Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER:With regard to the captain of a Chinese fishing vessel who was arrested in waters off Nagasaki Prefecture, I believe that the captain has since been released. What is the Government's knowledge of the facts of this case and what view does the Government take?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA:The local police authorities responsible, in this case the Nagasaki District Public Prosecutors Office, issued a summary indictment this morning, and this afternoon the Nagasaki Summary Court issued a summary order, upon which the captain of the vessel was released and the vessel left Nagasaki harbor at 2:10pm. I understand that the prosecution authorities dealt with this case appropriately, based on law and the evidence.

REPORTER:Do you think that this incident will have an impact on Japan-China relations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA:No, I do not think that this will be the case.

REPORTER:What is the reason you believe there will be no impact on Japan-China relations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA:Based on domestic laws the case in question was dealt with in accordance with past precedents. There has been no further interaction with regard to this case. Naturally this matter has been duly notified through diplomatic channels.

(Abridged)

REPORTER:Do you consider that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement, and in the wider sense discussions on economic partnership are not a particular priority for Prime Minister Noda, but rather something that has been carried on from the administration of former Prime Minister Kan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA:Last year, I think maybe in December, when the Prime Minister was serving as Minister of Finance, he was deeply involved in such matters and expressed great interest in them. I think it just so happens that he did not mention such matters during the time of the selection of the new party leader and this does not mean that he does not consider them to be important.