Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have two announcements.

First, a very large typhoon is travelling across the Japanese archipelago. A linear band of precipitation has caused flooding and other damage in various regions. Road, rail, and air transport, as well as essential services including electricity and water, have been greatly impacted. I can imagine the tremendous anxiety the people are feeling, and I ask everyone to take actions to protect their lives. I am aware that the typhoon has already resulted in casualties and missing persons. I extend my deepest condolences to those who have lost their lives and my sincere sympathy to those affected.

Minister Kamikawa: Second, if circumstances permit, I will visit Australia from September 4 to 6 to attend the eleventh Japan-Australia Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (“2+2”). This will be my first visit to Australia since assuming office as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

As the security environment surrounding Japan becomes increasingly severe, it is essential to strengthen security cooperation with our ally and like-minded countries with which we share values. From this perspective, I held “2+2” meetings last month with the U.S. and the Philippines, respectively, and recently with India. The “2+2” meetings held with four countries in these two months, including the one with Australia next week, demonstrate the expanding depth and breadth of Japan’s security policy.

Australia is a Special Strategic Partner with which Japan is working more closely based on the convergence of strategic interests to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).”

In the upcoming “2+2,” Defense Minister Kihara and I will candidly exchange views on strategic challenges in the security environment with Foreign Minister Wong and Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Marles. We will focus especially on the following two points.

First is the deepening and expanding Japan-Australia security cooperation, which has become more extensive and robust than ever before. We intend to strengthen our cooperative relationship unceasingly, including cooperation in new areas and trilateral collaboration among Japan, Australia, and the U.S.

Second is promoting Japan-Australia cooperation toward the realization of FOIP. As the central pillar of the coordination among like-minded countries, Japan and Australia will both engage regional partners and discuss the specific direction for maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

Furthermore, on the occasion of my visit, I will hold the Japan-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and will also discuss bilateral relations and international affairs.

That is all from me.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I would like to ask about the recent intrusion of a Chinese military aircraft into Japan’s territorial airspace. Regarding this incident, Deputy Director General Lin Jian of the Department of Press, Communication and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China stated, during his press conference on August 27, that “China has no intention to intrude into any country’s airspace” and Japan and China “maintain communication through existing working channels.” Has the Government of Japan asked China for an explanation on the intention and the cause of the intrusion? What was China’s explanation or reaction to this?

Minister Kamikawa: The intrusion into Japan’s territorial airspace by a PLA aircraft is not only a grave violation of Japan’s sovereignty but also a threat to its safety, and it is absolutely unacceptable. The Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan issued a very severe protest concerning the incident, strongly urging the Government of China to ensure that similar acts do not recur.

The Government of Japan is continuing to ask China through diplomatic channels for a proper explanation, including why the incident occurred.

In any case, with the determination to firmly and perpetually defend Japan’s territorial land, sea and airspace, Japan will continue to deal with the situation in a resolute and calm manner while firmly maintaining its position.

NHK, Igarashi: I would like to ask about the situation in Ukraine. On August 27, President Zelenskyy of Ukraine announced that he intends to present U.S. President Biden and other parties with a draft for a plan to end the war next month. He stated that the cross-border attacks in western Russia are part of the plan, emphasizing that he wants to end the war under fair conditions for Ukraine. Please tell us about the Government of Japan’s view on this and how it intends to respond.

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware that, at his press conference on the 27th, President Zelenskyy expressed his intention to present a plan for Ukraine’s victory to U.S. President Biden in September and to explain the plan to both presidential candidates, Vice President Harris and former President Trump.

In the international community, there are various developments surrounding Ukraine currently. We are following this matter with great concern. However, I believe it is premature to comment at this point in time.

In any case, the Government will continue to consistently respond in a manner that stands with Ukraine, and this position has not changed. We will continue to closely follow international efforts on the situation in Ukraine and will take appropriate steps.

