Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Good afternoon, members of the Kasumi Club.

My name is IWAYA Takeshi and I have been appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs. I look forward to working with you.

Please allow me to say a few words at the outset. I have consistently engaged in diplomacy and security, serving as State Minister for Foreign Affairs about 18 years ago, and since then, as Minister of Defense and in other roles. I am truly humbled to have been appointed Foreign Minister, a position once held by my esteemed senior from the same prefecture as me, Mr. SHIGEMITSU Mamoru. I am filled with a renewed sense of determination and responsibility. I would like to sincerely ask for your guidance and support going forward.

Yesterday, I was instructed by Prime Minister Ishiba to build on Japan’s diplomacy to date and further develop and enhance these efforts.

It goes without saying that diplomacy requires consistency and continuity. I will carry on the achievements made by my predecessors, including former Minister Kamikawa, and continue to preserve peace for Japan and protect the lives and property of Japanese nationals, amid the rapidly changing international situation, and also contribute to peacebuilding in the world. I intend to conduct diplomacy while giving top priority to these points.

I believe it is not an overstatement to say that Japan is currently facing the most severe security environment since the end of World War II. Moreover, the existing international order is being challenged. I would like to take this opportunity to once again outline Japan’s basic diplomatic approaches in this international situation.

First, the Japan-U.S. Alliance, which has reached unprecedented heights, will continue to be the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign and security policies. As such, we intend to further deepen this alliance and strengthen its deterrence and response capabilities.

Second, for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” we will work with the U.S., the Republic of Korea (ROK), Australia, India, ASEAN, Europe, among others, to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law. Additionally, we will make further efforts to advance Japan-ROK relations, which have improved significantly due to the trust between former Prime Minister Kishida and ROK President Yoon, as well as the trilateral cooperation among Japan, the U.S., and the ROK, which has made considerable progress since the historic Japan-U.S.-ROK Summit held at Camp David in the U.S. last August. Furthermore, we will also firmly strengthen dialogue with China, an important neighboring country.

Third, now in particular, as the international community faces deepening division and confrontation, we intend not only to continue and strengthen cooperation among the G7, of course, but also to collaborate more closely with the countries of the Global South in leading efforts to strengthen or rebuild the international order.

To carry out such diplomacy, it is essential to fundamentally strengthen our foreign policy implementation structure, including our personnel structure, financial foundation, and promotion of digital transformation and work style reforms. I will ensure an environment that allows every personnel to fully demonstrate their abilities and work together to address diplomatic issues.

Coming up are international meetings, including the APEC Ministerial Meeting and the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. In addition, as you are aware, Japan also holds “2+2” meetings with many countries. I will use these various diplomatic opportunities to build interpersonal relationships with my counterparts, and firmly demonstrate the presence of Japan and the presence of Japan’s diplomacy.

Diplomatic failures can lead a country astray. As Japan’s Foreign Minister, I will devote myself wholeheartedly to fulfilling my heavy responsibility, keeping in mind the words “sincerity will always be understood by others.”

Once again, I sincerely ask for your guidance and support going forward. With that, I would like to conclude my opening remarks. Thank you very much.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: I would like to ask about an Asian version of NATO and nuclear sharing.

Even during the presidential campaign, Prime Minister Ishiba advocated for the Asian NATO concept and also mentioned the need for nuclear sharing. If Japan were to assume defense obligations in the Asian region, it will have implications for Japan’s right of collective self-defense and constitutional amendments. What is your understanding of this matter? How will the administration be addressing it?

Furthermore, China has voiced some backlash to this concept, such as “it would heighten tensions.” Please also share with us your thoughts on this reaction.

Minister Iwaya: May I answer? The question was about the Asian NATO. I stated that the environment currently surrounding Japan is the most severe situation since the end of World War II.

Most importantly, we need to, first and foremost, weave a more multi-layered and multi-tiered network with our like-minded countries and ally. We intend to do so to enhance deterrence capabilities.

I believe the Asian NATO you just asked about is, of course, one possible idea for the future, but it requires a lengthy examination in the medium- to long-term.

As the Government has always conveyed, it maintains the view that the exercise of the right of collective self-defense for the sole purpose of defending another country is not permitted under our current Constitution.

Furthermore, on the Indo-Pacific region, the region is somewhat different from Europe. Each country is in varying stages of development and has varied political systems, economic systems, and security policies. These aspects must also be fully taken into consideration.

In view of such perspectives, I suppose it will be quite difficult to immediately establish an organization in Asia that would impose mutual defense obligations. Therefore, it should be examined in the medium- to long-term as one of the visions for the future.

