Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: Today, the Government of Japan decided to extend an Emergency Grant of USD 4 million to Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, in response to the devastating damage caused by Hurricane Melissa that struck the Caribbean region in late October.

With this Emergency Grant, Japan will implement humanitarian assistance in such areas as food, shelters, and health, through international organizations.

The Government of Japan intends to closely coordinate with relevant countries and organizations for the earliest recovery of the affected areas.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Regarding the dialogue between the Japanese and Chinese Directors-General for Asian affairs, I have not yet been informed that it has concluded. I will be briefed once the meeting has finished.

Yomiuri Shimbun, UEMURA: I would like to ask about Prime Minister TAKAICHI’s responses in the Diet regarding a Taiwan contingency and a survival-threatening situation. In response to remarks made by Ambassador of China to Japan Wu Jianghao and Consul General Xue Jian of the Chinese Consulate General in Osaka, U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass has posted sarcastic messages on X. He also posted that the Japan-U.S. Alliance is steadfast in its resolve to preserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan urged the Chinese side on November 17 to exercise restraint, stating that China should “not be a troublemaker.” What are your thoughts on these remarks by an ally and others expressing understanding for the position of the Government of Japan? Do you expect that the Government’s position can gain international understanding going forward? Could you tell us whether the Government plans to take any actions to deepen the understanding of third countries, aside from China. Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: First, as I have been stating recently, I consider the post or remarks made by China’s Consul General in Osaka to be highly inappropriate as remarks from the head of a diplomatic mission. In addition, there have been statements from the Chinese side that could discourage people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, which I believe are inconsistent with the broad direction confirmed by both countries.

You noted Ambassador Glass’s social media posts. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are important not only for Japan’s security but also for the entire international community, and it is the consistent position of Japan to expect that the issue surrounding Taiwan will be resolved peacefully by dialogue. I have continuously emphasized and explained this position to the countries concerned at various international meetings, including the ASEAN-related summit meetings, the APEC Ministerial Meeting, the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and NATO.

You referred to several remarks. We are aware of and monitoring the various remarks made about Japan’s view and position. As I mentioned earlier, Japan will continue to take appropriate measures toward achieving peace and stability in the region, in close coordination with our ally, like-minded countries, and the broader international community.

Chugoku Shimbun, NAKAGAWA: I would like to ask about the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. At the meeting of the Committee on National Security of the House of Representatives that was held earlier, you responded that the Government adheres to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles and would maintain former Foreign Minister OKADA’s response in the Diet. Prime Minister TAKAICHI stated in her book that, of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, “not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons” would likely pose an obstacle. What is your view on this matter?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: As I responded at today’s committee meeting, the Government adheres to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles as a set of policy guidelines, and regarding “not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons,” the Government intends to maintain the response that then-Foreign Minister OKADA gave in 2010.

Nikkei Shimbun, HORIKOSHI: If I may return to the subject of Japan and China, I would like to ask about Japan-China relations and people-to people exchanges. For example, it was announced that the Tokyo-Beijing Forum, where experts from Japan and China discuss politics and diplomacy, has been postponed. The Chinese side has explained that the postponement was due to Prime Minister TAKAICHI’s remarks on a Taiwan contingency. Japan-China relations are beginning to affect people-to-people exchanges and civil diplomacy. How do you view the current situation? I understand that active civil diplomacy and exchanges are important for both countries. How does the Government intend to ensure that such diplomacy can be promoted normally between the two countries?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I am aware of the postponement of the forum you mentioned. There are many international forums held with various countries, and I think it is common for civil forums to be rescheduled. For this reason, I would like to refrain from commenting on each individual postponement as the Government.

That being said, precisely because there are concerns and issues between Japan and China, it is essential that both the public and private sectors maintain multilayered communication across a wide range of fields between Japan and China. I have emphasized this point, and from this perspective, the Government will continue to take appropriate measures.

NHK, YAMAMOTO: You mentioned the Japan-China Director-General-level dialogue in your opening remarks. Could you confirm if Mr. Liu Jinsong, Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs is the correct person with whom Mr. Kanai held a dialogue? Additionally, what outcomes do you expect from this dialogue?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Your understanding is correct.

