Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: First, I will speak about the Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk.

I just held my first telephone talk with Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China. Minister Wang and I first confirmed that Japan and China share a broad direction of comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and building “constructive and stable Japan-China relations.” I believe today’s telephone talk marked an important start in confirming between the foreign ministers that the bilateral relationship would be advanced in line with this broad direction.

In addition, I raised some issues and concerns. Regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea and China’s import restrictions on Japanese aquatic products, we both expressed appreciation for the recent announcements made by our respective governments, and I called for the early restoration of imports of Japanese aquatic products.

I also reiterated Japan’s serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea and China’s recent military activities. Notably, I called for a full explanation of the intrusion into Japan’s territorial airspace in August. With regard to Taiwan, I stated that Japan is closely monitoring relevant developments, including military activities, and reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Furthermore, I pointed out that the detention of Japanese nationals in China and the incident in Shenzhen have significantly heightened anxiety among Japanese nationals residing in China. I urged the Chinese side to clarify the facts of the incident in Shenzhen as soon as possible, and we concurred to maintain communication on means to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

Additionally, we discussed possible cooperation between Japan and China. We will continue to steadily hold consultations toward the materialization of cooperation. In any case, it is important to continue to hold high-level dialogues between the two countries, and I will continue to hold candid dialogues with Minister Wang.

Minister Iwaya: Following the telephone talk with Minister Wang, I also held a telephone talk with Minister of Foreign Affairs Katz of Israel.

I stated that Japan is deeply concerned about the current deterioration of the situation in the Middle East, including the attack using ballistic missiles conducted by Iran against Israel, and strongly condemned such escalation. I also conveyed that an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is important for diplomatic settlements.

In addition, I emphasized that further escalation of the situation would not serve the interest of the region nor the international community, and that every diplomatic effort should be made to avoid further tensions, and strongly urged Israel to exercise restraint. Naturally, I consider that we must urge Iran to exercise restraint as well.

On the situation in the Gaza Strip, I stated the necessity of realizing a ceasefire and calming down the situation as soon as possible so that the release of hostages and the improvement of the humanitarian situation are achieved. Furthermore, while conveying Japan’s deep concern over the critical humanitarian situation, I called for Israel’s maximum cooperation to strengthen humanitarian assistance activities. Japan will continue to reach out persistently to all parties concerned. That is all from me.

Reporter: I would first like to ask about the Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk. In your opening remarks, you mentioned the incident in which a Japanese School student passed away in Shenzhen. Did Minister Wang say anything about the suspect’s motive? In addition, please tell us about the Chinese side’s response to cracking down on anti-Japanese social media posts, which is Japan’s request for China.

Minister Iwaya: I pointed out that the incident in Shenzhen has significantly heightened anxiety among Japanese nationals residing in China as well as among members of Japanese companies, and I once again urged the Chinese side to clarify the facts as soon as possible. Minister Wang has not provided a detailed explanation as of today. Minister Wang’s remarks were along the lines of the previous announcements made by the Chinese side. Nonetheless, we reached a shared view on communicating closely on means to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. We will continue to urge the Chinese side to clarify the facts and prevent recurrences.

Reporter: Did the topic of future reciprocal visits by the Japanese and Chinese foreign ministers come up during your talk? Please also share with us your view on visiting China.

Minister Iwaya: I am aware that a Japan-China Summit Meeting is to be held tomorrow on the occasion of the ASEAN meetings. Today, I held a telephone talk with Minister Wang. I believe it is crucial to steadily hold dialogues between Japan and China. Therefore, it will be important for us to visit mutually. While no date has been set or arranged yet at this time, I hope to meet Minister Wang in person and continue to hold dialogues.

Reporter: Lastly, I would like to ask about the Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk with Israel. As you mentioned at the outset, Israel is continuing its attacks against Gaza in Palestine and against Lebanon. With Israel considering a counterstrike against Iran, please tell us again about Japan’s position that should be conveyed to the Israeli side.

Minister Iwaya: As I mentioned earlier, I stated that Japan is deeply concerned about the current deterioration of the situation in the Middle East, including the attack using ballistic missiles conducted by Iran against Israel, and strongly condemns such escalation. We consider that an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is important for diplomatic settlements. We also consider that further escalation of the situation would not serve the interest of the region nor the international community, and that every diplomatic effort should be made by all parties concerned to avoid further escalation. Based on this view, I strongly urged Israel to exercise restraint. On the situation in the Gaza Strip, I stressed the necessity of realizing a ceasefire and calming down the situation as soon as possible so that the release of hostages and the improvement of the humanitarian situation are achieved. Japan will continue to make maximum efforts toward bringing an end to the critical humanitarian situation as soon as possible.