Home > News > Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary > June 2013 > Friday, June 28, 2013 (PM)
Friday, June 28, 2013 (PM)
Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)
[Provisional Translation]
Q&As
- Japan-China-ROK relations
- The relocation of the Futenma Air Station
(Abridged)
REPORTER: The China-Republic of Korea (ROK) Joint Communiqu? issued following the China-ROK summit meeting notes that joint efforts will be made towards the holding of a Japan-China-ROK trilateral summit by the end of the year and also refers to maintaining policy cooperation in the forum of ASEAN+3. These are things that cannot be achieved without the cooperation and participation of Japan, so do you feel that there was some sort of message contained in these statements?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The fact that these points were included in the joint communiqu? is something that the Government naturally welcomes. Both the ROK and China are neighboring countries and although we face a number of issues there is absolutely no change to our stance of seeking to overcome such issues, based on the fact that we share a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests with China, and that the ROK is a neighbor of extreme importance for Japan.
REPORTER: With regard to the relocation of the Futenma Air Station of U.S. Forces in Japan, today the application to engage in landfill construction has been opened to public comments. Can I ask for your views regarding this development and also when you expect Governor Nakaima of Okinawa Prefecture to make a decision on whether to approve or deny the application?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The measures and decisions that are taken by Japan and the United States are based on the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty and the Government is committed to making every effort to fulfill its pledges. Naturally the Government will also continue to make concerted efforts to alleviate the burden of bases on Okinawa and achieve the return of land and facilities south of Kadena based on the wishes of the people of Okinawa. Against this backdrop the Government is engaged in earnest efforts relating to Futenma Air Station, based on the belief that Governor Nakaima will demonstrate understanding with regard to the application to engage in landfill construction.
REPORTER: What about the timing of the application?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government would ideally like to see a decision made as soon as possible, but as this is a decision for Governor Nakaima, the Government will continue to engage in sincere efforts.
