Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Through diplomacy, I hope to contribute to increasing Japan’s national power, particularly economic power. To do so, I have stated that I will pioneer “New Frontiers of Economic Diplomacy” by incorporating the vitality of the Global South in cooperation with the region, and by promoting public-private partnerships adapted to the new era.

We will make efforts in an all-Japan manner while working closely with the business community, so that Japan can further assert its global presence with its strong and flexible economy. As a concrete step in this endeavor, this March, I exchanged views with Keidanren and heard the voices of the business community firsthand.

As part of this effort, I will exchange views with DOYUKAI on May 29 next week. We regularly receive various proposals from DOYUKAI, and on this occasion, I am looking forward to holding a candid and lively discussion.

We will continue to promote such initiatives to reflect the voices of the business community in the support provided to Japanese companies by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and our diplomatic missions overseas and to effectively support Japanese companies that are vigorously expanding their operations amid intense global competition.

That is all from me.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama: I would like to ask about the Japan-China-Republic of Korea (ROK) Trilateral Summit to be held from this weekend. While this summit is to be hosted on a rotating basis once a year in principle, the upcoming summit will be the first one held in four and a half years. What do you make of this? Furthermore, the ROK has emphasized the “normalization of cooperation mechanisms” for the upcoming summit. Yet, between Japan and China, there are still numerous challenges, including the issue of treated water. How do you intend to improve Japan-China relations and advance diplomacy?

Minister Kamikawa: Since the first meeting in 2008, the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit has served as a forum for candid discussions among the three countries on various challenges of the times.

The summit was not held for four and a half years due to various circumstances. In the meantime, regional and international affairs have undergone major changes. In this context, we believe that bringing together the leaders of the three countries, which share a significant responsibility for the peace and prosperity of the region, to discuss the direction and concrete measures of trilateral cooperation as well as regional issues will serve as a critical opportunity not only for the three countries but also for the entire region.

Japan and China share various possibilities as well as many challenges and concerns, including ALPS treated water. Both countries have immense responsibilities for the peace and prosperity of the region as well as the international community.

It is Japan’s consistent policy to comprehensively promote a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and to build “constructive and stable relations” with China through efforts on both sides.

Based on this policy, we will continue close communication at all levels with China.

Mainichi Shimbun, Odanaka: I have a follow-up question on the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit. The meeting has been set for this weekend. I may be getting ahead of myself, but once the meeting in Seoul concludes, Japan will become the next chair. I imagine there will be various developments and changes among Japan, China, and the ROK during this period. Could you please share with us your current vision for maintaining and strengthening the trilateral cooperation? In addition, a foreign ministers’ meeting or a summit meeting will be held. How does Japan as the chair country or how do you yourself wish to conduct the summit? If you have any thoughts on this matter, would you please share them with us?

Minister Kamikawa: As regional and international affairs undergo major changes, the leaders of the three countries have a significant responsibility for the peace and prosperity of the region. We believe that bringing the leaders together to discuss the direction and concrete measures of trilateral cooperation as well as regional issues will serve as a critical opportunity not only for the three countries but also for the entire region.

As Japan prepares to chair the next Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit, I will exert utmost efforts to further develop the trilateral cooperation to address the current challenges.

Kyodo News, Nishiyama: The Chinese military has been conducting military exercises in the sea and airspace around Taiwan since yesterday. Please share with us MOFA’s view considering the upcoming Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit.

Minister Kamikawa: On China’s moves you are referring to, the Government of Japan is closely following with strong concern. In addition, we have conveyed our concerns to the Chinese side.

The details of the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit, including the agenda, are currently being coordinated, so I will refrain from responding about the matter you mentioned and other details based on speculation.

In any case, we view that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are important not only for Japan’s security, but also for the stability of the international community as a whole. Japan’s consistent position has been that we expect the issue surrounding Taiwan to be resolved peacefully through dialogue.

Japan believes it is important to continue to firmly convey to China the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait firsthand, and to clearly express this as the common position shared by states, working closely with our ally and like-minded countries, including the U.S.

Japan will continue to closely monitor the developments of the cross-Strait relations and make related diplomatic efforts.

NHK, Igarashi: I have a question about New Caledonia. Riots have continued to create turmoil in French New Caledonia in the South Pacific, causing fatalities and the Government of France to declare a state of emergency in the area. Some Japanese citizens residing there have left for Australia by plane. Please update us on what the Government of Japan knows about the protection measures for Japanese citizens.

Minister Kamikawa: In response to the unrest in French New Caledonia, MOFA has been sending consul emails and otherwise alerting Japanese citizens there since immediately after the unrest began on May 13.

In addition, we established a liaison office headed by the Director-General of the European Affairs Bureau to deal with this matter. We issued spot information on the 17th and Level 2 “Avoid non-essential travel” travel advice and warning for all of New Caledonia on the 20th, and we continue to issue alerts.

As of today, we have assisted a total of 42 Japanese citizens who wished to leave New Caledonia as early as possible, flying them out from New Caledonia to Brisbane, Australia with the cooperation of France and Australia.

We will continue to coordinate closely with Japanese citizens who wish to leave New Caledonia and will make every effort to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens, including providing support for their departure from New Caledonia by working with the countries concerned.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants on charges of war crimes for Hamas leaders and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. I’m wondering whether or not Japan supports the ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrant to Israeli Prime Minister in particular.

And also in principle, do Japanese officials meet, in their official capacities and functions, those branded as war criminals by ICC, thank you.

Minister Kamikawa: We understand that Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC will review the applications, the evidence submitted by Prosecutor Khan, and other information and determine whether or not to issue the arrest warrants. That being said, this issue concerns criminal trial procedures, and the Government would like to refrain from speculating about the ICC’s decision.

In any case, Japan will continue to closely follow the developments with serious concern as a state party to the ICC, considering also the impact that this matter may have on the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine.

Anadolu Agency, Mercan: Israel is opposed to recognizing the state of Palestine, making the resolution of the Middle East crisis even more difficult. Ireland, Norway, and Spain announced recently that they formally recognize Palestine as an independent state. On Middle East diplomacy, Japan frequently emphasizes the “two-state solution.” When does Japan plan to announce its recognition of Palestine as an independent state? Is the Government of Japan conducting adequate diplomacy to recognize the state of Palestine? Is there any change to your “two-state solution” policy? If not, is there a reason why Japan does not recognize Palestine as an independent state? Please tell us about the Government of Japan’s position on this issue.

Minister Kamikawa: Japan has supported a “two-state solution” through negotiations between the parties and understands the wish of the Palestinians to establish an independent state, and has supported Palestine’s efforts toward that.

We will continue to make persistent and active diplomatic efforts to calm down the situation as soon as possible and improve the humanitarian situation, for example, through direct outreach to both Israel and Palestine. Furthermore, we will make efforts to promote confidence-building between the Israeli and the Palestinian sides through our own efforts, including the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative.

In addition, Japan will continue to review comprehensively on its recognition of Palestine as a state, including the perspective of how it can contribute to progress in the peace process.