Press Conferences

Sankei Shimbun, NAGAHARA: In recent months, there has been an increase in visits to China by European leaders, including those from the UK, France, and Germany. According to some observers, Europe’s closer engagement with China reflects a growing distance in relations between the U.S. and Europe. I would like to ask how the Government of Japan perceives this situation. I would also like to ask how the Government intends to seek European understanding regarding China’s hegemonic acts in the East China Sea going forward.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: European leaders have visited not only China but also the U.S., Japan and various other countries. Therefore, I believe it would not be appropriate to attribute particular significance to their visits to China.

That said, Japan expects stable relations to be maintained between the U.S. and Europe and has conveyed this view to both sides. Japan intends to deepen coordination and cooperation with the U.S., Japan’s sole ally, and with Europe, our “strategic partner”.

Furthermore, with European countries that share fundamental values and principles, Japan has consistently maintained close information-sharing and communication regarding various challenges in the Indo-Pacific regions, an area in which Japan naturally possesses a deeper understanding, including the developments you mentioned concerning China. We will continue to use every opportunity to align our recognition with European countries, the European Union (EU), and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Asahi Shimbun, MIYAWAKI: The Congress of the WPK in North Korea concluded on February 25. In his remarks, General Secretary Kim Jong Un left open the possibility of dialogue with the U.S., on the condition that the U.S. withdraw what he perceives as its hostile policies, while taking a dismissive stance toward relations with the Republic of Korea (ROK). How did you interpret the diplomatic posture North Korea has demonstrated this time? Furthermore, I would like to ask again how Japan intends to pursue diplomacy toward North Korea.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: While the Government has consistently sought to collect and analyze information regarding the situation surrounding North Korea, including the recent WPK Congress, with serious concern, I would like to refrain from commenting on each individual development.

That being said, the Government’s basic policy regarding North Korea is to achieve the normalization of Japan-North Korea relations, in accordance with the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, by comprehensively resolving outstanding issues of concern, such as the abductions, nuclear, and missile issues, as well as settling the unfortunate past.

To address the issues related to North Korea, including abductions, and nuclear and missile development, coordination with the U.S., the ROK, and the international community is of utmost importance. Japan intends to continue working closely with them.

Financial Times, Lewis: Does the Government of Japan consider that President Trump’s Board of Peace poses the risk of undermining the structure and authority of the United Nations (UN)? Does Japan intend to join the Board of Peace based on its observer participation in the recent meeting? Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Japan has consistently supported President Trump’s efforts toward peace in the Middle East, including in Gaza, based on our position of actively contributing to the realization of peace and stability in this region, which are of utmost importance not only for Japan but also for the international community.

Japan dispatched Ambassador OKUBO Takeshi to the recent meeting from the perspective of contributing to the discussions and efforts toward the rebuilding of Gaza. Ambassador OKUBO has previously served in the Middle East, including Palestine, and possesses a broad network. I have been briefed that, during his visit, Ambassador OKUBO engaged in meaningful exchanges of views with many attendees toward the rebuilding of Gaza.

Regarding the Board of Peace, we are currently in communication with the U.S. and other relevant countries. At the same time, as its details are not yet fully clear, we are carefully examining the matter and will continue to consider Japan’s response.