Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The announcement by Chinese court to seize a vessel of Japanese company
• The Annual Spring Festival of Yasukuni shrine
• The spread of viral infection affecting pigs
• The peacekeeping operation in South Sudan
• The issue of Trans-Pacific Partnership
• The issue regarding provisional trade statistics

REPORTER: A Chinese court announced that it seized a vessel of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) over a case involving wartime compensation. What is the position of the Japanese Government on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, I understand that MOL was exploring the possibility of reconciliation with the plaintiff. The Government of Japan therefore finds it extremely regrettable that the MOL vessel suddenly received a seizure notice under such circumstances. The series of responses that China has made in connection with this matter, including the latest seizure notice, may undermine the very foundation of the spirit of the normalization of Japan-China diplomatic relations espoused in the 1972 Joint Communique of the Government of Japan and the Government of the People’s Republic of China. Furthermore, such responses may discourage any Japanese companies from doing business in China. The Japanese Government thus expresses deep concern and strongly hopes that China will respond appropriately.

REPORTER: With regard to the response of the Japanese Government, I imagine that you are discussing a number of options, including, for example, referring the matter to the International Court of Justice. What are your intentions in this regard?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, the Government is using diplomatic channels to urge China to swiftly provide the relevant information. The Government will continue to study concrete measures in full coordination with MOL. At this time, I would like to refrain from making any premature judgments in relation to this matter.

(Abridged) 

REPORTER: Is the Government not considering lodging a protest against China?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government is first strongly urging China to swiftly provide the relevant information.

REPORTER: Have you received any reply from China?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have not yet received a concrete reply.

REPORTER: In China, a series of lawsuits is being filed against Japanese companies over forcible recruitment during the war. Moments ago you mentioned the impact on business activities. Do you consider it a possibility that the assets of these Japanese companies may be seized as well?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, in China, a civil lawsuit was filed against MOL for actions taken by one of its predecessor companies. The latest seizure was made as part of a judgment that was delivered in China in relation to this civil lawsuit. Therefore, the Government of Japan deems that the seizure may indeed undermine the very foundation of the spirit of the normalization of Japan-China diplomatic relations. Furthermore, many Japanese companies currently do business in China and this seizure may discourage such companies from continuing to do so. Taking that into account as well, the Japanese Government expresses its deep concern and strongly hopes that China will respond appropriately.

REPORTER: Changing the subject, the Annual Spring Festival starts today. Will the Prime Minister be visiting Yasukuni Shrine?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe first and foremost that it is the Prime Minister who will make an appropriate decision regarding whether or not he will visit the shrine.

REPORTER: If I may ask another question on the Annual Spring Festival, the Prime Minister offered a votive stick to Yasukuni Shrine. When discussing this matter, there is always the question of whether the Prime Minister did this in a private capacity or an official capacity. In what capacity did the Prime Minister offer the votive stick this time around?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are aware from media reports that the Prime Minister offered a votive stick. This was done in a private capacity, and I do not believe the Government should comment on the private actions of the Prime Minister.

REPORTER: When the Prime Minister offered a votive stick last year, countries such as China and the Republic of Korea criticized the offering, saying that this was an inconsiderate action. What is your opinion from the standpoint of giving consideration to neighboring countries and on the offering of a votive stick?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I do not believe the Government should comment on the private actions of the Prime Minister.

