Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Japan-China relations (including the Senkaku Islands)
• Restarting operations of nuclear power stations

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China. Given that China specifically criticized Japan by name in an address at the United Nations and Japan-China relations are currently in a very poor state, could you tell us the thoughts and reactions of the Government with regard to the 40th anniversary, which will be marked tomorrow?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Since the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1972, over the course of the 40 years to date Japan-China relations have developed rapidly and broadly, including both in economic terms and in people-to-people exchanges. For Japan, the relationship with China is now one of our most important bilateral relationships. I believe that this is a recognition that is shared on both sides. On the other hand, it is precisely because of these close bilateral relations that some difficult problems surface every now and then. Although the current situation regarding the Senkaku Islands is a regrettable one, both governments must manage the situation appropriately and work to ensure that Japan-China relations are made even more stable in the future. This is one of the big challenges we face as we mark the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations. However, although there may be rainy days and stormy days in our relationship we must overcome such times in order to work together to ensure stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. It is essential that China plays a constructive role in the region, and that both countries recognize the great responsibility they bear, as the second and third-largest economies in the world, in bringing stability and prosperity to the region and the international community. I believe that under this recognition it is important to take a broad view and aim to further deepen our mutually beneficial relationships based on common strategic interests in the future.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding Japan-China relations. China has announced a plan under which a base for unmanned aircraft will be constructed on China's eastern seaboard. A spokesperson for the Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) has stated that in the event such aircraft violated the Philippines' airspace there is a possibility they would be shot down. There is a possibility that this base will also have the Senkaku Islands in its sights. What are the thoughts of the Government with regard to this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: From the fact that an aircraft carrier is to be deployed, or has already been deployed, and also from statistics, we can see that China is engaging in military expansion. However, as I have just mentioned, for the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, it is imperative that Japan and China play a constructive role, with peaceful diplomatic efforts. It is therefore not for me to comment on specific individual developments, but rather state that for both countries it is necessary to ensure that significant will exists in Japan-China relations to respond calmly, for the stability and prosperity of East Asia and the Asia-Pacific region.

REPORTER: I would like to confirm a point made in this morning's press conference concerning the address made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of China at the United Nations. This morning you indicated that the Government would make a counterargument to the address. In what specific way and from what platform will such a counterargument be issued?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I believe that some of the evening editions of today's papers have indicated that the Government has exercised its right of reply. It is the case that the Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, Ambassador Kodama, exercised the right of reply and made an address countering the arguments put forward by Minister of Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi of China.

REPORTER: Does the Government intend to take this matter further, providing counterarguments that go beyond the right of reply in the General Assembly of the United Nations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: This matter will not end here, as I have already noted this morning. The Government has called various ambassadors resident in Tokyo and provided documents and explanations regarding the Senkaku Islands. Also, in the forum of the UN General Assembly, Japan has emphasized its stance, providing explanations in summit-level diplomacy and bilateral meetings. All these fora have provided platforms for the Government to counter the arguments put forward by China.

