Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Japan-China relations

REPORTER: It has been reported in the media that Special Advisor to the Cabinet Yachi and the Director of the First China and Mongolia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ishikawa visited China and met with a number of senior officials. Could you share with us the objectives of Mr. Yachi's visit to China?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of such media reports but I would like to refrain from making any comment, including commenting on the details of the event, on behalf of the Government.

REPORTER: As Mr. Yachi is a Special Advisor to the Cabinet, am I correct to understand that Mr. Yachi visited China with the consent of you and the Prime Minister?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that you are mostly correct to understand so.

REPORTER: This morning, Japan time, the Prime Minister said in London, in relation to Japan-China relations, that he is ready at all times to hold talks with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping. Could you please tell us the connection of this remark with the visit by Mr. Yachi to China? If there is no connection, could you share with us why you believe the Prime Minister made such comments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I personally do not know the reason as to why the Prime Minister made such comments. I ask that you direct your question to the Prime Minister himself, but I believe that the comments have no direct relation to Mr. Yachi's trip to China.

REPORTER: When you say there is no direct relation, am I then right to understand that the purpose of Mr. Yachi's visit to China was not to pave the way for a Japan-China Summit Meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: When I said "no", I mean that I do not believe that there is a connection. However, I am only speaking on speculation.

REPORTER: Please excuse me for asking another question. I understand that due to the nature of the matter there are things on which you cannot comment, but I believe that Japan-China relations are one of the most important bilateral relationships, even from an international perspective. Am I correct to understand that Mr. Yachi visited China in order to make a break through in the current situation, where talks involving the national leaders, such as summit meetings, are not taking place?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As the Prime Minister often says, our door is always open for dialogue. However I cannot make any more detailed comments on behalf of the Government.

REPORTER: Have you already heard from Mr. Yachi regarding the outcome and the details of the visit?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: No I have not heard about it at all.

REPORTER: Do you believe that you will sometime in the future?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that is possible.

REPORTER: Could you share with us the progress of the arrangements for the Japan-China Summit Meeting, rather than the connection with Mr. Yachi?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are by no means making such arrangements.

REPORTER: I understand that you can not make any comments, but am I correct to understand that it could serve as a step forward toward the improvement of Japan-China relations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government has on numerous occasions made it clear that the window for dialogue is always open. Although there are a number of issues between Japan and China, such as the Senkaku Islands, we make our assertions clear on what we need to make assertions in understanding that Japan and China are responsible for the peace and safety of our region. Prime Minister Abe has instigated a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests and the Government is always exploring all possibilities.