Latest news with #TakeshiIwaya
Arab News
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Japan avoids criticizing Israel for bombing and invading Syria
TOKYO: Despite the recent attacks on Gaza and Syria, Japan has notably refrained from condemning Israel's actions. This stance contrasts sharply with Tokyo's more vocal criticisms of military actions taken by other nations, such as Russia. Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya reiterated Japan's commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, emphasizing the need for restraint and dialogue. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of countries working to resolve the situation in Syria. 'As I mentioned previously, we are deeply concerned about the situation in Syria,' Iwaya stated, adding that Israel's attacks on Syria could be 'severely worsening' the situation there. 'We are calling for the steadfast implementation of the ceasefire agreement agreed upon by the involved parties and strongly urging all parties, including Israel, to exercise maximum restraint.' Furthermore, Iwaya emphasized that Syria's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence should be respected. He acknowledged that the Syrian government has engaged in dialogue aimed at achieving a political solution and national reconciliation. 'We are committed to demanding that all parties play a constructive role in achieving a peaceful and stable transition in Syria,' he added. Israel's aggressive invasion of Syrian territories and its ongoing bombings of critical Syrian establishments — most recently, airstrikes on the presidential palace and the defense ministry — have raised serious concerns. When Iwaya was asked whether Japan would take a stronger stance, including condemnation and sanctions against Israel like its response to Russia's actions in Ukraine, he reiterated, 'We are committed to demanding that all parties play a constructive role in achieving a peaceful and stable transition in Syria.'
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Climate
- Korea Herald
Japanese FM offers condolences to victims of heavy rain in S. Korea
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya on Monday expressed condolences to the victims of recent heavy rains in South Korea, the Japanese Embassy in Seoul said. Iwaya sent a condolence message to Foreign Minister Cho Hyun after heavy rains and landslides ravaged the country last week, killing 18 people and leaving nine others missing. "I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of precious lives and the tremendous damage caused by the heavy rain in the ROK," Iwaya said, using the acronym of South Korea's official name -- the Republic of Korea. "I would like to express my heartfelt condolences about the lives lost and send my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families. I sincerely pray for the swift recovery of the people and the areas that were affected and wish for the earliest possible rescue of those still missing." Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koichi Mizushima also expressed deep sadness over the damage in a separate message posted on the embassy's website. (Yonhap)
Japan Forward
3 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
To China Provocations, Ishiba Gov't Response is Truly Pathetic
このページを 日本語 で読む Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama all adopted timid stances toward China. This situation is extremely unfortunate as it undermines Japan's national interests. On July 9 and July 10, a Chinese J-H7 fighter-bomber made an abnormal approach towards a Japan Air Self-Defense Force YS-11EB electronic intelligence aircraft over the East China Sea. On both days, the Chinese military aircraft came within about 70 meters of the ASDF plane if measured in a straight line. These were abnormal, dangerous, and provocative manners of flying. The latest incidents came shortly after similar incidents on June 7 and June 8. In those cases, a Chinese military aircraft made an abnormal approach towards a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force aircraft over the Pacific Ocean. The Chinese military's high-handed behavior is utterly unacceptable. China must reflect on such foolish actions that impair its dignity as a country. But even more concerning is the Ishiba administration's truly pathetic response to these Chinese provocations. This Chinese JH7 fighter bomber approached Japan's Air Self-Defense Force YS11EB electronic measuring device on July 9. (Photo provided by the Ministry of Defense) On July 10, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. At that time, Iwaya conveyed Japan's serious concerns about the dangerous approaches of Chinese military aircraft. He also called for China to desist from such behavior. Also, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi expressed serious concern about the incidents to Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao via telephone. However, expressing "serious concerns" is a milder diplomatic response than a formal "protest." How Germany handled a similar incident in early July stands in stark contrast. After a German military aircraft was targeted by a laser on a Chinese warship during a reconnaissance flight over the Red Sea, Germany's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chinese ambassador to Germany. When he arrived, German officials delivered a strong protest. Why don't we learn from Germany? Leaders of Japanese political parties attend a pre-election debate in Tokyo on July 2. (©Sankei by Masahiro Sakai) During a street corner campaign speech ahead of the July 20 Upper House election, Ishiba said, "We will not be disrespected." He was referring to the tariff policy of the Trump administration. Yet he refused to speak out in protest regarding abnormal behavior on the part of the Chinese military. It is Chinese behavior that could lead to an accidental military conflict. Ishiba has also been silent on the subject on social media. His responses have been clearly imbalanced. Even after the close encounters over the Pacific in June, the government only expressed "serious concern." Then, too, Prime Minister Ishiba issued no statement on the matter. After this pitiful performance, Japan should expect to be disrespected and once again subjected to dangerous provocations. Clearly, the Japanese government should display more righteous anger. The attitude of LDP Secretary-General Moriyama is also bizarre. On July 11 he met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Osaka. But according to reports, the main topics discussed were the issue of resuming Japanese beef exports to China and a request for China to loan Japan more giant pandas. Why is it that Moriyama did not press He to engage in a frank and honest exchange regarding the abnormal approaches of Chinese military aircraft? Even more so, why didn't he call for the release of Japanese nationals currently detained by Chinese authorities? The same also holds true for Foreign Minister Iwaya. If our leaders will not speak and act resolutely for the sake of Japan, they are not fit to serve at the nation's helm. Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
16-07-2025
- Health
Japan Says Taking Strict Fentanyl Countermeasures
News from Japan Politics Jul 15, 2025 22:03 (JST) Tokyo, July 15 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said Tuesday that Japan is taking thorough measures against fentanyl, noting that Japanese customs have not uncovered any attempts to smuggle the synthetic opioid through the country in the past six years. Health minister Takamaro Fukuoka and Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato also mentioned fentanyl in separate press conferences on the day. Fukuoka said that, unlike in Europe and the United States, the drug has not spread in Japan. Kato said that Japan is working closely with the United States and other countries on the matter. The ministers' remarks followed media reports that a Chinese organization is suspected of being involved in fentanyl-related exports from Japan to the United States. "Following these reports, the prime minister's office issued instructions to explain domestic measures against the drug," a government source said. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
Nikkei Asia
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Nikkei Asia
ASEAN asserts global role as internal rifts cloud regional unity
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, center, meets with Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Philippines' Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro at a trilateral meeting during the 58th ASEAN Foreign ministers meeting and related meetings in Kuala Lumpur on July 10. The bloc attracted numerous high-level diplomats to its annual forum. © Reuters NORMAN GOH and ISMI DAMAYANTI KUALA LUMPUR -- ASEAN projected its growing global influence last week as ministers from major powers gathered in Kuala Lumpur for the bloc's annual ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), but this stood in stark contrast to the lack of progress in resolving myriad internal issues. The South China Sea dispute, Myanmar's civil war and Thai-Cambodian border tensions were paid little more than lip service. And there was barely a sign of the bloc forging the much-promised united front to address U.S. President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs.
