Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: There have been reports that Russian forces have designated airspace off the northeast coast of Hokkaido as a zone for aerial exercises. What is the Government's awareness concerning the facts behind such reports?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: At the current point the Government is aware that Russian forces are engaged in exercises in the Sea of Okhotsk and other areas. The Government is also aware that Russia has designated an area off the eastern coast of Hokkaido as a flight risk zone. The Government is continuing to monitor these moves by Russia, from the perspective of Japan's security. At the current time, the Government has expressed Japan's concerns to this effect to Russia and is also making inquiries into the facts, including those relating to the exercises and the designation of a flight risk zone. The Government will make an appropriate response, on the basis of the reply that is received from the Russian side.

(Abridged)