Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Senkaku Islands
• Osprey aircraft

(Abridged)

REPORTER: It was reported on page two of The Yomiuri Shimbun this morning that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China lodged a protest with the Japanese Embassy in Beijing just prior to the Chinese aircraft's violation of Japanese airspace over the Senkaku Islands. Firstly, could you tell us the details of these happenings? Also, it appears that this information was not shared appropriately and there was a delay before this information was relayed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of Defense. Could you tell exactly what occurred?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In relation to the details of the report, the Chinese Government has in fact made a number of claims over the Senkaku Islands and I must refrain from revealing the details of communications between the foreign affairs authorities of both Governments. As I have stated a number of times, Japan cannot accept assertions and actions that are based on the Chinese Government's own claims.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding Okinawa. I heard that on February 4 a water bottle was dropped from an Osprey aircraft. This came about following a meeting of individuals opposed to Osprey deployment that took place last month and has amplified local concerns. How will the Government approach the U.S. military in relation to this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It would be a serious problem if an accident were to occur, so we will naturally request the U.S. military to ensure that something like this does not happen again.