Press Releases
Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Conference
On November 26, from 10:45 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a telephone conference with the Honorable John F. Kerry, Secretary of State of the United States of America. The outline of the conference is as follows.
1. Minister Kishida reiterated that he highly appreciates the response of the United States toward the establishment of the “East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone” by China on November 23. In addition, he again conveyed Japan’s recognition that such measures by China are profoundly dangerous acts that unilaterally change the status quo in the East China Sea, escalating the situation, and which may cause unintended consequences in the East China Sea and airspace. Minister Kishida also expressed strong concerns that China’s measures will have serious impact on the order of international aviation, the principle of which is the freedom of flight. He explained that Japan is demanding China to revoke any measures that could infringe upon the freedom of flight in international airspace.
2. In response, Secretary Kerry also demonstrated his recognition that the establishment of this “Air Defense Identification Zone” by China is a very dangerous attempt that unilaterally changes the status quo in the East China Sea. He also appreciated Japan’s calm and firm response, and stated that he will continue to support Japan’s position. Minister Kishida and Secretary Kerry reaffirmed that the two countries will continue to cooperate closely on this issue.
3. With regard to Iran’s nuclear issue, Minister Kishida welcomed the recent first step agreement, and expressed his expectations that the agreement be implemented in a prompt manner and that further efforts be made toward a final agreement. Secretary Kerry replied that Japan is an important partner for the United States on this issue. They shared the view that the two countries will continue to cooperate closely on the implementation of the first step agreement and on formulating and implementing a final agreement.
4. Minister Kishida and Secretary Kerry confirmed that Japan and the United States will continue their preparations to ensure a fruitful visit by the U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden to Japan in early December.