Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reiterated his will to improve Korea-Japan relations, saying in a speech at the National Assembly today that he would communicate closely with South Korea.
Prime Minister Kishida said in a speech at the regular Diet session today (23rd), “With Korea, an important neighboring country that needs to cooperate in responding to various challenges in the international community, based on the friendly and cooperative relationship after the normalization of diplomatic relations, Korea-Japan relations will be restored to a healthy one and further developed. We will continue to communicate closely to make it happen,” he said.
Prime Minister Kishida expressed his will to improve Korea-Japan relations with the same expression during his speech at the extraordinary Diet on October 3 last year.
Regarding China, he said, "We will insist on what we need to insist on, including unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East China Sea and South China Sea, and strongly demand responsible action."
However, he said, "Keeping in mind that this year is the 45th anniversary of the 'Treaty of Peace and Friendship between China and Japan,' we will continue dialogue, including between the leaders, to build a 'constructive and stable relationship' in which we cooperate on common issues through efforts of both sides."
Regarding North Korea, he said, "It is absolutely unacceptable to launch ballistic missiles with unprecedented frequency and manner." We aim to realize it,” he said.
In addition, while emphasizing the early resolution of the issue of Japanese abductions by North Korea, "the resolution to face Chairman Kim Jong-un directly without conditions"
Prime Minister Kishida also stressed his will to fundamentally strengthen defense capabilities, citing the deteriorating international security environment, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
He also said that the constitutional amendment is "a task that cannot be postponed" and that he expects a more in-depth discussion at this regular session of the National Assembly.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party has pushed for a constitutional amendment to specify the basis for the existence of the Self-Defense Forces in Article 9 of the Constitution.
Japan's regular parliamentary session, which began today, will deal with tax increases to finance an increase in defense costs, response to the low birth rate, countermeasures against high inflation, expansion of nuclear power plants and extension of life.