Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• An overview of the Cabinet meeting

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved 38 written answers in response to letters of questions by Diet members, as well as cabinet orders and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism made a statement concerning the White Paper on Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Japan, 2012. I, as the temporary acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, made a statement concerning the emergency grant aid for the flood damages in India.

In ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, Minister Inada made a statement concerning the steady implementation of the review of administrative programs, and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism made a statement concerning the request for cooperation on the Blue Feather Fund campaign.

Q&As

• Japan-ROK relations
• Japan-China relations
• The communication monitoring activities of the United States

REPORTER: Yesterday, a Japan-ROK foreign ministers' meeting took place for the first time in about nine months. First, what are your thoughts regarding the fact that a political-level dialogue was held for the first time in a while?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yesterday, a foreign ministers' meeting was convened between Minister Kishida and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK). I believe the meeting served as a start on the basis of developing a multi-layered and future-oriented Japan-ROK relationship. During the meeting, I understand both countries concurred that they are vital neighbors that share fundamental values and interests and will cooperate closely to further develop the bilateral relationship.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Although I understand it was made clear that both countries have a very divergent position on the issue of the understanding of history, what is your outlook on the holding of a summit meeting or future prospects?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: While it is a fact that a variety of issues exist, the foreign ministers' meeting was held to overcome these issues, and as Japan and the ROK are neighbors and important countries to one another, the meeting was held to further develop the bilateral relationship. I believe we need to build on these efforts.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding Japan-China relations. Some media outlets reported this morning that as a condition for holding a bilateral summit meeting, China urged the shelving of the Senkaku issue. Can you please verify the facts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At the moment, a variety of exchanges are taking place between Japan and China at the working-level. As for Japan, it is natural that we maintain a firm stance on issues where there is no room for compromise. On the other hand, our door for dialogue is always open to advance our mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests with China from a broad perspective. As the Prime Minister has also stated, we should meet and talk if any issues exist. That is how diplomacy ought to be, and we will respond based on this position.

REPORTER: As you have also just stated, it has been reported that when Special Advisor to the Cabinet Yachi visited China, the Japanese Government made a statement to the effect that it will not compromise on issues where there is no room for compromise. Can you verify the facts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from commenting on this matter. However, our position is clear.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Regarding the alleged wiretapping by a United States (U.S.) intelligence agency, President Obama has said that the U.S. intends to provide all information to its allies. Since then, has the U.S. provided any information?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At this moment in time, we have not received any information from the U.S. However, I will refrain from commenting on each and every diplomatic exchange. It is natural that Japan has great interest in this matter, and is now seeking appropriate confirmation.