Hokkaido Shimbun, Imai: I also have a question about Russia. On August 29, the Kremlin in Russia announced that President Putin will visit Mongolia on September 3. Mongolia is a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant for Mr. Putin, and Mongolia has an obligation to detain the suspect. It appears that Mongolia has reached an agreement with Russia not to arrest Mr. Putin. This will be the first time since the ICC issued the arrest warrant that Mr. Putin will be visiting an ICC member country. Please share your views regarding this visit and whether the Government of Japan will be urging Mongolia to fulfill its obligation to detain suspects. In addition, in Mongolia, Mr. Putin plans to attend a ceremony celebrating the 85th anniversary of the victory in the Nomonhan Incident. In recent years, Russia has stepped up moves that showcase victory over Japan in war. Please share your opinion on this as well.

Minister Kamikawa: I will refrain from commenting on each activity between third countries. That being said, Japan is regularly in close communication with Mongolia. Japan and Mongolia have overcome their past history through mutual efforts, and are now Special Strategic Partners sharing fundamental values for realizing peace and prosperity. The two countries are in the midst of building an unwavering relationship of trust.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: My question is about TICAD Conference. At that TICAD conference ended last week, the representatives of the so-called Sahrawi republic that Japan does not recognize, attended the meeting after the foreign ministry granted them visas, and allowed them to place their name plates, although MOFA said it didn’t invite them, and they were instead invited by the African union. Those name plates on the table caused some problems, as we saw on all the social media around the world.
This also created confusion about Japan’s position on this issue. What is your reaction on what happened at that meeting and how will Japan deal with the issue in the next TICAD Conference in Yokohama next year? Thank you.

Minister Kamikawa: I am aware that there was a physical disturbance between delegations at a senior officials’ meeting, a preparatory meeting by working officials held on August 23.

Any form of violence is unacceptable. It is deeply regrettable that such a disturbance occurred. Ambassador for TICAD Shimizu, who was chairing the meeting, immediately called on the participants to remain calm and maintain order and ordered the exit of anyone who disrupts the meeting.

The Government of Japan immediately expressed its regret to the relevant delegations and urged that similar incidents do not happen again.

Bloomberg, Hasebe:Please tell us about what kind of foreign policies you plan to offer in running for party president, including Japan-China and Japan-U.S. policies.

Minister Kamikawa: Ever since I assumed the office of Foreign Minister, I have conducted diplomacy in line with three basic policies: first, firmly protecting Japan’s national interests; second, enhancing Japan’s presence in the world; and third, listening to the voices of the people and conducting diplomacy that is understood and supported by the people.

I have always sensed that the international community has immense trust and expectations toward Japan, which it has garnered as a peace-loving nation for some 80 years since the end of World War II. Precisely at a time when the world is becoming increasingly divided and confrontational, there is a role for fine-tuned Japanese diplomacy that is centered on the rule of law and human dignity and emphasizes diversity and inclusiveness.

The Japan-U.S. Alliance is the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign and security policies and the foundation for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world. Japan and the U.S. are global partners jointly working on the issues of the international society.

A short while ago, I received a courtesy call by Senator Hagerty and other members of both the Democratic and Republican parties, and it strongly struck me that the Japan-U.S. Alliance has bipartisan support. They seemed to be preoccupied with the presidential election right now, and this topic was brought up in today’s discussion as well. Personally, I am following with significant interest the active discussions taking place on how the country should be in the future, or how to create a country that inspires hope and confidence based on the diverse views that are heard through the presidential election campaign. Japan intends to continue to work closely with the U.S. in all areas, including security and the economy.

Between Japan and China, there are various potentials along with many challenges and concerns. Both countries are major powers with an important responsibility for the peace and prosperity of the region and the international community.

It is Japan’s consistent policy to comprehensively promote a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and build “constructive and stable Japan-China relations” through efforts on both sides. I consider that it is important that Japan and China maintain close communication at all levels and deepen and develop the bilateral relationship in a wide range of areas.

For further details on my thoughts on specific policies, I would like to address them on another occasion.