Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• The overview of the Cabinet meeting

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved one general measure, a cabinet order, and personnel decisions. In ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, Minister Furuya made a statement concerning the Government's response related to Typhoon No. 26 and Typhoon No. 27.

Q&As

• Japan's participation in Joint Statement on the Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Weapons
• The Government's response related to Typhoon No. 26 and Typhoon No. 27.
• The Three Principles on Arms Exports.
• The heavy pollution with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the measurement limit in northeastern parts of China

REPORTER: For the first time Japan has joined a statement against use of nuclear weapons, which was presented at a meeting of a committee of the United Nations General Assembly. Can you please explain the backdrop which led to Japan's participation in the statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The last time, there were sections which conflicted with the current security policy, including the nuclear extended deterrence policy, of Japan. However, this time, the views of Japan, including our views regarding these items, were included in the statement. Therefore, as it has been the basic policy of Japan to realize a world without nuclear weapons, the Government of Japan will continue to play a leading role in efforts by the international community in the pursuit of this endeavor.

REPORTER: Is my understanding correct that the text was revised so that it was not inconsistent with the security policy of Japan which relies on the nuclear deterrent capability of the United States?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We believe that in principle, the statement achieves a balance with our security policy, including our extended deterrence policy.

REPORTER: Earlier, you stated that whereas previously there were sections which conflicted with the policy of Japan, the views of Japan have now been included in the statement. Specifically, which sections were deemed to be conflicting, and which sections were deemed to have incorporated the views of Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: So as I said moments ago, this time Japan gave its assent based on the fact that the statement has all of the approaches towards nuclear disarmament, among which are views held by Japan, including our extended deterrence policy, and therefore, is consistent with Japan's approach of promoting gradual nuclear disarmament.

REPORTER: What role did the Prime Minister's leadership play in making the decision to approve or join the statement this time? What was the intention of the Prime Minister?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As it is the Prime Minister's basic view to realize a world without nuclear weapons, the Prime Minister urged diplomatic authorities to work towards incorporating Japan's views into the statement so that Japan is able to approve it. It was this context that led to Japan's approval this time around.

REPORTER: In that case, you are saying that the Prime Minister had indeed instructed that efforts be made to have Japan's views incorporated into the statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Of course. This was instructed adamantly by the Prime Minister.

REPORTER: Can you please explain the Government's response to Typhoon No. 26 and Typhoon No. 27, which you referred to in your opening statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In light of the extent of the damages from the previous typhoon, the Government is, at this moment, taking all the concerted measures, under the leadership of Minister of State for Disaster Management Furuya.

REPORTER: With regard to the specifics, has anything been decided?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government will take steps in coordination with areas where typhoons are expected and with the respective headquarters that are set up at each local government.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the Three Principles on Arms Exports. Yesterday, the Advisory Panel on National Security and Defense Capabilities proposed in its draft (National Security Strategy) to review the Three Principles on Arms Exports. I believe this matter concerns you. Can you please explain how you intend to review this? Is the abolishment of the Three Principles a possibility?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This was reported in today's newspapers. I believe nothing had yet been decided even at yesterday's meeting of the Advisory Panel on National Security and Defense Capabilities. In this sense, I understand that the Advisory Panel is in the stage of discussing what the final report will look like.

REPORTER: What is your reaction to the fact that in northeastern parts of China, including Harbin, heavy pollution has been recorded with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the measurement limit? Also, can you please describe the impact on Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that this has been reported. In light of the situation, the Government has decided to hold a seminar at the Japanese Embassy in Beijing on the 28th of this month for Japanese people residing in China. In addition, within Japan, no sharp increases in PM2.5 levels have been measured as of this time. However, we will continue to closely monitor the situation inside and outside Japan. Furthermore, we will strengthen our coordination with the Self-Defense Forces. Recently, on October 18, we held an experts' meeting regarding PM2.5. The meeting discussed the overall recent analyses regarding air pollution and the implementation of future alerts. In any case, we will continue to take measures while paying careful attention to the situation.