REPORTER: With regard to the addresses made in the forum of the United Nations, I believe that both sides have exercised their right to reply and the interactions have been particularly vociferous without reaching a resolution. Do you feel that Japan's stance in this series of interactions has been put forward sufficiently and understood adequately by countries other than those directly concerned?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The addresses that have been delivered have not been the only means of explanation. There have also been bilateral meetings, which I have just mentioned. Explanations are also being provided to various countries through Japan's overseas diplomatic missions. I believe that by addressing the issue in this manner the correctness of Japan's stance and emphasis will be duly understood. As I mentioned yesterday, I feel that the major news organizations overseas are also gradually coming to understand the issue.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: On a similar note to seeking understanding concerning the Senkaku Islands in Japan-China relations through major overseas media organizations, I have a question that relates to the issue of Takeshima. The major Spanish newspaper El Mundo has carried an article in its online edition, which states that Takeshima is clearly the sovereign territory of the Republic of Korea (ROK). Does the Government intend to respond individually to such articles?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I have not heard about the article carried in El Mundo. However, with regard to the issue of Takeshima, the Government has prepared detailed documents and explanations in 10 languages and these are available to browse on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Given that among these 10 languages Spanish is also included, I believe that the stance and justness of Japan's claim can be explained and put forward.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the restarting of nuclear power stations. I believe that the Nuclear Regulation Authority will commence safety assessments based on the safety standards. How much will the Government be involved in the process? Will the Government give the go ahead to restart a nuclear power station so long as the authority unconditionally deems it safe? Or, after the authority advises that a power plant is safe, will the Government then make another judgement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The policy is that nuclear power stations deemed to be safe  will be utilized as important energy sources as stated in the Innovative Strategy for Energy and the Environment, although I can't remember the precise wording of this policy. This is a major policy. In that sense, the Government's stance is that nuclear power stations deemed safe by the Nuclear Regulation Authority should be put back into operation. However, I believe that the Government will still be responsible for providing thorough explanations to local municipalities.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask another question concerning the restarting of nuclear power stations. You just said that the Government will be responsible for providing explanations to local municipalities, is this now a prerequisite for restarting a nuclear power station?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: In principle, prior to March 11 last year that was the case. By that I mean the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry would give approval to restart a nuclear power station after its safety had been confirmed. In those situations there had been neither the political intent nor the necessity with regard to  explanations to local municipalities. However, since March 11 last year, out of necessity for a number of reasons, a ad-hoc ministerial meeting was held to discuss the restarting of Reactors No.3 and No.4 at the Oi Nuclear Power Station. However, now that the Nuclear Regulation Authority has been established, I believe that we will return the former process. However, I believe that of course from now on the Government should also take responsibility for providing thorough explanations.

What Minister Edano is saying is that in principle explanations will be given to the municipalities by the local power providers because this is how it was done in principle in the past. I believe that Mr. Edano's comments indicate that this will form the basic process. I believe that Mr. Edano's comments meant that since the Government has the policy of utilizing the nuclear power stations, as they are important power sources. If Government assistance is required to have this policy realized, the Government will provide support. I believe his comments meant that the Government will also provide explanations to the local municipalities and local residents.

REPORTER: I would like to ask for some clarification. Am I right to understand that in principle, ministerial meetings, like the one for the Oi Nuclear Power Station, will not be held?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: That kind of ministerial meeting was not the norm, and that particular ministerial meeting was an ad-hoc meeting held in response to public concern and other factors, including the role of the current Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, while  the Nuclear Regulation Authority were not yet in place. However, now that the Nuclear Regulation Authority and the Secretariat of the Nuclear Regulation Authority  have been established, we will be returning a regular process under the policy confirmed by the Energy and the Environment Council that nuclear power stations deemed safe  are to be utilized. The Government will approach the matter in line with these policies.

REPORTER: I believe that the consent of local municipalities was not sought in advance of making decisions to restart nuclear power stations prior to March 11.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I believe that the Nuclear Regulation Authority and the Secretariat of the Agency will make decisions in relation to a range of responsibilities related to nuclear safety, although I believe it has not yet been confirmed. Therefore, I believe the power providers that maintain the power stations will take the initiative in communicating with local municipalities.  This will also include safety measures. If Government assistance is required, the Government will also provide an explanation in order to provide support.

REPORTER: I would like to once again ask whether or not the consent of local municipalities will be sought as it was sought from the Governor of Fukui Prefecture.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Of course local providers must seek the consent of local municipalities.

REPORTER: Are you then saying that the Government will not seek consent?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The current structure is that consent will not be sought by the Government.

REPORTER: I would like to ask another question on the same topic. I believe that when considering restarting the Oi Nuclear Power Station, the Government took responsibility for investigating energy supply and demand to assist in making decisions. Moving forward, if we are to go back to as it was, how will this be dealt with?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The Nuclear Regulation Authority is responsible for assessing technical safety; therefore I believe that the Regulation Authority will not be handling the supply and demand analysis. The supply and demand issue will be dealt with by the Electricity Supply-Demand Verification Committee which is operated by the Government.

(Abridged)