Meeting and Foreign Ministers’ Meeting last November. Despite our calls, the situation in the waters has not improved as of yet. This is extremely regrettable.

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.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I would like to ask about funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The European Commission announced recently that it will implement its foreseen aid. There are also reports that Canada and other countries decided to provide funding to UNRWA. As the UN’s investigation and a third party’s verification continue, the humanitarian situation on the ground is becoming increasingly severe. Please tell us again about Japan’s intentions for the future. I believe some in Japan are cautious about considering the resumption of funding. How will the Government ask the people for their understanding on the need for UNRWA assistance?

Minister Kamikawa: The Gaza Strip is currently in an extremely tragic situation. It is a truly heartbreaking and severe situation in our view. The most pressing issue is to deliver assistance to each individual in Gaza as soon as possible. Therefore, the Government of Japan recently decided to extend an additional Emergency Grant Aid amounting to USD 32 million to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip

It includes the provision of food through WFP, medicine through the World Health Organization (WHO), and the distribution of sanitation and hygiene supplies through UNICEF. We will implement the humanitarian assistance in a way that reaches as many women and children as possible. In addition, we consider that not only financial assistance, but also ensuring a conducive environment for sufficient humanitarian assistance are important, and we will continue to make diplomatic efforts to this end.

We are concerned about the allegations surrounding UNRWA staff members. UNRWA plays a vital role in providing assistance for Palestinian refugees in not only Gaza, but also the West Bank, and neighboring countries including Jordan. Japan has been strongly urging UNRWA to take appropriate measures, including strengthening governance, so that it can regain trust and firmly fulfill the role it should play.

I cannot answer based on speculation about the outlook for resuming Japan’s funding to UNRWA. First, we are actively cooperating with the UN’s investigation and a third party’s verification while closely communicating with the UN, UNRWA, and relevant countries.

NHK, Igarashi: My question is about the Osprey transport aircraft of the U.S. forces. The U.S. forces have grounded Osprey flights for around three months following a crash off the coast of Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture, last November. Could you update us about the Japanese and U.S. Governments’ coordination on the resumption of operations? Some municipalities where Osprey fly over have expressed concerns about the safety of the aircraft. Please also share with us your thoughts on the resumption of Osprey flights.

Minister Kamikawa: We have been confirming with the U.S. about the situation of the crash of a U.S. forces’ Osprey last November, as well as its safety measures and other matters.

In this process, last evening, the U.S. contacted us saying that they would like to coordinate the specifics of the timeline for resuming Osprey operations in Japan.

Ensuring safe flights is a top priority for both Japan and the U.S. We will continue to work closely with the U.S. and respond to this matter.

Dong-a Ilbo, Lee: I would like to ask about Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to the U.S. next month. Will the upcoming Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting take up trilateral security cooperation among Japan, the U.S., and the ROK, the further strengthening of which was confirmed in last year’s Camp David declaration? In addition, Prime Minister Kishida has demonstrated a willingness to hold a summit meeting with North Korea. I would also like to inquire whether he plans to discuss this with President Biden. Thank you.

Minister Kamikawa: Japan intends to further strengthen the trilateral coordination for maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law.

Based on such recognition, I, too, have exchanged views with the foreign ministers of the U.S. and the ROK trilaterally a total of four times, including our meeting in Rio de Janeiro and a telephone meeting.

That being said, at this time, I would like to refrain from responding based on speculation about the agenda of the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting. The leaders are anticipated to exchange views on wide-ranging topics, including politics, security, economy, and people-to-people exchanges.

As Foreign Minister, I will continue to work hard and prepare to ensure the success of Prime Minister Kishida’s official visit to the U.S., taking into account the importance of Japan-U.S.-ROK coordination as well.

Mainichi Shimbun, Murao: Yesterday, the Headquarters for Political Reform of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) approved proposals to revise the party’s governance code and other rules in response to the slush funds affair. My question is about this matter. Amid the array of issues in question, it was indicated that disciplinary measures may be taken against Diet members if their treasurer is prosecuted, and that traditional factions will be dissolved. While some question their effectiveness, do you believe these measures will contribute to restoring trust in the LDP? Please share with us your opinion. Additionally, there was a question earlier about the Osprey. Japan has already received an explanation from the U.S. regarding the cause of the Osprey accident and recurrence prevention measures. Could you tell us about Japan’s understanding of the current situation, including the outlook for resuming Osprey operations?

Minister Kamikawa: Regarding the first question, we take very seriously the need to restore the public’s trust over the political funds issue.

As Prime Minister Kishida himself stated at yesterday’s meeting of the LDP Headquarters for Political Reform, we need to advance reforms that make politicians likewise accountable. Furthermore, the LDP must change in order to regain the trust of the people.

I recognize that it is difficult to separate domestic affairs and diplomacy. As I have stated since assuming the office of Foreign Minister, my approach has consistently been to conduct diplomacy that is understood and supported by the people. I remain committed to pursuing diplomacy guided by this approach.

Regarding the Osprey, I have said all that can be said. We were contacted by the U.S. and they would like to coordinate the timeline for resuming Osprey operations in Japan. I would like to refrain from providing further details about our communication as the U.S. is also concerned.