Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Senkaku Islands
• Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit Meeting

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the Party Leaders' Debate held at the Diet. Mr. Ishihara, Co-President of the Japan Restoration Party, asked that Japan exercise tangible effective control over the Senkaku Islands. To this, the Prime Minister gave a response that was not any more in-depth than his previous responses. What form of effective control or tangible effective control does the Government have in mind, including the permanent assignment of public servants?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The question of how to maintain and manage the Senkaku Islands is an issue which is critically important for Japan. The present basic stance of the Government is that it will make appropriate judgments while bearing in mind the various circumstances surrounding the Senkaku Islands.

REPORTER: Regarding the navigation of Chinese navy vessels near these Senkaku Islands that was also asked about this morning, can you explain how the Government sees this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The basic stance of the Government is that there is no doubt that the Senkaku Islands are clearly an inherent part of the territory of Japan in light of historical facts and based upon international law. Therefore, Japan proactively pursue the points that need to be pursued and fully responds to what it ought to respond to, with the Japan Coast Guard taking the lead. In this way, Japan persistently responds to the Senkaku matter with the intent to protect what it ought to protect.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Slightly changing the subject, with regard to diplomacy, I would like to ask about the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit Meeting. While I believe you were in the process of arranging the meeting, the Yomiuri Shimbun has reported that the meeting has been called off. What is the status of the arrangements?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have not yet heard the conclusion which was made. As the meeting will be held in the Republic of Korea (ROK) this time around, it is not Japan but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the ROK which is taking the lead in dealing with this matter. Japan has not yet been notified about any cancellation. I believe it is still being arranged.

REPORTER: There are also news reports that China has expressed reservations over the scheduling of the meeting. Have you received any such reports?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am sure that the ROK is working hard on this matter.