Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• An overview of the Cabinet meeting
• The Advisory Panel on the Legal Basis for Security

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved 15 general (and other) measures, cabinet orders, and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister of Justice made a statement concerning a Diet report pursuant to the Act on Wiretapping for Criminal Investigation, and Prime Minister Abe made a statement concerning acting Ministers while Ministers in charge are away on overseas visits, etc.

In ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, Minister Furuya, Minister Mori, and I, respectively, made statements concerning the implementation of procedures for supporting the decision-making of victims of stalking and domestic violence, etc. The Minister of the Environment made a statement concerning measures for the time being in response to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs made a statement concerning responses to the air pollution in China.

The Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis for Security will be launched once again. The first meeting will be held today from 5:40 pm. As you are aware, the Advisory Panel was set up during the first Abe Cabinet in 2007, and constitutional interpretations of the "four cases" were discussed. At today's meeting, a report which compiles the review findings from that time will be presented directly to Prime Minister Abe, and an explanation will be provided. Then, bearing in mind the recent changes in the security environment surrounding Japan, discussions are expected to take place at the Advisory Panel to examine what would be suitable responses for Japan.

Q&As

• Japan-China relations (the beaming of a radar by a Chinese naval vessel)
• Possible nuclear test by North Korea
• Japan-Russia relations (Russia's intrusion into Japan's airspace

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The Ministry of National Defense of China stated yesterday that "radar lock-on" was against the facts. What is the view of Japan regarding this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Our announcement was based on careful and detailed analyses conducted by the Ministry of Defense of Japan, and therefore, we find China's explanation to be completely unacceptable. Also with regard to unilateral provocations, Japan would like China to respond in a calm manner. In order to prevent the recurrence of provocative acts that risk causing an unforeseen incident, Japan strongly urges China to act in good faith.

REPORTER: I understand that Japan has definitive evidence. Do you plan to disclose this evidence or present it to China in the future?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As that would risk exposing Japan's intelligence analysis capabilities, we will deal with this while coordinating fully with the defense and diplomatic authorities.

REPORTER: If I may ask a question which overlaps a little with your explanation just now: What do you think of the fact that the Chinese Government still has not offered a proper clarification of the facts even now, several days after the Japanese Government made the announcement?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have stated a short while ago, on the evening of February 7, Japan time, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense explained China's position to the Japanese Embassy in China, which was that the content of the incidents that Japan disclosed to the international community was against the facts. This was then reported by the media. As I have stated a moment ago, as Japan's announcement was based on detailed analyses, Japan responded that it finds China's explanation to be completely unacceptable. Japan will again explain its position to China.

REPORTER: Chief Cabinet Secretary, you were recently interviewed by the Voice of America of the United States, and you stated that Japan is making preparations for a variety of sanctions should North Korea carry out a nuclear test, including those involving the flow of people. You also stated that in addition to doing this, Japan will seek a United Nations (UN) resolution. Can you once again explain the unilateral sanctions of Japan intended for when North Korea conducts a nuclear test?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe it is critically important that the UN as a whole passes a resolution and that the respective UN member states implement rigorous sanctions. Japan is also currently considering unilateral sanctions that can be taken as much as possible.

REPORTER: I have just one more question regarding a different matter. Yesterday, Russia intruded into Japan's airspace. What are the thoughts of the Japanese Government regarding this and what will be its response? Also, yesterday happened to be, or I do not know if it happened to be, but yesterday was Northern Territories Day. What do you think about the relevance with this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The intrusion into Japan's airspace violates Japan's exclusive sovereignty and is extremely regrettable. Japan lodged a protest to Russia yesterday and is strongly urging Russia to confirm the facts.

REPORTER: What about the relevance with Northern Territories Day?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Regarding that, we will not be making any comments. However, there is no doubt that objectively speaking it was on the same day. Therefore, as I mentioned earlier, we have lodged a protest, and at the same time, are urging Russia to swiftly confirm the facts.

(Abridged)