Press Conference by the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issue related to the Air Defense Identification Zone established by China
• The issue related to the lawsuits on the requisition of Korean civilians during the war

REPORTER: Regarding China's establishment of an Air Defense Identification Zone, what is the Government's thought and response?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: On November 23, the Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China announced that it has established the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone, that it has enforced the rules set forth by the Ministry for aircraft flying in the said zone, and that defensive emergency measures would be taken by Chinese Armed Forces in the case where such aircraft do not abide by the rules. The Government of Japan expressed deep concern about China's establishment of such a zone and obliging its own rules within the zone, which are profoundly dangerous acts that unilaterally change the status quo in the East China Sea, escalating the situation, and that may cause unintended consequences in the East China Sea. In addition, the announced measures unduly infringe the freedom of flight in international airspace, which is a general principle of international law. The measures have no validity whatsoever on Japan, and Japan demands China to revoke any measures that could infringe upon the freedom of flight in international airspace. In addition, the "zone" set by China seemingly describes the airspace over the Senkaku Islands, an inherent part of the territory of Japan, as if it were a part of China's "territorial airspace." Japan cannot accept at all such description. A Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding the aforementioned position of Japan was issued on the 24th. Through diplomatic channels, the Government of Japan has already made strong protests to China, conveying Japan's concerns to China, and demanded China to revoke such measures. Furthermore, concerning China's announced acts, Japan is working and consulting closely with its ally, the U.S., and will coordinate with other relevant countries and partners. Japan will, in partnership with the international community, strongly urge China to exercise self-restraint. The Government of Japan will continue to respond firmly but in a calm manner against China's attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo by coercive measures with determination to defend resolutely its territorial land, sea, and airspace.

REPORTER: Perhaps it was because this occurred over the weekend, but I found the Japanese Government's response or statement regarding this matter to be rather weak. Conversely, U.S. Secretary of State Kerry expressed strong opinions on the matter. Even though this is an issue that concerns Japan, my impression was that the Japanese Government's statement was slightly weaker than that of the U.S. What is your view in this regard?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: On the 23rd, the Government of Japan convened meetings, including a meeting of directors-general of relevant ministries and agencies. Furthermore, based on these meetings, the Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, which I described moments ago, was issued. Also, through Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau Ihara of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan lodged a strong protest to the Minister of the Chinese Embassy in Japan. I believe Japan has also taken firm responses.

REPORTER: If I may confirm your earlier remarks. You stated that China's measures unduly infringe the freedom of flight. Is China's establishment of the Air Defense Identification Zone in breach or not in breach of international law in Japan's opinion? Also, which aspects of the measures does Japan consider are unduly infringing the freedom of flight?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: As you are aware, the Air Defense Identification Zone is not an established concept based on international law. In general, they are domestic measures concerning territorial airspace and the exterior thereof that countries take to protect their own security. Our understanding is that the Air Defense Identification Zone is not an accurate measure of the delineation of territorial airspace nor of territorial land. In this context, the measures announced by the Ministry of National Defense of China unduly infringe the freedom of flight in international airspace, which is a general principle of international law. Japan cannot accept the measures and demanded China to revoke them. As I stated a short while ago, the "zone" set by China seemingly describes the airspace over the Senkaku Islands, an inherent part of the territory of Japan, as if it were a part of China's "territorial airspace." Japan cannot accept at all such description.

REPORTER: When you say unduly infringe a general principle of international law, specifically which aspects of the measures are infringing the general principle? I believe Japan has also established an Air Defense Identification Zone. So, comparing the zones of Japan and China, which aspects of China's measures are infringing on the general principle of international law?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: In Japan as well, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) has established an Air Defense Identification Zone for the implementation of airspace anti-intrusion measures. However, in the case of the MOD of Japan, aircraft approaching Japan's territorial airspace are identified. Furthermore, Japan requests the submission of flight plans and other materials of aircraft flying in the zone through visual flight rules. For aircraft that cannot be verified from flight plans, intercept aircraft make visual confirmation and other such measures are taken. On the other hand, I stated earlier that the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone established by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense unduly infringes upon the freedom of flight in international airspace, which is a general principle of international law. More specifically, the measures apply not only to aircraft approaching China's territorial airspace, but all kinds of aircraft flying in the zone generally. In addition, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense would attempt to impose the rules set unilaterally by China. Furthermore, Chinese Armed Forces would take defensive emergency measures against aircraft that do not cooperate with their identification or refuse instructions. Although the content of the measures is unknown, we consider that these aspects fall under infringement.

REPORTER: On a related note, it is stated that Japan will coordinate with other relevant countries and partners. Is it correct to understand that the Republic of Korea (ROK) is included among these countries?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: Japan will work with a wide range of relevant countries.

REPORTER: So specifically, is it correct to understand that the ROK is included?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: Japan will be having various discussions with respective countries. Naturally, our view is that the ROK would be included to discuss with.

REPORTER: U.S. Secretary of State Kerry and Secretary of Defense Hagel have expressed concerns about China. What are the thoughts of the Japanese Government regarding this?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: As you stated, on the 23rd, the U.S. Government issued statements by both Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. The statements express deep concern about this announcement made by China, and state clearly that the announcement will not in any way change how the U.S. conducts military operations in the region and that the U.S. will be in close consultation with its allies and its partners, including Japan, among other matters. We are aware that the U.S. Government has made requests to China. Japan will continue to coordinate and work closely with the international community, including the U.S.

REPORTER: Did China notify you in advance regarding the establishment of the zone?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: I understand that in the morning of the 23rd, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense explained to the Japanese Embassy in China about the establishment of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone.

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the lawsuits on the requisition of Korean civilians during the war. In the ROK, a series of rulings have been made which order Japanese companies to pay compensation for the requisition of Korean civilians during the war. Following these rulings, it has been reported by media, the Japanese Government informed the ROK that if a court decision is made against Japanese companies, this would be a grave violation of international law and that Japan will take legal measures, including referring the case to the International Court of Justice. Could you please share the facts with us?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: Through diplomatic channels, including occasions such as Japan-ROK foreign ministers' meetings, Japan has communicated its consistent position that the issues of properties and claims between Japan and the ROK have been completely and conclusively settled based on the two countries' Agreement Concerning the Settlement of Problems in Regard to Property and Claims and Economic Cooperation. Moreover, Japan is conveying this to the ROK Government at various levels. I am aware about the media reports regarding what you have just mentioned. However, due to the diplomatic nature of the issue, I would like to refrain from touching on each and every specific detail. Nevertheless, as has been the case to date, Japan will continue to explain its consistent position to the ROK and take responses as necessary.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Returning to the subject of China's Air Defense Identification Zone, this morning too China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, and other entities have refuted Japan's protests. Will Japan make a counterargument or lodge a protest in response to this?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: Japan has been conveying its position and views. We will continue to take firm actions to respond to the situation. We will consider when and at what level this will be done as necessary, and we will fully communicate our position and views which I explained moments ago.

REPORTER: I'm sorry to keep asking the same questions, but if I may confirm, is it correct that Japan is of the view that China's establishment of the Air Defense Identification Zone does not necessarily violate international law?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: As I noted moments ago, Japan understands that the zone unduly infringes the freedom of flight in international airspace, which is a general principle of international law.

REPORTER: Is it a violation?

(Abridged)

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: I understand that the question of whether or not it is a violation as well as how the zone will specifically be operated will be discussed and determined. At least with respect to Japan, as I just stated, our understanding is that the zone unduly infringes the principle.