Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issues related to forced labor during World War II
• The issues related to the right to collective self-defense
• The issues related to Chinese bills on war memory
• The issues related to PM2.5

REPORTER: Today, a group of plaintiffs filed a damage suit against Japanese companies. The group included the family members of former Chinese laborers who were taken to Japan and forced to work at coalmines and other places during World War II. Can you please comment on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, I am aware of the media reports. However, as this matter concerns a civil suit between parties on the Chinese side and relevant Japanese companies, the Government would like to refrain from making comments. Nevertheless, I would say that, in any case, in accordance with the Joint Communique of the Government of Japan and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Government considers that no issues exist between Japan and China in terms of claims concerning World War II.

REPORTER: These developments occurred despite the fact that the two countries reached such an agreement in the Japan-China Joint Communique. Why do you think this is?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, following the Japan-China Joint Communique, the Government deems that no issues exist in terms of claims between Japan and China. This includes issues of claims by individuals. In any case, we perceive that the Japan-China Joint Communique fully sets out the respective positions of the two governments. Therefore, we believe nothing has changed from before.

REPORTER: In connection with this matter, did the Chinese Government make any contact with the Japanese Government through diplomatic channels or through other means?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, as I stated moments ago, as this concerns a civil suit between the Chinese side and the relevant companies, I do not believe this is a matter that the Government should comment on.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the issue of the right to collective self-defense. Mr. Yoshio Urushibara, Chairman of the Diet Policy Committee of New Komeito, strongly criticized the Prime Minister’s views about revising the interpretation of the Constitution with regard to the right to collective self-defense. In response to questions in the Diet and on other occasions, the Prime Minister explained that first the Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis for Security will reach a conclusion on the matter. Then, the ruling parties, in other words the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, will review this conclusion. Finally, a Cabinet decision will be made. Mr. Urushibara criticized this process, saying that it misses out the most important step – listening to the opinions of the people. As such, he does not support the process at all. Mr. Urushibara discussed about a scenario where one day the Prime Minister might suddenly clear that the Government changed the interpretation of the Constitution by a Cabinet decision, making Japan a country that could exercise the right to collective self-defense from that day on. Mr. Urushibara argued harshly that the people would find such developments completely unacceptable. Can you first share with us your thoughts on Mr. Urushibara’s opinion?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that such an opinion was expressed. However, I think that misunderstanding exists because the specifics have not yet been announced. In any case, with regard to the issue of the right to collective self-defense, I would like to first wait until the discussions of the Advisory Panel are concluded. As I have stated repeatedly, after the Advisory Panel submits its report, the Government will consider how it will deal with this matter. We will do so in consultation with the ruling parties, while also bearing in mind the opinions of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau. My understanding is that this approach was confirmed yesterday between Prime Minister Abe and Chief Representative Yamaguchi of New Komeito during their meeting. In any case, in my view it is important that we clearly explain what the issues are and what  the goals are using specific examples, and obtain the people’s understanding on this matter.      

REPORTER: You just stated that you thought there was misunderstanding. What points do you think are causing misunderstanding? How do you think these points are being misunderstood?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: What I was saying was that it is not that a Cabinet decision would suddenly be made regarding the right to collective self-defense. Upon receiving the report of the Advisory Panel, the Government will consider how it will deal with this matter while consulting carefully with the ruling parties. This approach was confirmed between the Chief Representative of New Komeito and the Prime Minister yesterday. And as I stated moments ago, I expect that as we clearly explain what the issues are and what the goals are using specific examples, the various views of the public will become apparent.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: At the current session of the National People’s Congress, the Chinese Government is deliberating bills to designate September 3 as Victory Day of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression  and December 13 as National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre Victims. What does the Japanese Government think about these bills?    

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of these developments based on media reports. There are indeed questions surrounding why China is striving to establish these memorial days now, after 69 years have already passed since the end of the war. However, in principle, we consider this to be a domestic Chinese matter. Therefore the Japanese Government would like to refrain from making comments. In any case, there is no change in the position of the Japanese Government regarding issues of the understanding of history, including those pertaining to World War II. Furthermore, in our view, our stance to date as a peace-loving nation is also highly regarded by the international community.