Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the North Korean missile issue. United States media have spoken to multiple government officials and are reporting that North Korea is preparing to fire a new intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile within the next 72 hours. Is the Government aware of this situation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As always, the Government continues to closely monitor the missile-related situation in North Korea with great interest, and we constantly strive to gather and analyze information. I would like to refrain from making any comment about specific details due to the nature of the matter.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: With regard to the North Korean missile issues, does the Government consider there to be a high possibility that North Korea will engage in some form of provocative action to coincide with the timing of the United States presidential election?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government is constantly monitoring missile-related developments in North Korea with the greatest interest. Beyond that, I would like to refrain from making any specific comments.

(Abridged)