Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have three announcements at the outset.

First is about China’s import restrictions on Japanese aquatic products.

Regarding import restrictions on Japanese aquatic products by China, the Governments of Japan and China announced the “Shared Recognition between Japan and China” in September 2024, and the additional measures under the IAEA framework have been conducted in succession. The Government of Japan has been making concerted efforts for China’s prompt lifting of import restrictions.

I have directly called on China to promptly resume imports of Japanese aquatic products on the occasion of my visit to China at the end of last year and on the occasion of Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Japan in March of this year.

Under such circumstances, Japan and China reached an agreement on the technical requirements that are necessary for the resumption of exports to China. Going forward, exports of Japanese aquatic products to China will resume as soon as the procedures for reregistering export related facilities are completed.

This agreement puts into action last September’s announcement, and we consider it a major milestone. Japan intends to continue urging the Chinese side to resume Japanese beef imports and lift the import restrictions on agricultural and aquatic products from ten prefectures. In addition, we intend to similarly call for the lifting of import restrictions imposed by neighboring countries and regions, including Hong Kong and the Republic of Korea.

Minister Iwaya: Next, this week, many dignitaries from Asian countries are visiting Japan to attend the Nikkei Forum “The Future of Asia.” During this period, I have held meetings with the foreign ministers of the Philippines and Cambodia. Later today, I will also meet the Foreign Minister of Thailand and the Honorable Adviser for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh.

Southeast Asia is the key region toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” Strengthening the relationship with countries in this region is one of the top diplomatic priorities of the Ishiba administration. We will continue to listen to the voices of Asia and work together to address various challenges.

Minister Iwaya: My third announcement is about the lifting of sanctions against Syria.

Japan recognizes the efforts made by the Syrian Care-taker Government for a comprehensive political settlement and dialogue for national reconciliation, as well as its continued commitment to achieving a peaceful and stable transition of power in Syria.

Based on such circumstances, and given the desirability of creating a better situation for the Syrian people, Japan has decided today that four entities will be removed from the list of entities subject to asset freezing and other measures currently imposed on Syria.

We will continue to take appropriate measures while closely monitoring the actions of the international community toward Syria.

That is all from me at the outset.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: I have a question related to your opening remarks on China’s resumption of imports of Japanese aquatic products. Japan and China have agreed to commence concrete procedures. Coupled with China’s recent removal of the buoy near Yonaguni Island, some of the major concerns between Japan and China have been resolved, and progress has been made. Please share your thoughts on this once again. Additionally, the agreement does not cover the resumption of imports from ten prefectures, including Fukushima. While you touched on this earlier, could you please explain again what efforts Japan will be making for a full resumption of imports? Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: As I have stated previously, Japan’s basic policy on diplomacy toward China is to comprehensively promote a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and build “constructive and stable Japan-China relations.” Japan has been conducting diplomacy under this policy, believing that it is important to reduce issues and concerns one at a time and increase areas of cooperation and collaboration one at a time.

From this perspective, as I stated at the outset, it is good news that the procedures to lift China’s import restrictions on Japanese aquatic products will be officially starting. Over this period, the Government has been working collectively to address this issue. Furthermore, efforts have been made on the political front, including by the ruling parties. We consider the recent agreement a major milestone in the process.

Regarding the remaining import restrictions on agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products from ten prefectures, Japan has called on the Chinese side for a calm response based on scientific evidence and for the immediate lifting of import restrictions on Japanese food products that the Chinese side has continued to impose since the accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Japan’s position has not changed. We will continue to make concerted efforts to urge the Chinese side for the lifting of restrictions.

Hong Kong Phoenix TV, Li: You mentioned earlier that China’s resumption of imports of Japanese aquatic products represented a “major milestone.” This issue seems to be viewed in Japan as one of the factors affecting Japan-China relations. What significance does this resumption have for Japan-China relations? What exactly is meant by a “major milestone”?

Minister Iwaya: There are various issues between Japan and China. The import restrictions on agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products are one such issue. We believe that finding a way to resolve this issue will mark a major starting point for addressing the various remaining issues, and to ensure that it will, we will continue to make diplomatic efforts.

It was with this meaning that I stated it was a major milestone.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: I would like to ask about the lifting of sanctions against Syria. As you noted in your opening remarks, the removal of four entities from the list of entities subject to asset freezing was approved by the Cabinet today. This measure aligns with the actions taken by the U.S., the EU, and others. I gather that Japan will be resuming assistance through international organizations and bilaterally. Please tell us about the Government’s policy on this matter.

Minister Iwaya: Japan has been closely monitoring the situation in Syria since December of last year with grave interest. We have been calling for a peaceful and stable transition of power while engaging with the Syrian Care-taker Government. Based on our observations, we believe that the Care-taker Government has worked to achieve a comprehensive political settlement as well as dialogue for national reconciliation, and that it remains committed to achieving a peaceful and stable transition of power in Syria. Recognizing these efforts, we have decided to lift the sanctions in step with the international community.

