Home > News > Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary > July 2013 > Friday, July 19, 2013 (AM)
Friday, July 19, 2013 (AM)
Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)
[Provisional Translation]
Q&As
- Japan-Russia relations
- Japan-China relations (The development of gas fields in the East China Sea)
(Abridged)
REPORTER: Regarding Japan-Russia relations, Dr. Togo and Dr. Panov, both former diplomats of Japan and Russia, have presented in a Russian newspaper a proposal for the settlement of the attribution of the Northern Territories. The proposal calls for first attributing the two islands of Habomai and Shikotan and then holding parallel consultations on joint economic activities for the remaining two islands. Can you please share your thoughts regarding this?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that such suggestions have been made. However, as Dr. Togo and Dr. Panov are now private citizens, the Government would like to refrain from making comments regarding them.
However, as I have stated routinely, the position of the Government is to conclude a peace treaty by settling the issue of the attribution of the four islands. This is a consistent policy, and intense negotiations are ongoing to reach a solution which is acceptable to both sides. This is our basic stance.
(Abridged)
REPORTER: With regard to yesterday's reports concerning the planned development of seven gas fields in the East China Sea, you stated that Japan was confirming the facts with the Chinese side. Have you received any response between yesterday through today?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have made a request to China, but we have not yet received a response from China. We have expressed our grave concerns. However, we have not yet received a response to this.
REPORTER: Related to this, if that is the case, it would seem that a civil response from China cannot really be expected. Will Japan just keep waiting for a response or do you have something in mind for the next step?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan will strongly assert that it is unacceptable for China to go forward with unilateral development in the sea area where the claims of the two countries overlap. As the situation will develop in the form of diplomatic exchanges, we will refrain from disclosing the content. Nevertheless, this is something that we will be strongly reiterating.
(Abridged)