At this moment, I do not know if the dialogue concluded during this press conference. As they have to catch a flight, I presume that it will end shortly. In any case, I will be briefed after it concludes and I intend to receive a detailed briefing tomorrow.

As I briefly mentioned earlier, I believe the Chinese side’s announcements over this issue that could discourage people-to-people exchanges between the two countries are inconsistent with the broad direction of comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and building “constructive and stable Japan-China relations,” which was confirmed between the two leaders.

Japan has clearly explained to the Chinese side the context in which Prime Minister TAKAICHI gave her response in the Diet. Regarding the point I just mentioned, we have also made requests to the Chinese side and demanded that it take appropriate actions. I have instructed Director-General KANAI to conduct the dialogue in this direction, and he is currently in Beijing.

Tribune News, Susilo: I would like to ask about the “2+2” meeting with Indonesia. Was there any discussion regarding the plans to export the Abukuma-class destroyer escort to Indonesia? Have you been informed of that? Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: The content of the “2+2” meeting with Indonesia yesterday is as explained at yesterday’s joint press conference. If you do not have the details, we can provide them to you.

For information on the discussions between the defense ministers, please direct your questions to the Ministry of Defense.

Bloomberg, MURAKAMI: Going back to Japan-China relations, the Government has explained that today’s dialogue between the Japanese and Chinese Directors-General for Asian affairs is one that is held regularly, alternating between the two countries. Was today’s Director-General-level dialogue scheduled before November 7, when Prime Minister TAKAICHI made her remarks in the Diet about a survival-threatening situation, or was it arranged following the remarks? Additionally, I understand Director-General KANAI is currently visiting China. Could you comment on the Chinese side’s reaction to his visit?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: The dialogue between the Japanese and Chinese Directors-General for Asian affairs is held regularly, alternating between the two countries. Since the previous consultation took place in Japan, it was decided that this one would be held in China. While it is difficult to specify the exact time when the date was finalized, I believe the arrangements for the schedule had progressed considerably by the time Prime Minister TAKAICHI responded in the Diet.

Bloomberg, MURAKAMI: What about the Chinese side’s reaction to Director-General KANAI’s visit to China?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: As I noted, this dialogue is held regularly. The previous dialogue took place in Japan, and since the dialogues alternate between the two countries, I believe Japan’s visit to China this time is reasonable.

Hong Kong Phoenix TV, Li: I have a question regarding Taiwan. At a previous press conference, you stated that the Government of Japan’s position remains as articulated in the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique. Can you clarify once again which specific part of the Japan-China Joint Communique the Government of Japan has consistently maintained? Secondly, China is demanding the retraction of the remarks. To confirm once again, is it correct that the Japanese side has no intention at this time to amend or retract Prime Minister TAKAICHI’s remarks on Taiwan?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Regarding your first question, the Chinese side’s position on Taiwan is articulated in the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique, and I believe it is worded that Japan understands and respects this position. If you would like to know word for word, I can have the document brought in. In any case, it is within this framework and in this regard that I stated the Government of Japan’s position has been consistent.

Hong Kong Phoenix TV, Li: And regarding retracting the remarks?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: If a specific event occurs, the Government will collect relevant information and determine comprehensively whether it constitutes a survival-threatening situation. This is what Prime Minister TAKAICHI reiterated at the Budget Committee meeting in the Diet, which I also attended. Furthermore, as long as there is no armed conflict, there is no survival-threatening situation. I believe Prime Minister TAKAICHI emphasized this point as well, which has been the consistent view upheld by the Government.

Yomiuri Shimbun, UEMURA: I have a question related to China. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has requested its citizens to refrain from travelling to Japan, while the Ministry of Education of China issued a notice urging them to carefully review their plans to study in Japan. These measures by the Chinese could undermine the Japanese economy. Do you consider these Chinese measures as economic coercion against Japan? Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: The term “economic coercion” has often been used in the international community as well. Regardless of whether these measures constitute economic coercion, I believe that measures taken by the Chinese side that could discourage people-to-people exchanges are inconsistent with the broad direction confirmed between Japan and China, as I mentioned earlier.