For the foreseeable future, as I stated at the outset, we will make efforts to carefully and steadily build upon the existing FOIP framework and various multilateral security cooperation arrangements.

For this reason, please understand that this concept or idea is not directed at any specific country. I believe the most ideal future is to have security cooperation for the Indo-Pacific and all of Asia that does not exclude any country.

Ryukyu Shimpo, Saito: I would like to ask about SOFA. What are its problems in your opinion? What areas do you believe need improvement and how? At this stage, is there anything about the SOFA revision that has already been decided or is being considered? Additionally, the U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) has a revised “liberty policy” effective October 1. Do you think it is sufficiently effective? If not, please tell us about whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will be requesting any additional improvements.

Minister Iwaya: As you are already aware, based on the nature of the matters that need to be addressed, the Government has been dealing with each specific issue related to SOFA through the most appropriate measures to respond effectively and quickly. The most recent example is environmental issues. We created a supplementary agreement that allows Japanese authorities to have access to U.S. facilities and areas. I believe we need to continue building on such efforts one by one.

With regard to revising the agreement, I believe there are issues to be addressed from the perspective of strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance as well as further enhancing mutual trust and increasing the resilience and sustainability of the Alliance. In this regard, the Government intends to steadily consider what approach and measures would be most desirable, taking into account the views of the Prime Minister.

The next question was about the liberty policy.

We are aware that the revised liberty policy announced by the USFJ Commander this July went into effect on October 1. I believe the issue is whether it will be adhered to strictly and effectively.

Under the revised policy, military personnel from all USFJ services are, for example, between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., prohibited from off-installation consumption of alcohol, excluding residence and hotel room, and from entering a drinking establishment serving alcoholic beverages off of a military installation.

At the same time, we understand that the supervisory responsibility of commanders has been enhanced.

Such commitment shown by the U.S. is commendable. However, the issue is whether the policy is steadily executed and leads to the prevention of recurrences. In this respect, MOFA will continue to firmly call on the U.S. to steadily implement these measures.

Kyodo News, Nishiyama: I have a follow-up question regarding the Asian NATO. You mentioned earlier that it is not directed at any specific country. Does that mean the Asian NATO would not have mutual defense obligations with the U.S., the ROK, Australia, and others, over China? In addition, in a commentary written for a U.S. think tank, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed the view that the Asian NATO, once established, must specifically consider the sharing of nuclear weapons or the introduction of nuclear weapons into the region. Does the Government intend to review the Three Non-Nuclear Principles in the future? Please share with us the views of MOFA.

Minister Iwaya: Our view on an Asian version of NATO is as I stated earlier, so I will avoid repeating myself. First of all, I suppose it is a matter to be considered over the medium- to long-term rather than implemented immediately.

The Asian NATO idea does not have any specific country in mind. I would like to ask that there is no misunderstanding on this.

Indeed, the stability of East Asia leads to the stability of the world. At a time when war is spreading around the world, it is important above all to make every effort to ease tensions and maintain peace in East Asia. I see the concept of the Asian NATO as one of several ideas on the necessary actions to this end.

The other matter was the nuclear issue. The Government would like to refrain from commenting at this time on a commentary written by a candidate during the presidential campaign of the LDP. That being said, the Government has consistently stated that it upholds the Three Non-Nuclear Principles as our policy and has no intention of changing this.

That said, generally speaking, various public debates arise based on the international situation at any given time, and there should be such discussions.

In light of the current security environment surrounding Japan, we believe it is important to maintain and strengthen nuclear deterrence capabilities. Specifically, we believe it is essential to sustain and strengthen the credibility of the U.S. extended deterrence.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: Congratulations on your appointment. My question is about Japan-China relations. Prime Minister Ishiba writes on Japan-China relations in his book that Japan “should implement a proactive security policy along with proactive diplomacy” toward China. I believe this has some overlap with your intention to strengthen relations, or dialogue with China, which you mentioned last night and earlier. Meanwhile, as you are aware, China has been engaged in adventurist actions recently. How do you plan to approach China in the face of such actions? What is your vision for Japan’s diplomacy towards China? I would also appreciate if you can share your thoughts on reciprocal visits at the foreign minister level.

Minister Iwaya: While there are various issues of concern and challenges between Japan and China, we believe there are also various possibilities. Japan and China are both countries that bear an extremely important responsibility for the peace and prosperity of this region and the international community.

As you are aware, with China, Japan has returned to the idea of comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests.” Japan will firmly maintain and assert our position and strongly request China, a major power, to act responsibly. Under this approach, Japan will cooperate in areas that require cooperation. We strive to build “constructive and stable Japan-China relations.”

I myself hope to meet with Foreign Minister Wang Yi as soon as possible. While nothing has been decided at this time, I intend to have candid dialogues with Foreign Minister Wang.

