Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to make an announcement regarding North Korea’s launch of ballistic missiles. While the details are currently being analyzed, from around 2:30 am to 2:40 am on March 26, North Korea is suspected to have launched two ballistic missiles from the west coast of the Korean Peninsula. No damages to aircraft or vessels, or any other damages, have been reported so far. With regard to the response of the Government, the relevant parties, including the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary for Crisis Management, the National Security Secretariat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Defense, have been working closely together and started gathering intelligence in the immediate aftermath of this incident. Furthermore, a meeting among the directors-general of relevant ministries and agencies was promptly held, during which the Government’s responses were discussed. Moreover, under my leadership, senior officials of relevant ministries and agencies also met to gather intelligence and discuss how to proceed.

North Korea did not set up navigation restricted areas beforehand, nor did it give prior notice to the relevant organizations of other countries. Following on from the incident on March 3, since today’s launch jeopardized the safety of aircraft and ships, we view it as an extremely serious issue. Furthermore, the launch violates the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, the Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks, and relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. Therefore, Japan lodged a strong protest against North Korea. Based on the three instructions from the Prime Minister, the Government of Japan will continue to urge North Korea to exercise self-restraint, make every effort to collect and analyze intelligence, and take necessary and appropriate actions in close partnership with relevant countries, including the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK), to ensure that nothing is overlooked with regard to the security of Japan. 

Q&As

• he issues related to North Korea’s launch of ballistic missiles
• ･The issues related to the Japan-U.S.-ROK trilateral summit meeting
• The issue related to Oma Nuclear Power Station
• The issues related to renewable energy
  The issue related to the return of two communications bases of the U.S. forces in Yokohama City

REPORTER: I have a question regarding this issue. The launch coincided exactly with the timing of the Japan-U.S.-ROK summit meeting in the Netherlands. Taking that also into consideration, what do you think North Korea’s aim was?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I do not have a full grasp of the circumstances in which North Korea launched the missiles. This is now being analyzed.

REPORTER: I have another question. Japan-North Korea director-general-level talks will be held in Beijing on the 30th and 31st. What impact does the launch have on this? Will the talks be held? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, Japan-North Korea intergovernmental consultations are a forum that deals with the abduction issue, a critically important issue on humanitarian grounds. The consultations also provide an opportunity to raise security concerns on matters such as missiles and nuclear programs. In this sense, considering all aspects holistically, we do not plan to call off the consultations at this moment in time. We will take this opportunity to fully assert the position of Japan with regard to these matters.

REPORTER: Conversely, then, are you saying that this will be a meaningful meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It has been a long time since Japan and North Korea have held such meetings. Japan considers the upcoming intergovernmental consultations to be an opportunity to clearly assert our position with regard to the abduction issue as I mentioned moments ago. We also perceive it to be an opportunity to raise our concerns on security matters, such as the recent missile launch and North Korea’s nuclear programs. In addition, North Korea did not give prior notice to the relevant organizations of other countries, and in this sense, since it jeopardized the safety of aircraft and ships, we view it as an extremely serious issue. Therefore, Japan considers the upcoming intergovernmental consultations to be an opportunity to clearly assert our position on these matters.

REPORTER: What is your analysis of the flight distance and the type of ballistic missiles used?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, it is suspected that the two ballistic missiles were launched eastward from a location about 50 km north of Pyongyang, from around 2:30 am to 2:40 am on March 26, and fell into the Sea of Japan about 500 km east of the Korean Peninsula. However, further details are now being analyzed, including the type of missile used.

REPORTER: I would like to confirm some things with you in connection with this matter. It seems that the ROK Government concluded that these were Rodong missiles. Firstly, has the Japanese Government not confirmed this? Also, Minister Onodera stated during his doorstep interview a short while ago that these were missiles of quite a high capability. Can you please speak about the dangers they pose to Japan, including whether or not they have the capacity to reach Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to your first question on whether they were Rodong missiles, we are now studying the details, including this possibility. We are working closely with the United States and the ROK. The details are still under analysis, including the flight distance.

