Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Japan-China relations (The development of gas fields in the East China Sea)
• The TPP

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the development of gas fields in the East China Sea. There are reports that China is constructing a new gas drilling facility near the Japan-China median line. How does the Government understand the facts related to this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government has confirmed a Chinese large marine crane vessel constructing, we believe, a new maritime platform about 26 km off the Japan-China median line of the East China Sea on the West side, the Chinese side. Japan's position is that we cannot accept China's unilateral development in this sea area where Japan's and China's claims overlap, while the delimitation in the East China Sea remains undefined. Furthermore, with regard to the activities of this crane vessel, we have expressed our grave concerns to China. Through diplomatic channels, we have lodged a protest to China that if China is carrying out unilateral development, we cannot accept it.

REPORTER: What impact do you think this matter will have on Japan-China relations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan's and China's positions have not converged with regard to the handling of the sea area in the East China Sea other than the sea area agreed upon in June 2008. In this light, we have agreed to continue to hold consultations. Therefore, our position is that Japan cannot accept China's unilateral development in this sea area where Japan's and China's claims overlap.

REPORTER: What was China's response to Japan's protest?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have not yet received a concrete response. However, we have lodged such a protest to China.

REPORTER: Regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, there are reports that the Japanese Government is considering tariff reductions on processed rice. Can you verify the facts and explain the status of the considerations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As everyone is aware, Japan is working earnestly to collect and analyze information ahead of Japan's joining of the negotiations in July. As we have not yet formally joined the negotiations, there are no facts as such that Japan is examining policies on the handling of individual items. Let me deny this clearly. In any case, with regard to the TPP negotiations, our basic policy is to exercise strong negotiating power in securing what we should secure and gaining what we should gain, and thereby, make the most of the negotiations to serve national interests.