There are various issues and challenges as well as possibilities between the two countries. We intend to build with China, as I just mentioned, a constructive and stable mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests.

China Daily, Jiang: China’s top diplomat Wang Yi recently has expressed the hope that Japan will adopt an objective and accurate understanding of China, pursue a positive and rational policy toward China, and put into practice the commitment to fully advancing the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship. What concrete moves will the new Japanese government take in response to such hopes?

Minister Iwaya: As I just mentioned, the leaders of Japan and China have reaffirmed the broad direction of comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and building “constructive and stable Japan-China relations.”

I believe it is in this context that Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed expectations toward the implementation of the commitment to fully promote a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests,” as you just mentioned. We intend to steadily hold dialogues with China to ensure that our relationship moves in this direction.

Dong-a Ilbo, Lee: Congratulations on your appointment. I would like to ask about Japan-ROK relations under the Ishiba administration. In your opening remarks, you stated that Japan-ROK relations improved based on the personal trust between former Prime Minister Kishida and President Yoon. Under the Kishida administration, Japan worked to improve the relations, recognizing the ROK as a partner tackling the various issues facing the international community. What is the policy of the new administration? Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: We consider Japan-ROK relations to be extremely important bilateral relations.

I am convinced that if Japan and the ROK work together closely, it would not only bring benefits to both sides but also contribute to stability and prosperity of the East Asian region.

At one time, there were many challenging issues between Japan and the ROK. Now, however, I believe Japan-ROK relations have recovered dramatically under the leadership of President Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida as you noted. We intend to continue to steadily develop the relations with a view to the future.

With next year marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of our bilateral relations, we will make efforts to develop them into even stronger and broader ones.

The radar irradiation incident occurred while I was Minister of Defense. We have overcome that, and extensive exchanges and cooperation between the Japanese and ROK defense authorities can now be conducted. We hope to further strengthen the relations between the two countries at a variety of levels. Additionally, as the collaboration between Japan, the U.S., and the ROK is essential for the peace and stability of the region, we also intend to strengthen the trilateral cooperation.

Chugoku Shimbun, Miyano: Congratulations on your appointment. I would like to ask about the TPNW, which former Prime Minister Kishida attached importance to as an exit to a “world without nuclear weapons.” What is your assessment of the TPNW? In interviews conducted with the Chugoku Shimbun and other outlets during the presidential campaign, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that Japan’s participation in TPNW meetings of states parties as an observer was an option. You yourself have also previously expressed the view that the Government of Japan should participate as an observer. Will observer participation be considered going forward? Please also share with us your view on the signing and ratification of the treaty.

Minister Iwaya: We regard the TPNW as an important treaty that can be described as an exit to a “world without nuclear weapons.” I sincerely wish that there will ultimately be such a world. However, we have to also firmly keep our sights set on actual security. As you are aware, not a single nuclear-weapon state is participating in the treaty, and regrettably, the pathway to the exit we want has not yet been established.

I referred to nuclear deterrence earlier. It is a fact that the current situation requires that these matters be steadfastly addressed as well. As we have always stated, Japan believes it must fulfill the role of serving as a bridge between nuclear-armed states and non-nuclear-armed states and develop a momentum for the elimination of nuclear weapons. We will continue to make thorough efforts in this direction.

Regarding Japan’s observer participation that you just mentioned, the Government as a whole will continue to adequately consider a desirable action to take. Please understand that it is difficult to state anything beyond that at this current stage.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: My question is about the West Asia which is lacking stability and security that is spreading to the East Asia. Would Japan take more proactive policy to help ending the expanding war Israel is waging in the Middle East against mostly civilian targets in Palestine and Lebanon?

Minister Iwaya: Regarding the situation in the Middle East, we are seriously concerned.

On October 1, local time, Iran conducted the large-scale attack using ballistic missiles against Israel. It further deteriorates the current situation in the Middle East, Japan expresses its deep concern and strongly condemns such escalation.

We strongly urge all parties concerned to calm down the situation, as peace and stability in the Middle East region are extremely important to Japan.

Furthermore, all possible measures must be taken to protect Japanese nationals abroad. I would like to reiterate that Japan is determined to take all necessary measures.

In any case, further deterioration of the situation in the Middle East must be avoided at all costs. Japan expresses its deep concern over the fact that such conflict and hostilities have caused numerous civilian casualties.

Therefore, Japan will work with the international community to call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further deterioration of the situation. In addition, Japan will urge all parties to immediately take all measures to prevent civilian casualties and to abide by international law, including international humanitarian law. At the same time, in order to prevent further escalation, Japan will strongly urge them to exercise restraint and to make sincere efforts for a diplomatic settlement.

