Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

Today from 8:30 am, the 38th meeting of the Information Security Policy Council was held. Based on the recent deepening risks surrounding cyberspace, discussion took place concerning information security countermeasures at Government organizations and for important infrastructure, and on the development of human resources and related structures that will support such countermeasures. Furthermore, towards the realization of resilience in cyberspace, it has been decided that, this year, February 3, the first working day of Information Security Month, will be designated as "Cyber Security Day," as a means of raising public awareness about this issue. From 1:30 pm today, an official of the Cabinet Secretariat will provide a press briefing concerning the outcomes of this morning's meeting.

Q&As

• The issues related to the Prime Minister's comments at the World Economic Forum  Annual Meeting 2014 in Davos
• The issue related to the Prime Minister's visit to Yasukuni Shrine

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the Prime Minister's comments at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2014 in Davos. There are press reports that in a meeting at Davos, the Prime Minister likened the current relations between Japan and China to those of the United Kingdom and Germany leading up to World War I. Does this mean the Prime Minister feels that there is a possibility of war between Japan and China? I would like to ask about the intent of his comments.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I do not believe that is the case at all. Although I am not aware of what the Prime Minister stated specifically,  in his Keynote Address in Davos, he stated clearly that what is crucial for peace and prosperity in Asia is that we must restrain military expansion in Asia, which could otherwise go unchecked, through dialogue and the rule of law, and not through force or coercion. I believe that by using such words, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of peace and prosperity in Asia.

REPORTER: I believe that parts of the comments by the Prime Minister have been misconstrued by some, with one BBC journalist writing a column suggesting that likening Japan-China relations to those between the UK and Germany is "a bit scary." Perhaps when you obtain more information on this, would you  provide some  explanation, such as the facts surrounding the Prime Minister's comments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of specifically what the Prime Minister said. However, as I already noted, in his Keynote Address the Prime Minister stated clearly that what is crucial is exactly dialogue and the rule of law, and not force or coercion, and that we must restrain military expansion in Asia, which could otherwise go unchecked. In that sense, I believe that the Prime Minister explained about the importance of peace and prosperity in Asia.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Returning to the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos, in his Keynote Address the Prime Minister stated that the Government will set about further reform on corporate tax. I believe that the Prime Minister was referring to the reduction in the effective rate of corporate tax. Given the various objections among members of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and others on this subject, what was the Prime Minister's aim in nevertheless making such a statement at an international conference?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, with regard to the effective rate of corporate tax, the Prime Minister has constantly emphasized that Japan must triumph in the midst of severe international competition, and, in this regard, in order to attract inward direct investment, it would be desirable to lower the tax rate. This is a point that we will continue to actively discuss in advisory council meetings, within the Government, and also among the ruling parties.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In relation to the WEF Annual Meeting 2014 in Davos, it would appear that the Prime Minister shook hands with Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-se of the Republic of Korea (ROK). Do you consider that this will lead to an improvement in Japan-ROK relations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of the details, but I understand that the Prime Minister exchanged a brief greeting with Foreign Minister Yun. However, I do not think that this will lead to any rapid developments. Nevertheless, there is no change whatsoever to Japan's existing stance that our door is open to dialogues and that a summit meeting should be held precisely because the issues exists between our two countries.

REPORTER: In the morning edition of the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, Ambassador of the United States to Japan Ms. Caroline Kennedy once again expressed disappointment concerning the Prime Minister's visit to Yasukuni Shrine at the end of last year. Can I ask for your thoughts on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am also aware that in the same article the Ambassador stated that Japan and the United States are two very important countries in Asia and that the United States is committed to maintaining our friendly relations. In that sense I believe that one of the hallmarks of the Japan-U.S. relationship is the ability to speak freely about things. I feel there is absolutely no change to the importance and closeness of the relationship.