Press Conferences

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

The first is about Israel’s attack against Iran.

On June 13, local time (same day Japan time), Israel carried out attacks against Iranian nuclear-related facilities and other targets.

The use of military means amid the ongoing diplomatic efforts, including U.S.-Iran talks aimed at the peaceful resolution of Iran’s nuclear issue, is deeply regrettable. The Government of Japan strongly condemns these actions that escalate the situation.

Peace and stability in the Middle East are of paramount importance to Japan. The Government of Japan urges all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and strongly calls for de-escalation of tensions.

The Government of Japan will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in the region and to prevent further deterioration of the situation through continued diplomatic efforts.

Minister Iwaya: The second is about the airplane accident.

We are aware that, yesterday, June 12, an Air India passenger airplane crashed in Ahmedabad in the State of Gujarat, India, which caused numerous casualties, including the death of 241 out of 242 passengers and crew.

We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives in this accident and their bereaved families. We also pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured.

In the wake of this accident, Prime Minister Ishiba issued a message of condolences to Prime Minister Modi of India, and I issued one to Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar of India.

We also issued messages of condolences to the leaders and foreign ministers of countries other than India whose citizens lost their lives in this accident.

No Japanese nationals were on board the crashed airplane. At this point in time, we have not received any information that any Japanese nationals have been harmed due to this accident, but we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.

Asahi Shimbun, Kato: I would like to ask about your opening remarks regarding the situation in the Middle East. As you stated earlier, the attacks were carried out amid U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. You recently had a telephone talk with Minister of Foreign Affairs Araghchi to encourage Iran to reach an agreement. Can you once again share your thoughts about the attacks that were conducted under such circumstances? Furthermore, can you update us about the safety of Japanese nationals and how the Government intends to ensure their safety?

Minister Iwaya: The details of the matter and the Government of Japan’s view position on it are as I stated earlier. Peace and stability in the Middle East are of paramount importance to Japan. The Government of Japan will urge all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and will strongly call for de-escalation of tensions.

The Government of Japan will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in the region and intends to prevent further deterioration of the situation through continued diplomatic efforts.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: My question is on the situation in the Middle East. It also relates to the safety of Japanese nationals. The Government of the U.S. reportedly commenced evacuation of its embassy personnel in the region from shortly before the attacks began. What is the current situation of the Japanese embassy staff?

In addition, you mentioned earlier that the Government of Japan will continue to make every diplomatic effort. Please tell us if there are any plans to hold telephone talks with the foreign ministers of Iran and Israel.

Minister Iwaya: First, about the situation of the embassies of Japan.

In response to the current situation in the Middle East, we are confirming the safety of Japanese nationals in Iran while issuing warnings. As I stated earlier, we have not received information that any Japanese nationals have been harmed at this stage.

The Embassy of Japan in Iran will consider measures, including the issuance of additional alerts, while continuing to closely monitor the situation on the ground.

Additionally, in Israel, while the country has declared a state of emergency, the Embassy of Japan there is functioning. Here, too, we will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.

Japan intends to make diplomatic efforts at all levels. It is important to prevent further escalation of the situation by de-escalating tensions as soon as possible. We intend to urge this to both sides.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: Changing the subject, I would like to ask about the G7 Summit. It has been announced that the Prime Minister will be attending the G7 Summit. Once again, please explain the significance of Japan’s participation as the only G7 member from Asia and what points Japan hopes to emphasize at the summit.

Additionally, I believe bilateral summit meetings, such as with the U.S., the Republic of Korea, and Ukraine, are being arranged. I would like to ask what kind of dialogues the Prime Minister would like to have with the respective leaders.

Minister Iwaya: Prime Minister Ishiba will visit Canada from June 15 to 18 to attend the G7 Summit to be held in Kananaskis, Canada.

The international community is facing various challenges. A new situation has also emerged in the Middle East as I mentioned earlier. I believe the unity of the G7 is vital in these circumstances. With the G7 marking 50 years since its inception, I anticipate that candid discussions will be held among the leaders on the role of the G7. Amid the situations in Ukraine, Gaza and the emerging situation in the Middle East, the G7 is expected to work together and demonstrate leadership in addressing the issues facing the international community. I believe that the summit will serve as an opportunity for Japan to actively communicate its position on these various issues and present its initiatives to the international community.

