Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

•  The issues related to China’s National People’s Congress
•  The issues related to the situation in Ukraine
•  The issue related to the editorial in The New York Times on Prime Minster Abe

REPORTER: China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) opened today. During today’s meeting, China announced that this year there was high growth in the double digits again in defense spending, which grew to 13.4 trillion yen. Can you please comment on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, as you noted in your question, China announced double-digit growth in its 2014 defense spending compared to the previous year’s budget execution. If I am not mistaken, I think this marks consecutive double-digit growth for the past twenty-odd years. The Government of Japan will give heed to this and closely monitor the developments. Under these circumstances, the lack of transparency in China’s defense policy and military power is indeed becoming a matter of concern to the international community, including Japan. In partnership with relevant countries and the international community, Japan will urge China to increase the transparency of its defense policy.

(Note: The above statement is not 100% accurate. Nevertheless, the Chief Cabinet Secretary did state “if I’m not mistaken” and was cautious in making his remarks. What the Chief Cabinet Secretary intended to say was as follows: 

•  It is true that China’s defense spending maintained very high growth over the past twenty-odd years since 1989.
•  Furthermore, China recorded continuous double-digit growth in defense spending over 21 years from 1989 to 2009.
•  Meanwhile, it is true that growth stood between 7% and 8%  in 2010 and 2013.) 

REPORTER: I have a related question. China set its goal for economic growth at around 7.5%, the same as last year. What is your outlook on the Chinese economy?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I understand that China set this goal. The Chinese economy has a major impact on the world economy, including the Japanese economy. In that respect, I hope that the Chinese economy advances towards this goal.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the situation in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin held a press conference for the first time since this situation began. He expressed the view that military intervention is not necessary for the time being. On the other hand, President Putin also stated that while the use of military force is a last resort, if there is lawlessness in eastern regions, all available means will be used to safeguard the people. As such, the situation in the Crimean Peninsula remains in flux. What is the view of the Government regarding this matter? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As to the views of Japan, Japan strongly expects that the situation in Ukraine will be settled in a peaceful manner. Japan 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. 

REPORTER: I have a related question. The United States and the European Union are again preparing to impose economic sanctions. What are Japan’s thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, as I stated moments ago, Japan strongly expects that the situation will be settled in a peaceful manner, and Japan strongly urges all the parties concerned to respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine. With regard to economic sanctions, Japan will closely follow the developments and respond appropriately.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the situation in Ukraine. Will the G7 countries, that is, the G8 countries excluding Russia, be holding any meetings among the leaders or government officials to examine the G7’s response?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As of now, there is nothing concrete. However, the G7 diplomatic authorities are coordinating closely on a daily basis.

REPORTER: If I may return to an earlier topic, I have a question regarding China’s NPC. During today’s meeting, China issued a message regarding the understanding of history, saying that China will safeguard the victory of the Second World War and the post-war international order, and will not allow anyone to reverse the course of history. It is assumed that this message was made with the Japanese Government in mind. What is the opinion of the Japanese Government regarding this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, it is inconceivable that Japan would reverse the course of history. From the end of the war until today, Japan consistently walked the path of freedom, peace, and democracy. This is the basic policy of Japan. As everyone is aware, Japan duly followed this path while maintaining transparency. For example, as was noted earlier, China recorded double-digit increases in its defense budget for over twenty years. Despite all that is said about the Abe administration, Japan’s defense budget increased by a mere 0.8% last year. On these grounds, I consider that Japan’s stance will be understood. 

REPORTER: On the subject of the editorial in The New York Times, which was raised yesterday, you stated that Japan lodged a protest to the newspaper. Has The New York Times issued any response or taken any action?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government lodged a protest and requested a correction. The status of this remains as it is. We just lodged a protest and requested a correction. We will give it some time, but we will be firmly urging a correction.

(Abridged)