REPORTER: If I may make one point, logically speaking, it is not inconceivable that, to some, Japan may appear to be trying to start an argument with the United States prior to the Japan-U.S. summit meeting. What is your view on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I do not believe that is the case at all.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: A viral infection affecting pigs is spreading across the United States. The infection was confirmed in 30 states throughout the United States. In addition, it has been reported that more than four million pigs have died. What impact will this have on Japan, and what countermeasures is Japan taking?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, I understand that since the virus was first confirmed in Ohio April last year, the virus has spread quickly all across the United States. In Japan, the virus was confirmed last October, the first time in 7 years, and since then, outbreaks of the virus have been confirmed in 32 prefectures so far.
In light of these circumstances, first of all, Japan has made it a requirement that pork imported from the United States be accompanied by a sanitary certificate. Thus, pork from pigs that have died of the virus will never be imported into Japan. As for domestic measures, Japan will continue to ensure thorough sanitation management, including with regard to feeding. We are now making every effort to prevent the spread of outbreaks, including the provision of subsidies to cover the necessary expenses for the sterilization work conducted by livestock farmers and others, and the smooth provision of vaccines.
I would like to add that this is an infectious disease that affects pigs and humans will not be infected. Therefore, I would like to ask the people to respond calmly.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding some media reports related to the peacekeeping operation (PKO) in South Sudan.
According to the media reports, for the purposes of self-defense and emergency evacuation, Self-Defense Force (SDF) personnel were given an order that authorized them to fire their weapons if an exchange of fire broke out near Juba, where the SDF is based. Is this true? Was this an exceptional measure?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the media reports. However, I would like to refrain from commenting on the details of the unit’s operations.
Nevertheless, in general, SDF units engaged in operations carry weapons as necessary. This is to ensure that all possible safety precautions are taken when conducting operations. This is always the case. Furthermore, if the requirements of the Act on Cooperation for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and Other Operations are satisfied, SDF personnel are permitted to use weapons as necessary.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Some parts of the media have reported that in the latest Japan-U.S. ministerial negotiations, the two sides reached a compromise, agreeing to set the tariff on imported U.S. beef at 9% or more. Is this true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As Minister Amari explained in a doorstep interview, there is still a considerable gap between the Japanese and U.S. positions. I believe that is all there is to this. Therefore, Japan and the United States are continuing with the tough negotiations. As nothing is decided at this stage, there is no truth to the newspaper reports. 

REPORTER: On Saturday evening, Minister Amari returned to Japan. I understand that he went to see Prime Minister Abe and that you were also present. What did Minister Amari report there? Also, can you please tell us the future outlook?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: During the doorstep interview, Minister Amari explained that while some progress was made in the consultations with U.S. Trade Representative Froman, there is still a considerable gap between the positions of the two sides. Minister Amari reported to the Prime Minister that the content of the negotiations was exactly as such. I was also in attendance.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Specifically what kind of instructions did the Prime Minister then give?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As for the Prime Minister’s instructions, well, the Prime Minister has been briefed on the situation and the working-level negotiations are now taking place.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the provisional trade statistics that were released today. The balance of trade for FY2013 was negative, marking a trade deficit for the third consecutive year. Furthermore, the amount of the deficit was a record high. Can you please comment on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the value of exports increased for the first time in three years. However, the value of imports increased by an even larger margin, resulting in a deficit. I was informed that the deficit was indeed a record high.
The export volume had been declining due to the appreciation of the yen, which had continued until two years ago. Now, with the depreciation of the yen, I believe the Japanese economy is beginning to emerge out of such a situation. The percentage change in the export volume was -5.8% last year and -5.3% the year before that. This year it was positive.

REPORTER: You stated that since last year the Japanese economy is beginning to emerge out of the deficit. I gather that the suspension of nuclear power stations and the depreciation of the yen are causing the deficit. I therefore expect the deficit to continue. How do you intend to deal with this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As you just noted, factors such as the import of raw materials and the depreciation of the yen are affecting the balance. I believe it is also true that strong domestic demand boosted imports.
However, imports are expected to weaken from April following the last-minute rise in demand that resulted from the consumption tax increase. As for exports, overseas economies are expected to continue to achieve moderate recovery, especially developed countries. That is the outlook. I therefore expect that exports will gradually pick up and that the trade deficit will decrease moderately.
Nevertheless, in any case, overseas economies, including China, are at risk of a downturn, and therefore, we will be closely following the situation.

(Abridged)