We expect that the Syrian Care-taker Government will continue to cooperate with the international community to achieve a peaceful and stable transition of power. Japan will continue to respond to the situation in coordination with the international community, including the G7, from the standpoint of what will be effective in realizing peace and stability in Syria.

Additionally, in March of this year, Japan provided USD 5 million in assistance through UNICEF for the restoration of medical facilities. Japan has consistently supported the Syrian people and will continue to provide assistance that aligns with their needs.

Pan Orient News, Azhari:Japan has repeatedly stated and confirmed its opposition to countries attempting to change the status quo by force. This is why Japan applied sanctions against Russia. But Japan seems to be selective about this principle. With Russia, you applied the sanctions; on the other hand, Japan is improving its relations with Israel, including buying weapons, or plans to buy weapons. Israel is occupying Gaza and the parts of the West Bank already and next is Golan Heights, we would like to know, is these sanctions and the status, change the status quo by force opposition by Japan is selective, why is selective, and do you think this will be helpful for achieving peace in the world? Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: First of all, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Gaza Strip have different circumstances and historical backgrounds, making it inappropriate to treat Israel’s actions, which were triggered directly by the terror attacks by Hamas, on the same level as Russia’s unilateral aggression against Ukraine.

Israel’s attempted reoccupation of the Gaza Strip and expansion of military operations are further worsening the already grave humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Moreover, we regard that such acts run counter to the realization of a two-state solution and oppose them. Japan has strongly urged Israel to take appropriate actions in response to these issues.

Japan’s position is that Israel’s settlement activities in the West Bank are in violation of international law and undermine the viability of a two-state solution. We believe the International Court of Justice has made the same judgment. Japan has strongly urged Israel on numerous occasions to fully freeze its settlement activities and refrain from any unilateral actions that would change the status quo.

I strongly requested this directly to Foreign Minister Sa’ar during the Japan-Israel Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held on May 13.

Japan’s position on upholding the rule of law remains unwavering. We will continue to strongly urge the Government of Israel to act appropriately in accordance with international law.

NHK, Yonezu: I would like to ask about China’s import restrictions on Japanese aquatic products. You mentioned that Japan will work with China to reduce issues and concerns one at a time. What was the Chinese side’s intention in reaching this agreement? Do you view that the agreement was reached because the Chinese side was looking forward about improving the bilateral relationship? Also, one more question. You stated that procedures will begin. Regarding the concrete commencement of these procedures, could you please share your outlook on the resumption of imports?

Minister Iwaya: First, we would like to refrain from making conclusive comments on China’s intentions.

That said, under the agreement made between Prime Minister Ishiba and President Xi Jinping at their meeting to return to a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and build “constructive and stable Japan-China relations,” the issue of lifting import restrictions on Japanese aquatic products has been raised and discussed as one of the various issues at the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and other occasions.

We have engaged in the consultations with a view to steadily promote a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests.” I imagine that the same is true for the Chinese side.

Regarding the concrete procedures, export related facilities will need to reregister with China. Applications for reregistration will be accepted, beginning with facilities that were registered with China before the discharge of ALPS treated water. As was mentioned earlier, the ten prefectures were excluded because the registration of their facilities had not been approved before the discharge.

As we proceed step by step through these procedures, we intend to urge China to lift the remaining import restrictions on aquatic products from ten prefectures.

Let me also explain what the technical requirements are about. As was the case before ALPS treated water was discharged into the sea, exports will require the attachment of inspection certificates for radioactive cesium and iodine, the certificate of origin, and the health certificate. For further details, please ask the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, which has jurisdiction over this matter.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: I have a question about the U.S. Trump administration’s temporary suspension of new interview appointments for obtaining student visas. I believe there are personnel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) who are studying or planning to study in the U.S. Please tell us what you know at this time about the impact on such personnel. In addition, I believe there are many Japanese citizens who have plans to study in the U.S. How will the Government of Japan be responding to this issue?

Minister Iwaya: Those with plans to travel to the U.S. have expressed concerns about the issue you mentioned. The Government has been responding with great interest. We have requested the U.S. side to fully provide information. We are in close communication with the U.S. side on this issue.

The U.S. Embassy in Japan has explained to us that, as an interim measure until the U.S. Government announces new measures, it will temporarily suspend new interview appointments for obtaining student visas, while on the other hand, student visa applications are still being accepted, and interviews that have already been scheduled will be conducted as planned.

Through close communication with the U.S. side, we will continue to further grasp the situation and deal with this matter appropriately.

Over 20 personnel from MOFA are now training at U.S. universities, and there are others planning to leave for the U.S. shortly. In particular, we are closely monitoring the impact on the visa application procedures for MOFA personnel planning to travel to the U.S.

Overseas training for MOFA personnel provides them with a vital opportunity to acquire foreign language competency and enhance the basic knowledge, skills, and cultural literacy required of foreign service officers. It is essential that such training in the U.S. proceed smoothly, also from the perspective of fostering personnel who will carry out Japan’s diplomacy, including Japan-U.S. relations in the future. We intend to deal with this matter appropriately.