Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Japan's response to the situation of North Korea
• President Xi Jinping of China's speech at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference
• The protection of nuclear power stations
• Japan-Mexico summit meeting

REPORTER: With regard to a missile launch by North Korea, the Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has stated a view that a missile launch is possible on or around April 10. Does the Government of Japan share this view?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government is aware of the press reports regarding this matter. The response of the Government is in accordance with the instructions issued by Prime Minister Abe, namely to take all possible measures to gather and analyze information in cooperation with the United States and the ROK, and fully prepare for contingencies and make every possible effort to ensure the safety and security of the public. We will continue to make every endeavor in that regard.

REPORTER: On a related note, I understand that the Government is taking the necessary measures, but if I may ask in more detail, I believe that the Government yesterday issued orders for ballistic missile destruction measures. What response will be made from now?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: To discuss this matter concerning the specific content of orders issued to the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) would reveal our strategy and therefore I would like to refrain from making any further comment. However, as I have already mentioned, we are making every possible effort to ensure the safety and security of the public.

REPORTER: At the time of the three previous missile launches the orders for ballistic missile destruction measures were issued publicly after having first been approved by the Cabinet. Why was this not the case on this occasion?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that the moves by North Korea have been different on this occasion. (Abridged) On previous occasions North Korea gave specific notice, but this time there have been no clear signals.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Given that the orders for ballistic missile destruction measures have been issued, are we to understand that your recognition and that of the Government is that over the weekend there has been a further increase in tensions relating to the situation in North Korea?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Since last week I have been stating that the Government will make every effort to fully prepare for any contingency and there is absolutely no change to this stance.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: With regard to the decision to extend Japan's unilateral sanctions against North Korea for a further two years, the newspaper of the Workers' Party of Korea has reacted strongly, indicating that the Japanese authorities and the United States Forces stationed in Japan should understand that they are a target of the strategic rocket force of North Korea. What is the Government's reaction to this newspaper article?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I will refrain from commenting about each and every provocation, other than to say that North Korea should refrain from such provocative actions. The Government will continue to utilize diplomatic channels to urge North Korea to comply with the agreement reached in the Six-Party Talks and with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Given that the orders for destruction measures were not publicly announced on this occasion, are we to understand that a decision was made that non-disclosure was in the best interests of the nation? If so, who made this decision and are there any plans to hold a meeting of the Security Council of Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There are no current plans to hold a meeting of the Security Council of Japan.

REPORTER: And what about the non-disclosure of the orders for destruction measures?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government made a decision about what would be the best measure to protect the safety and security of the public.

REPORTER: Who made that decision?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The decision was made by the Government.

REPORTER: Yesterday, in a speech made at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, President Xi Jinping of China stated that, "no one should be allowed to throw a region and even the whole world into chaos for selfish gains." Does the Government of Japan interpret this phrase as referring to North Korea?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would refrain from speculating about whether it referred to North Korea specifically, but we are aware that President Xi Jinping and other Chinese people have made such statements and hope it will help efforts by the international community to work together to advance mutual safety and security.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: There are some press reports that suggest that the Government has decided to submit a draft bill to the current session of the Diet to amend the Self-Defense Forces Act, which would enable SDF personnel to guard and protect nuclear power stations. What are the facts behind such reports and are such considerations being made by the Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There is no truth to such press reports. However, the protection of nuclear power stations is currently being implemented primarily by the police force and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG). In addition, in the event of an emergency situation in which standard protection capabilities would be insufficient to maintain law and order, it is already the case that through a public security operation, the SDF, police and JCG would cooperate closely in making a response. To date the SDF has engaged in joint training exercises with the police and JCG and the Government believes that it is important to ensure further cooperation and collaboration among relevant authorities. However, there is no truth to the press reports that you mentioned.

REPORTER: This evening the Prime Minister will be meeting with President Pe?a Nieto of Mexico, and I imagine that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement will be a significant theme for discussions. What expectations does the Government have for cooperation with Mexico on the TPP?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As you have noted, naturally the TPP is scheduled to be brought up in discussions in the Japan-Mexico summit meeting. The Government hopes that Mexico will demonstrate a positive stance towards Japan's early participation in the TPP negotiation process.

(Abridged)