Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Japan-China relations
• The TPP
• The expected dissolution of the House of Representatives and ongoing policy issues

REPORTER: A meeting of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was held at which Mr. Xi Jinping assumed the position of General Secretary of the party. Could you share with us how the Japanese Government views this change?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Let me first provide you with a rundown of the facts. I have been informed that this morning, the first meeting of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was held. At this meeting, a new leadership group was elected with Mr. Xi Jinping appointed party General Secretary. Today's change concerns a political party, granted China's political structure is different from Japan's, but as I am speaking for the Government, I do not want to comment on the internal matters of another party. However, regardless of who forms the leadership of China, it does not change the fact that Japan-China relations are one of Japan's most important bilateral relationships and that both Japan and China have the vital responsibility of ensuring peace and stability within the region and the rest of the world. The Japanese Government is committed to remaining calm as we address any issues, without losing perspective of the broader picture of Japan-China relations. The Government is also determined to continue to strengthen communication with China at various levels.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on a related topic. Could you share with us how the Government believes the change in leadership will affect situations surrounding the Senkaku Islands between Japan and China? Also, are there any plans for a summit meeting between Mr. Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Noda?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The changes only occurred today, so I believe that I should not make premature comments on future arrangements.

REPORTER: What was your impression after having a look at the lineup of new leaders in China?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As I said earlier, I am speaking on behalf of the Japanese Government and you are asking me to comment on a political party in China, therefore I must refrain from making comments on the personnel decisions of a political party.

REPORTER: As we know, the issues between Japan and China concerning the Senkaku Islands, which are also known as the Diaoyu Islands in China, have reached a deadlock. What are the prospects of this issue being resolved now that new leaders have been appointed?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As I said earlier, the Japanese Government values Japan-China relations, and as such the Government is determined to remain calm without losing sight of the broader picture. Moving forward, the Government will continue and strengthen communication with China at various levels.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question in relation to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). It has been reported that Prime Minister Noda will communicate his intentions to join the TPP negotiations to President Barack Obama. Is the Government currently making arrangements to announce this in the near future?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: No, that is not the case at all. We have always followed procedure, and if the Government is to make the next move there will be ministerial meetings on the economic partnership as well as discussions at various levels. There has been no progress thus far on this matter, and it is not a fact that the Government has decided a specific deadline for coming to a decision on officially joining the TPP negotiations.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on a related topic. The preliminary consultations themselves have stagnated due to other issues such as the U.S. Presidential elections. However, does the Japanese Government intend to take a proactive approach to reach an agreement with President Obama?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As well all know, this is not an easy issue. As has always been the case, we would like to advance discussions with the relevant nations, which of course include the U.S., toward participating in the negotiations. The Government would also like to collect further information and come to a conclusion regarding the TPP faithfully from the view point of our national interests after completing sufficient national debate. Therefore, the Government is determined to steadily pursue these steps, but there will be no drastic developments.

REPORTER: As we expect the dissolution to take place tomorrow, I would like to ask how the Government is planning to address all the current and ongoing issues facing the nation, such as energy policy, administrative reform, and the revision of the imperial system.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As I have said here a number of times before, it is the House of Representatives that will be dissolved. Of course, in the sense that there will be no members of the House of Representatives, the political significance of dissolution is large. However, it is not the entire Government that will be dissolved. The Government will as usual continue to work and address issues such as the ones you mentioned, including energy policy, as we cannot afford a period of administrative inactivity, which I also mentioned during this morning's press conference. I may have also mentioned this this morning, but the Government will also continue to work on economic issues with the target of finalizing the measures by the end of November as per the instructions of the Prime Minister.

(Abridged)