Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have some items to report at the outset.

The House of Representatives was dissolved the day before yesterday. Nevertheless, diplomacy must go on. Prime Minister Ishiba has already left for Laos and, as you are aware, is attending ASEAN-related summit meetings and actively holding bilateral meetings with countries, including China and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

I am aware that he also held bilateral meetings with India, Viet Nam, and Laos.

I just held a telephone talk with Minister of Foreign Affairs Joly of Canada for the first time.

At the telephone talk, I welcomed Canada’s increasing engagement in the Indo-Pacific, and we concurred to further deepen the strategic partnership between Japan and Canada.

I consider that cooperation among like-minded countries is essential for addressing various challenges in international community, and intend to steadfastly coordinate with Canada as the G7 President next year.

Later today, I plan to hold telephone talks with two more G7 members, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Baerbock of Germany and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Barrot of France.

With Germany and France, which are both important partners sharing fundamental values and principles, we will confirm our intention to work together and cooperate closely to further deepen bilateral relations as well as to uphold and bolster the free and open international order based on the rule of law.

That is all from me at the outset.

Kyodo News, Nishiyama: I would like to ask about the Asian version of NATO proposed by Prime Minister Ishiba. Prime Minister Ishiba has instructed Policy Research Council Chairperson Onodera to establish a new organization within the party to deliberate an Asian NATO. On the other hand, concerns have been raised that this move may provoke caution among the many countries in Asia that seek balanced diplomacy with China. Some also point out that it could hinder the Kishida administration’s efforts to build a grid-like network. Could you share your thoughts on this?

Minister Iwaya: I am aware that, as you just noted, Prime Minister Ishiba has instructed the Liberal Democratic Party, specifically Policy Research Council Chairperson Onodera, to consider the future paradigm of security in Asia.

Regarding the Asian NATO concept, Prime Minister Ishiba has already stated, and I quote, “I do not believe this is something that can be realized overnight.” “First, we need to address urgent diplomatic and security issues.” “Furthermore, we must strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, as well as build a network among allied and like-minded countries organically and at multiple levels. We will review and act from the perspective of strengthening deterrence capabilities.”

The creation of a security framework in this region is a grand vision, and naturally, what kind of framework or organization would ultimately be most appropriate will depend on future discussions. Of course, such a framework does not have any specific country in mind.

In any case, we will work to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, as well as build a network among allied and like-minded countries organically and at multiple levels from the perspective of enhancing the resilience and sustainability of such capabilities. I often describe it as a network of “vertical and horizontal lines like a mesh.” We must first focus on doing this while thoroughly examining the future paradigm of security in Asia.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: I have a question about the intrusion into Japan’s territorial airspace by a Chinese military aircraft, a patrol aircraft, in August. There was a Japan-China foreign ministers’ telephone talk on the evening of October 9, the day before yesterday, and a summit meeting between Prime Minister Ishiba and Premier Li Qiang of China yesterday. It was announced that both Prime Minister Ishiba and you called for a full explanation from China. Has China provided a full explanation in response to this? That is my first question.

Secondly, according to China’s announcement, Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated during the telephone talk that Japan and China are “cooperative partners rather than threats to each other.” What do you think about this China’s stance in light of the intrusion into Japan’s territorial airspace and the navigation of a Chinese military vessel in waters surrounding Japan since August?

Minister Iwaya: During the foreign ministers’ telephone talk on October 9, and at the Japan-China Summit Meeting that was held last evening, as you mentioned, I directly conveyed to Foreign Minister Wang, and Prime Minister Ishiba to Premier Li, Japan’s serious concerns about the intensification of Chinese military activities in areas surrounding Japan, including the intrusion into Japan’s territorial airspace by a Chinese military aircraft in August and the navigation of an aircraft carrier of the Chinese Navy in the vicinity of Japan’s territorial waters in September.

In addition, we once again called on China to swiftly provide a full explanation of the intrusion into Japan’s territorial airspace. China’s remarks in response were along the lines of its usual position. Japan has conveyed to China that its current external stance and military actions are a matter of serious concern for Japan and the international community. We will continue to deal with the situation in a resolute and calm manner with the determination to firmly and perpetually defend Japan’s territorial land, sea and airspace.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: Could you also answer my question on what you think about China’s stance of the two countries not becoming threats to each other even while China steps up its activities?

Minister Iwaya: As I just stated, China’s remarks were consistent with its usual position.

I would like to refrain from providing further details about our diplomatic communication. Japan has repeatedly conveyed to China that such actions and activities are a matter of serious concern for Japan and the international community, and we will continue to urge China to respond appropriately and in good faith.

China Daily, Jiang: Mr. Iwaya, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a telephone conversation with you on October 9. He expressed the hope that the Japanese side would abide by its political commitment on the Taiwan question, adhere to the One-China principle without wavering, cherish the overall peace and stability in the region, and, in particular, prevent external forces from stirring up regional confrontation. So, what practical actions will the Japanese government take in this regard? Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: It is Japan’s consistent position to maintain a working relationship on a non-governmental basis with Taiwan based on the Japan-China Joint Communique of 1972. Our position is that, while Japan understands and respects the “one-China” concept, this issue must be settled peacefully between the two sides. This remains the consistent position of Japan.

The Government of Japan intends to further deepen cooperation and exchanges between Japan and Taiwan based on our longstanding fundamental position.

Furthermore, peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are extremely important for the international community, including Japan. I reiterated this point to Foreign Minister Wang during our telephone talk on October 9.

I stated that, as war spreads around the world, including Europe and the Middle East, peace and stability in Asia is extremely important, and that stability in East Asia is extremely important for the entire international community.

Japan is closely monitoring relevant developments, including military activities, and will continue to closely monitor developments surrounding Taiwan.

Kyodo News, Nishiyama: I would like to ask about visiting Yasukuni Shrine. Its Annual Fall Rites event will be held from October 17 to 19. Do you have any plans to visit the shrine or make a ritual masakaki tree offering?

Minister Iwaya: I do not have plans to do either of them.

NHK, Yonezu: I would like to ask about your telephone talk with the Canadian Foreign Minister. The press release states that the two sides will aim to hold an in-person meeting at an early timing. Among the various occasions for doing that, such as the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, could you tell us on what occasion you intend to hold the meeting? Additionally, how will Japan be working with Canada, the G7 President next year? If the two sides concurred on this, could you please share that as well?

Minister Iwaya: I hope to meet and talk in person with the Canadian Foreign Minister as early as possible. However, I cannot say for sure at what stage or on what occasion at this time.

Canada’s domestic political schedule and other factors also come into play, so we will coordinate carefully and aim to build a close partnership, as soon as possible, with the Foreign Minister of Canada, the G7 President next year.