Tribune News, Susilo: Congratulations, minister.

My question is related to the previous question on the Middle East. Does Japan have any new ideas for the prolonged war between Ukraine and Russia in order to bring about peace? That is my question. Incidentally, I think the Asian NATO concept will have support from Indonesia and is an excellent idea. Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: The aggression against Ukraine is an outrageous act that shakes the very foundation of the international order. The security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are now inseparable. We hold the view that such unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force cannot be tolerated anywhere in the world.

Accordingly, to achieve peace and security across the international community, to date Japan has been addressing this issue as its own issue in order to bring an end to Russia’s aggression and achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.

However, we have seen absolutely no signs of the war coming to an end. We believe we must continue to strongly promote support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.

The Government of Japan, in coordination with the international community, will continue to make utmost efforts in order to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.

AFP, Ozawa: My question concerns whaling. The founder of Sea Shepherd, Paul Watson, has been detained in the Danish territory of Greenland, and his extradition to Japan is currently under judicial review. Could you tell us about what kind of negotiations the Government of Japan is having with the Danish authorities? As the newly appointed minister, please share with us again Japan’s position and view on this issue.

Minister Iwaya: As I am still not fully aware of the facts of the issue you just mentioned, I would like to refrain from commenting.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: I would like to ask one more question regarding Japan, China, and the ROK. Although the administration has just been launched, some members of the LDP are already saying that it is a “China- and ROK-leaning cabinet,” a cabinet that is friendly toward China and the ROK. When you were Minister of Defense, your response to the radar irradiation you mentioned earlier drew some backlash within the LDP. As you work to build trust with China and the ROK going forward, how do you intend to confront such public opinion in Japan?

Minister Iwaya: I wonder who the “some members” are. You can tell me later.

You mentioned that some are saying the cabinet is “China- and ROK-leaning.” However, I believe Japanese diplomacy will not function if all the talk is about Japanese diplomacy being anti-ROK, anti-China, and so on.

The radar irradiation that occurred while I was Minister of Defense was absolutely unacceptable. I addressed this issue convinced that resolving and overcoming such issues of concern and building a constructive Japan-ROK relations toward the future will be beneficial for both Japan and the ROK, as well as for all of Asia.

As I reiterated today, I intend to fully enhance and strengthen Japan-ROK relations. I will also advance diplomacy with China, convinced that firmly holding dialogues and building a constructive and stable mutually beneficial relationship will serve the interests of the two countries, Asia, and the world.

Hong Kong Phoenix TV, Li: I would like to ask about China. Prime Minister Ishiba states clearly in his commentary that the creation of an Asian version of NATO is to deter China. Although you mentioned earlier that the Government will not be immediately working on this, Prime Minister Ishiba stated at his press conference yesterday that he would be making steady efforts without giving up. What is the aim behind deterring China? I would like to ask you for an explanation as Foreign Minister. In addition, regarding Japan’s diplomacy toward China, you mentioned building a Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests and constructive and stable Japan-China relations. Does that mean the Ishiba administration will be carrying on the Kishida administration’s diplomacy toward China? Or if the Ishiba Cabinet has a new diplomacy toward China, a different approach, or a distinctive diplomatic approach, could you explain it?

Minister Iwaya: First, we believe both dialogue and deterrence are necessary toward China.

It is also a fact that unilateral attempts to change the status quo have been observed in East Asia. We need to create mechanisms to be able to fully deter such attempts. Simultaneously, we have to hold dialogues persistently and carefully to foster trust and prevent tensions from escalating as much as possible. Dialogue and deterrence are not inconsistent by any means. We will make efforts to ensure that both can be pursued.

Sankei Shimbun, Harakawa: Thank you. I would like to ask about the abductions issue and abduction incidents of Japanese nationals by North Korea. During the previous presidential campaign, Prime Minister Ishiba presented the idea of Japan and North Korea establishing a liaison office in Tokyo and Pyongyang for the resolution of the abductions issue. Is it correct to understand that this idea is already part of the Ishiba administration’s foreign policy? If so, could you tell us about the liaison office that Japan would establish, such as its size, daily operations, and by when it is to be opened?

Minister Iwaya: We consider the resolution of the abductions issue to be one of Japan’s top priorities, and a matter that the Ishiba administration must also remain fully committed to.

The liaison office you just referred to was mentioned as one of the ideas on the various approaches. Now that the Ishiba administration has formed, the Government as a whole will be carefully considering the specifics, including which approaches it will pursue, what is realistic, and what would be most effective. The action is not fixed as foreign policy at this stage. We intend to seriously explore all possible methods and means.