Nothing has been decided at this point about bilateral summit meetings with other countries on the margins of the summit, but various arrangements are now being made.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: My question is about Syria, also the Middle East. All G7 countries except Japan basically, have taking clear steps toward lifting sanctions against Syria as well as reopening their embassies there, in Damascus. Despite its former strong ties with Syria, especially in the energy sector, Japan has taken partial steps toward lifting the sanctions and Foreign Ministry has continued to place a level four travel warning on Syria, asking all Japanese citizens to evacuate the country immediately. What is behind this seemingly slow pace toward dropping sanctions against Syria and extreme travel warning also against that country? Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: Japan values the efforts made by the Syrian Care-taker Government for dialogues to promote a comprehensive political settlement and national reconciliation. In addition, Japan values Syria’s demonstration of readiness to continue working toward a peaceful and stable transition of power in Syria. As such, Japan has recently decided to partially lift asset freezing and other measures imposed on Syria, keeping in step with the international community.

As for Travel Advice and Warning, they are issued to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals based on a comprehensive assessment of various factors such as the security, political, and social situations. Regarding Syria, we will continue to make appropriate judgement by considering the overall situation. As a matter of course, we expect a gradual improvement in the situation.

Japan has had contact with the members of the Care-taker Government at various levels. In this process, Japan has conveyed its view on the importance of a peaceful and stable transition of power in Syria.

Japan further looks forward to the Syrian Care-taker Government cooperating with the international community and realizing a peaceful and stable transition of power.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: Changing topics once again, I would like to ask about a Chinese military aircraft’s approach toward an SDF aircraft. A fighter aircraft launched from the Chinese Navy’s Shandong aircraft carrier navigating in the Pacific approached a Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) aircraft. Furthermore, from June 7 to 8, the Liaoning aircraft carrier navigated the waters southwest of Minamitori-Shima, marking the first time a Chinese aircraft carrier crossed the “second island chain.” In addition, this was the first time that the Ministry of Defense (MOD) confirmed two Chinese aircraft carriers operating in the Pacific simultaneously. My first question is, how do you expect this situation to affect the Japan-China relationship amid signs of its improvement?

In addition, I believe the Government has not revealed whether the Maritime and Aerial Communication Mechanism was used in this recent incident. Can it be said that the mechanism is functioning? How will the two countries be communicating with each other to prevent unforeseen situations? Has there been adequate communication between the two sides?

Minister Iwaya: On the 7th and 8th of this month, an incident occurred in which a fighter jet carried by the Chinese military’s Shandong aircraft carrier chased an MSDF patrol aircraft that was conducting monitoring and surveillance over international waters in the Pacific.

This Chinese military’s fighter aircraft conducted an extremely dangerous flight, flying as close as approximately 45 meters in horizontal distance from Japan’s patrol aircraft, with no difference in altitude. On June 8, a fighter aircraft crossed approximately 900 meters in front of the patrol aircraft’s flight path, with no difference in altitude. This was also an extremely dangerous flight.

Given that these unusually close approaches by Chinese military aircraft may trigger accidental collisions, the Government of Japan has expressed serious concern to the Chinese side, including by Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Funakoshi to Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao in Tokyo, and solemnly requested prevention of recurrence.

Japan’s patrol aircraft was conducting monitoring and surveillance with keeping a safe distance from the Shandong aircraft carrier. China’s statements suggesting that Japan was at fault for this incident is totally unacceptable. Japan has conveyed its position to the Chinese side as appropriate.

The Government will continue to maintain communication with China at various levels. At the same time, to firmly and perpetually defend Japan’s territorial land, sea, and airspace, the Government will continue to take all necessary measures to carry out monitoring and surveillance activities in the sea and airspace surrounding Japan.

I would like to refrain from commenting specifically on the Maritime and Aerial Communication Mechanism that you asked about. However, I believe that any unforeseen situations between Japan and China, including the recent incident, are not in the interests of anyone or the interests of either side. Accordingly, to avoid unforeseen situations, it is critical to maintain candid communication through various dialogues or through various channels of contact. It is also important to deepen mutual understanding and foster trust.

I have conveyed such views to Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi.

Regarding your questions about the use of the hotline, I would like you to inquire with MOD. However, Japan will continue dialogue with the Chinese side under the broad policy of comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” with China, while Japan maintains and asserts its position and calls for responsible actions by China.

NTV, Suzuki: Returning to the subject of Iran and Israel, I would like to confirm. Earlier, on ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals, you mentioned that measures will be considered while monitoring the situation. Could you elaborate on whether the evacuation of Japanese nationals by SDF aircraft is currently under consideration or within the scope of possibilities?

Minister Iwaya: We believe that all possible measures must be taken to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals. However, at this stage, I have nothing yet to announce about what, when, or how measures will be taken. As I just stated, we intend to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.