Press Conferences

Kyodo News, ONDA: I would like to ask about the U.S.-China Summit Meeting. The outcome document from the meeting states that the U.S. and China fought as allies in World War II. Some argue that China is waging cognitive warfare by accusing Japan of what it calls “new militarism” while evoking memories of the war, and that this time, President Trump has echoed China’s narrative. How do you assess the fact that the “allies” reference appeared not only in President Trump’s remarks but also in the outcome document?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: I am aware of the matter you noted. However, as it concerns exchanges between third countries, I am not in a position to comment on them individually.

That being said, Japan, as a free and democratic nation, concluded the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty with the U.S. following World War II. The Japan-U.S. Alliance is now stronger than ever. This contributes to peace and stability in Japan and throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Japan will continue to deepen bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas, including security, science and technology, energy, economic security and the economy, and further strengthen Japan-U.S. relations.

Yomiuri Shimbun, FUKUDA: I would like to ask about the “enemy States” clauses. At the recent United Nations (UN) General Assembly session, Prime Minister TAKAICHI once again called for the deletion of these clauses. Last year, China made a post that invoked the obsolete “enemy States” clauses, and I recall you responding that the post was “inconsistent with the facts.” Some point out that keeping these clauses in the UN Charter leaves room for China to exploit them for political purposes. How does the Government view this situation, and what specific actions does the Government intend to take for the deletion of the clauses? Could you please answer these two questions?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Regarding the so-called “enemy States” clauses in the Charter of the UN, a resolution recognizing these clauses as obsolete was adopted by an overwhelming majority at the 1995 UN General Assembly. China itself cast a vote in favor of this resolution.

Furthermore, at the 2005 UN World Summit, an outcome document expressing the resolve of all Member States’ leaders to delete references to “enemy States” from the UN Charter was adopted by consensus, including China. Therefore, we believe that there is no room for any State to invoke the clauses.

The UN Charter itself has been amended only a few times since the end of World War II. Japan regards reform of the UN Security Council as an equally urgent task, and a G4 Foreign Ministers’ meeting on this topic was held on the margins of the recent UN General Assembly session. Along with Security Council reform, Japan intends to continue working toward the removal of the “enemy States” clauses.

Asahi Shimbun, OGAWA: I have an additional question concerning Japan-China relations. Recently, former Foreign Minister IWAYA met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. I believe the Chief Cabinet Secretary commented on this earlier today. Given that such a meeting took place at a non-governmental level amid the severe state of Japan-China relations, and that you yourself recently had a brief informal exchange with Mr. Wang Yi, with all this in mind, how do you view this interaction? I would once again like to ask how the Government intends to develop Japan-China relations, now and in the future.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: As I have said time and again, precisely because there are concerns and issues between Japan and China, it is extremely important to communicate with each other at various levels. I believe it is also necessary to promote exchanges at non-governmental levels, including private-sector exchanges. Based on our basic policy of comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” with China and building a constructive and stable relationship, Japan will make every effort to build a proper relationship.

Asahi Shimbun, OGAWA: So, with regard to the encounter between the former Foreign Minister and the Chinese Foreign Minister, I understand that the Government is not in a position to comment on each such meeting.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: It is as I just said. I believe nothing wrong was said.