Press Conferences

Mr. KITAMURA Toshihiro, Press Secretary: I have two announcements at the outset.

First, with regard to Greece.

The Diplomatic Archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will host a memorial exhibition on “Relations between Greece and Japan through Diplomatic Documents,” in collaboration with the Embassy of Greece in Tokyo from December 10, 2024 to January 11, 2025.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the establishment of formal relations between Japan and Greece, as well as the “Year of Culture and Tourism Between Japan and Greece.” To conclude this commemorative year, we will co-host the exhibition at the Diplomatic Archives Exhibition Room.

On this occasion, the Archives will specially exhibit the original documents of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation between Japan and Greece preserved by the Archives. In addition, numerous banners will be showcased the diplomatic documents regarding Japan-Greece relationships, which the Greek Foreign Ministry created and used in the recent exhibition held in Athens.

Mr. KITAMURA Toshihiro, Press Secretary: The second point is about China.

In the light of the November 29 ruling given by the Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People's Court and related media reports, I would like to reiterate the government's position to prevent unnecessary speculation and misunderstanding both in Japan and in China.

The diplomatic activities carried out by the officials of the embassy and consulates of Japan in China are legitimate duties as diplomats and consular officers.

The lack of transparency in China's so-called "Anti-Spy Law" could have a chilling effect on economic and person-to-person exchanges. We have been urging the Chinese side to ensure transparency in law enforcement and judicial processes, but as such transparency remains insufficient, we will continue to pursue related efforts.

It would be unacceptable that the many Chinese individuals, who are friends of Japan and have interactions with officials of the embassy and consulates of Japan, be subject to unjust disadvantages in China due to such interactions, and hinder people-to-people exchanges between Japan and China.

We have reiterated this position to the Chinese side and urged them to ensure that incorrect perceptions of Japan do not spread within China.

At the Japan-China summit meeting on November 15, Prime Minister Ishiba and President Xi Jinping confirmed that Japan and China continue to share a broad direction of comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and building “constructive and stable Japan-China relations.”

Japan will continue to make every effort to further strengthen communication at all levels in a wide range of fields between the two countries, reduce issues and concerns, and increase cooperation and coordination.

That is all from me.

Kyodo News, Ayukawa: I would like to ask about the matter on China you just mentioned in your opening remarks. You explained that Japan reiterated its position to China, and urged them to prevent the spreading of incorrect perceptions of Japan in China. According to some reports and other sources, the judgment explicitly named individuals believed to be Japanese diplomats as agents of the spy organization. I would like to confirm whether Japan just urged China to respond, or lodged a formal protest.

Press Secretary Kitamura: I will repeat what I said in the opening remarks, as you pointed out, based on information and reports that mentioned the officials and bureaus of MOFA in relation to espionage in the judgment, we reiterated to China that the diplomatic activities carried out by Japan’s overseas diplomatic missions are legitimate duties as diplomats. We also reiterated that China should protect the rights of Japan’s diplomatic agents and consular officers in accordance with international law, and comply with its duty as the receiving state.

Sankei Shimbun, Harakawa: I would like to ask a related question. Could you tell us at what level the request was conducted, which bureau of China it was made to, and China’s reaction? Please also share with us the date and time the request was made.

Press Secretary Kitamura: Firstly, Foreign Minister Iwaya stated at his press conference on November 29 that we view that the diplomatic activities carried out by Japan’s overseas diplomatic missions are legitimate duties as diplomats. In addition to that, yesterday, on December 3, we made the request to China at the Director-General level. As for China’s reaction, I will refrain from disclosing the details as they are considered diplomatic communication.

Kyodo News, Ayukawa: I have a related question. In response to the judgement on November 29, the U.S. Department of State issued a statement on same day condemning the judgement. Please share with us any reason or background as to why Japan’s request was made on December 3?

Press Secretary Kitamura: As I mentioned earlier, we are aware that the U.S. Department of State issued the statement on November 29 you referred to. On the same day, Foreign Minister Iwaya made a remark on the matter, as I just explained. Thereafter, in response to various reports and other information, given that the situation could cause unnecessary speculation and misunderstanding in Japan and China, the Government decided to make this announcement once again, and prior to this, made a request to China at the Director-General level yesterday, December 3.