Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issues related to the dispatch of Senior Vice Minister Sakurada to attend the opening ceremony of the Sochi Paralympics
• The issues related to comfort women
• The issues related to the Trans-Pacific Partnership
• The issues related to China’s military spending
• The issue related to the Three Principles on Arms Exports
  

REPORTER: Am I right to understand that you will dispatch Senior Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Sakurada as a representative of the Government to attend the opening ceremony of the Sochi Paralympics, which will commence the day after tomorrow?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: That is correct. We consider the Paralympic Games to be a very significant event in the sense that they encourage the independence and social participation of persons with disabilities. The Games also promote and deepen understanding for various disabilities. In light of the importance of the Paralympics, we decided to dispatch Senior Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Sakurada to the opening ceremony. It is our hope that this will contribute to the success of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. We also hope that at the Sochi Paralympics the Japanese athletes are able to perform to the best of their abilities and fully demonstrate the fruits of their daily training.

REPORTER: I believe that some countries decided not to dispatch Government representatives due to the current situation in Ukraine. Did the Government ultimately decide to dispatch Senior Vice Minister Sakurada out of consideration for Japan's relationship with Russia?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the various developments within the international community. However, it is more the case that, in principle, we believe we should be careful not to allow various political matters to affect the Paralympics. In light of this basic stance, the importance of the Paralympics, and the decision that Tokyo will host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we decided to dispatch Senior Vice Minister Sakurada to Sochi.

REPORTER: Does that mean the decision to dispatch a Senior Vice Minister rather than a Minister has nothing to do with the situation in Ukraine, or anything like that? Is my understanding correct?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We made the decision to dispatch a Senior Vice Minister based on a variety of reasons, including the situation of the Diet.

REPORTER: Mr. Yun Byung-se, the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) Minister of Foreign Affairs delivered a speech at a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. During the speech, Mr. Yun Byung-se focused on the issue of comfort women saying that it is a universal human rights issue. Furthermore, he cited Japan’s attempt to ascertain the background of the Kono Statement and criticized the attitude of the Japanese Government, saying it is an affront to humanity and disregards the historical truth. Could you first share your thoughts with us?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, it is extremely regrettable that Mr. Yun Byung-se made such remarks. Japan will continue to thoroughly explain our stance. Tonight, Japan time, we will once again state the stance of Japan at the same venue of the Human Rights Council. We will provide a counterstatement.

REPORTER: Could you elaborate on the stance of Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As you all know, the Japanese Government has always communicated its stance on the issue of comfort women to the ROK Government. The 20th century was indeed a century in which women’s basic human rights have often been infringed upon. In the 21st century, led by Prime Minister Abe, the Government is determined to build a world of peace that is free from war. As the Prime Minister said on numerous occasions in the Diet, when we think of the comfort women who experienced immeasurable pain and suffering we feel deeply pained. This is exactly the same as that of past Prime Ministers. We will thoroughly reaffirm this stance of the Japanese Government at the Human Rights Council today.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Today Japan-ROK preliminary consultations are taking place in Tokyo. Could you tell us how the Japanese Government considers about the ROK's participation in the TPP? Also, what benefits would the ROK's participation bring to Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, these are more like preparatory consultations. Rather than the ROK requesting preliminary consultations with Japan specifically, the ROK is seeking to hold something similar to preparatory consultations for the TPP with all the relevant countries. Japan is one of these countries and it is in this context that Japan and the ROK are holding consultations. In any case, we do not yet know if the ROK will make an official announcement of its intention to participate in the TPP. As such, at this time, we will listen to what the ROK say.

REPORTER: As was mentioned earlier, Japan-ROK diplomatic relations are currently not proceeding smoothly. In light of this, what effects do you think this move by the ROK will have?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I always say, our door is always open for dialogue. Therefore we will always listen to the ROK objectively and calmly.

(Abridged)　

REPORTER: Yesterday, the National People's Congress announced its FY2014 defense expenditure. I believe that you commented that China’s attempt to enhance its military strength is a matter of concern for the international community, including Japan. What exactly are your concerns?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, China's defense expenditure has increased substantially for the past four consecutive years. Furthermore, there is a real lack of transparency with regard to the details. It is my view that as the second largest economy in the world, China must therefore fully disclose this information.

REPORTER: Some Government officials pointed out that there is a discrepancy between what was said in the announcement and China’s actual military spending. On what grounds does the Japanese Government base its claims that there is a discrepancy?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would assume that this is because there remain several areas in which lack of transparency can be seen. China is the second largest country in the world and is a major economic power. Countries throughout the world maintain transparency and are accountable. Yet in China’s case there remain several areas in which lack of transparency can be seen. I think there is a general assumption that China's military spending is in fact more than what was announced. I believe that this may be what leads to comments such as the ones you mentioned. I understand that following the announcement by China, the U.S. and other concerned nations made similar comments.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the Three Principles on Arms Exports. Media reported that the Government finalized a policy to include the prohibition of exports of arms to nations directly involved in armed conflicts. Could you tell us the current thoughts of the Government on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the Government is currently examining the Three Principles on Arms Exports in order to ensure that it is clear and suitable for the new national security environment. In this examination, we are taking into account discussions by the ruling parties and our policy of making proactive contributions to peace based on the principle of international cooperation. As such, at this point, nothing definite has been decided.