Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The situation in Ukraine and Japan-US relations

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the situation in Ukraine. According to a media report that was just issued, seven countries – the G8 countries excluding Russia – released a joint statement. In the statement, the countries announced that they would suspend their participation in preparatory meetings for the G8 Summit that is scheduled for June. Can you please explain?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, we shared the recognition that under the present circumstances, even if a meeting were held, the G8 countries would not be able to have meaningful discussion. Based on this recognition, this joint statement states that for the time being we will suspend our participation in preparatory meetings and other activities associated with the G8 Summit, until the environment comes back where the G8 is able to have meaningful discussion. As such, under the current circumstances I do not believe that it is possible to hold preparatory meetings.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Before we even discuss preparatory meetings and other associated activities, can you first tell us how the Japanese Government perceives the situation in Ukraine? The Russian Armed Forces’ seizure of control of the Crimean Peninsula and other developments have made the situation extremely tense. 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, a Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs was issued yesterday evening. It states that the decision by the Council of the Federation of Russia heightens the tension in the region and would harm the peace and stability of the international community. In this regard, Japan expresses grave anxiety and concern over the decision.  This is what the Minister for Foreign Affairs released in a statement yesterday. Furthermore, the statement says that Japan strongly expects that the situation in Ukraine will be settled in a peaceful manner and strongly urges all the parties concerned to behave with maximum self-restraint and responsibility, to fully observe the relevant international laws, and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. This is the basic view of the Government.

REPORTER: Regarding the stance of the Japanese Government on the situation in Ukraine, the  stance of urging both Russia and the Ukrainian interim government to behave with self-restraint – does this remain unchanged?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The stance of the Japanese Government is exactly as I just explained.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a related question. The leaders of the G7 countries, including Japan, issued a joint statement. In the statement, the leaders condemn Russia’s clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Can you please elaborate on this a little more?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We deemed it would be beneficial for us, the G7, to assess the current situation in the Crimean Peninsula and to present a common understanding regarding the situation. Based on this position and given the fact that all seven countries were in agreement, we issued  such statement..

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the Japanese Government’s assessment of this information. Am I correct to understand that the National Security Council (NSC) is the principal body performing this assessment?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government has of course been holding meetings of the NSC every day since the outbreak of the situation. At the same time, we issued a statement in coordination with the other members of the G7 through diplomatic authorities.

REPORTER: I have a question in connection with this matter. Prime Minister Abe and President Putin have held summit talks on several occasions and have maintained close relations. What stance will Prime Minister Abe be taking with regard to diplomacy with Russia? What impact do you anticipate on Japan-Russia relations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, with regard to the position of Japan, as I stated a short while ago, Japan worked with the other G7 countries to issue a statement. Japan will continue to monitor the developments with the hope that this statement will lead to improvements in the situation. Regarding your question on Japan’s relationship with Russia, Japan is currently communicating with Russia through diplomatic channels in Moscow and elsewhere. Japan is conveying its views to Russia. That is, as is evident from the position of Japan, Japan urges all the parties concerned to respect the rule of law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. To this end, Japan urges all parties to behave with maximum self-restraint and responsibility. 

REPORTER: I have a related question. Up to now, Japan pushed for economic cooperation and political dialogue with Russia. What will happen to this? Will Japan continue to uphold this stance?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: So as I said, Japan is now communicating its views to Russia. Ultimately, Japan urges all the parties concerned to respect the rule of law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and behave with maximum self-restraint and responsibility. This view is expressed in the G7 statement and other statements. In light of this, the question now is how Russia will interpret this. 

REPORTER: You have told us about the G7’s efforts, but I have another question. As was mentioned in a previous question, I gather that Prime Minister Abe and President Putin have built a relationship of personal trust through a series of summit meetings. Does Prime Minister Abe have any intention to make use of this relationship of trust and engage President Putin directly, for example through telephone talks? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I stated moments ago, first of all, Japan is now communicating its position and views to the Russian Government through diplomatic channels in Moscow. Japan will continue to deal with the situation appropriately while monitoring the developments in the situation.

REPORTER: On a related note, I would like to ask about the G7’s decision to suspend participation in the preparatory meetings for the G8 Summit. Does this mean that in principle, participation in June’s G8 Summit itself will also become unlikely?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from responding to questions about hypothetical situations.  What I can say is that the G7 decided for the time being to suspend its participation in preparatory meetings, until the environment comes back where the G8 is able to have meaningful discussion. In light of this, it is unrealistic to think that the preparatory meetings will take place. However, as there is still time, Japan will monitor how the situation develops.

REPORTER: I have a related question. You said that the Japanese Government is calling on Russia through diplomatic channels to respect the rule of law. Is it your understanding that Russia’s strengthening of effective control of the Crimean Peninsula constitutes a violation of international law? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan is conveying its views to Russia. That is, Japan urges all the parties concerned to respect the rule of law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and to this end, behave with maximum self-restraint and responsibility.

REPORTER: Changing the subject, 29 people were killed in the terrorist attack at a Kunming train station in China on March 1. I understand that the Japanese Government maintained various communications with Chinese authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Can you please give us an official comment from the Government of Japan? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, according to Xinhua News Agency, at around 9 pm on March 1, several mobs went on a knife rampage in Kunming, Yunnan Province in China. I understand that as of this moment, nearly 30 people were killed and at least 140 people wounded in this incident. The Government of Japan expresses its condolences to the victims of the attack and their family members. We will continue to closely monitor the developments concerning this matter.

(Abridged)