June 12, 2022
Ministry of Defense
Defense Minister Kishi, who is visiting Singapore to attend the 19th IISS Asian Security Conference (Shangri-La Dialogue), held a meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe on June 12, 2022. An outline of the meeting is as follows:
- Concerning the situation in Ukraine, Minister Kishi pointed out that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a clear violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and that unilateral changes to the status quo by coercion would undermine the foundation of the international order, including not only Europe but also Asia. Minister Kishi called for China, a permanent member of the Security Council, to play a responsible role in maintaining the peace and security of the international community.
- In relation to this, Minister Kishi pointed out that the series of joint military activities conducted by China and Russia around Japan, including the long-distance joint flight of the two nations’ strategic bombers around Japan last month, are demonstrations of force against Japan, and once again conveyed his grave concern that these joint activities continue to take place.
- With regard to the situation in the East China Sea, Minister Kishi reiterated his request for China's self-restraint on the continued unilateral attempts to change the status quo by coercion in the East China Sea, including the sea area around the Senkaku Islands, as well as the continued worrying activities by China including the exercises in the waters near Japan by the aircraft carrier "Liaoning, even after the Japan-China Minister of Defense video teleconference held in December 2017."
- With regard to the situation in Taiwan, Minister Kishi stated that basic position on Taiwan remains unchanged, and the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is extremely important not only for Japan but also for the international community.
- Concerning the issues in the South China Sea, he called for China to heed seriously the concerns shared by the international community, including the militarization of the South China Sea, and conveyed that Japan strongly oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo backed by coercion and any actions that heighten tension.
- Minister Kishi stated that it is necessary to have candid communication especially when there are concerns about Japan-China relations, and both sides agreed to continue dialogue and exchanges between the defense authorities of Japan and China.
