Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In response to the Japanese Government's decision (to nationalize the Senkaku Islands), there have already been some developments in China, including anti-Japan demonstrations taking place in the country and Chinese patrol vessels again appearing in Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands. What is your view of these developments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I am aware of the reports. With regard to the latter item (concerning the patrol vessels), although this was apparently reported by the media, as of now, the Japan Coast Guard has not reported that Chinese vessels or otherwise have been confirmed in the territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands. In any case, there is no doubt that the Senkaku Islands are clearly an inherent territory of Japan, in light of historical facts and based upon international law. The Senkaku Islands are under the valid control of Japan. In this context, it remains unchanged that the Prime Minister's Office will continue to lead the efforts to keep an eye on the situation, conduct thorough monitoring and surveillance, and take every measure to patrol Japanese territories in close coordination and cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In relation to China, Mr. Sugiyama, Director-General of Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed to Beijing this morning. Is the Director-General providing some sort of explanation to China in response to Japan's decision to nationalize the Senkaku Islands? Is the visit part of such efforts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I believe Director-General Sugiyama has only arrived in China. I have not heard that any kind of exchanges has begun. I understand that a range of views are expected to be exchanged with Chinese Government officials in light of the current bilateral relations. Including this visit to China by Director-General Sugiyama, we believe it is important that diplomatic authorities continue to maintain close lines of communication.

REPORTER: Activities and events, organized jointly by the public and private sectors, are scheduled to be held before and after September 29 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China. However, there are some rumors that events such as the Shanghai marathon may be affected (by Japan's decision to nationalize the Senkaku Islands). Can you please tell us what the Government is currently aware of regarding the impacts on events and activities, if there is anything that the Government is aware of?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: With regard to the Shanghai marathon that you mentioned right now, was it today that there were developments? In any case, I am aware that the marathon has been cancelled. I understand that various people from Japan, including groups of Diet members, will be attending the ceremonies and other events for the 40th anniversary. At this time, I have not heard that any changes have been made.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In response to the Government reaching an agreement (with the landowner of the Senkaku Islands), has China or Taiwan lodged any protests or expressed any intentions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: With regard to China, the situation is as has been reported as of yesterday. As for Taiwan, the issue of territorial waters and the issue of territory were raised to Japan through the East Asia Relations Commission and the Interchange Association, and we are responding to these matters as usual.

To elaborate a little further on Taiwan's request, today, at 10 am, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan issued a statement strongly condemning Japan's decision to acquire the Senkaku Islands, stating that this is an illegal conduct that violates Taiwan's sovereignty over the territory, and expressing strong protest. In this context, Taiwan stated that it ordered Taiwanese Representative to Japan Shen Ssu-tsun to return to Taiwan to explain the situation. According to Taiwan's notification through the Interchange Association, while Taiwanese Representative to Japan Shen Ssu-tsun is scheduled to leave Japan tomorrow afternoon, the date of his return to Japan is undecided.

REPORTER: Regarding the cancellation of the Shanghai marathon that was touched upon a moment ago, is my understanding correct that this was influenced by the Senkaku matter? Also, what are the Government's thoughts on the fact that such an event has been cancelled?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I do not know what influenced the cancellation. It naturally benefits no one to react excessively to individual cases, which in turn affect Japan-China relations overall. Japan will convey its views accurately to China and seek the understanding as well as the calm and appropriate response of China.

(Abridged)