REPORTER: How about the dangers they pose to Japan, including whether the missiles are capable of reaching Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: These are among the matters now being analyzed.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the Government’s response. One of Prime Minister Abe’s instructions was to provide information to the people promptly and accurately. However, I think it was around 5:15 am or so that the Government informed the media about the missile launch, while the launch itself took place at around 2:30 or 2:40 am. This took a little less than three hours. Would you say that the Government was able to respond promptly? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe so. The missiles were launched at the times you mentioned. However, in my view a certain amount of time is naturally required to analyze the information and to issue a notification thereof. Furthermore, slightly after 3 am I instructed that a meeting among the directors-general of relevant ministries and agencies be held, and such a meeting was held at 4:30 am. The Prime Minister issued his instructions at 5:10 am. The Prime Minister issued three instructions: 1) engage in intelligence gathering and analysis, and work closely with relevant countries; 2) thoroughly confirm the safety of aircraft and vessels; and 3) provide information to the people promptly and accurately. This is what the Prime Minister instructed at 5:10 am. I arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office before 7 am, was briefed by directors-general, and then issued instructions, including instructions on Japan’s response measures.

REPORTER: I have a related question. If I am not mistaken, J-ALERT, the system that provides notification of information on ballistic missiles and other such matters, did not respond in any particular way or was not in operation. Why was that?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We did not consider there to be any need whatsoever to put J-ALERT into operation. We believe the missiles landed even further away from Japan compared to North Korea’s previous missile launch.

REPORTER: In other words, you judged that the missiles would not have any direct impact on the safety and security of the Japanese people?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At the meeting of relevant directors-general that started at 4:30 am, a judgment was made based on a consideration of all factors. We were aware, for example, that the missiles’ flight path was not inside Japan’s flight zone, and that there were no Japanese fishing vessels in the area, and made judgment based on this

REPORTER: I have a question on this matter. Did you not observe any signs beforehand, such as fuel being injected, that suggested this missile launch would take place? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This is now being analyzed. However, as this concerns a variety of confidential information, I would like to refrain from making any comments here.

REPORTER: I have a slightly related question. I understand that the North Korean Permanent Representative to the UN held a press conference in Geneva yesterday. It seems that during this press conference, the Permanent Representative made remarks regarding the upcoming Japan-North Korea talks. He stated that the abduction issue was completely resolved and that the issue of comfort women in the Korean Peninsula should be included in the agenda. What is the Japanese Government’s reaction to this?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of the details. In any case, Japan does not consider the abduction issue to at all be resolved. Therefore, Japan will fully assert our position regarding these issues during the intergovernmental consultations.

REPORTER: How about the comfort women issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of what the North Korean Permanent Representative said in this regard. As I recall, this issue never once came up during the Japan-North Korea director-level talks to date. 

REPORTER: What is the Government’s outlook regarding additional missile launches, nuclear tests, or other such risks?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We continue to closely monitor this in close partnership with the relevant countries.

REPORTER: I understand that North Korea has been launching short-range missiles intermittently since February. At this point in time, what is the Japanese Government’s assessment of North Korea’s missile capabilities?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Based on our work with relevant countries and the various responses Japan is taking, we do have an understanding of North Korea’s missile capabilities. However, I would like to refrain from commenting on this publicly.

REPORTER: A Japan-U.S.-ROK trilateral summit meeting was held. What is your assessment of the meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: During the meeting, the three countries – Japan, the United States, and the ROK – affirmed the importance of working more closely on issues of security in East Asia, especially the issue of North Korea. In this sense, I view it as a very meaningful meeting. In addition, this meeting was the first direct meeting between Prime Minister Abe and President Park Geun-hye. Japan sees this meeting as a step to further strengthening Japan-ROK cooperation for building a multi-layered and future-oriented bilateral relationship from a broad perspective.

REPORTER: I have a related question concerning this summit meeting. President Park was reportedly not feeling well in the Netherlands. What is your opinion regarding the fact that President Park attended the trilateral summit meeting under such circumstances?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of what the circumstances were. However, I am aware that the President attended the trilateral summit meeting as scheduled. My understanding is as I described moments ago. The three countries agreed to work more closely on issues of security in East Asia, especially the issue of North Korea.

REPORTER: At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Abe spoke to President Park in Korean. What are your thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of that as well. I thought it was natural and fitting.

REPORTER: From your perspective, what was the sentiment behind the Prime Minister speaking in Korean? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It seems that perhaps President Park does not have a very positive impression of the Prime Minister. I thought that by speaking in Korean, for a short while, the Prime Minister was able to show his personal side to the President.

REPORTER: I have a related question. It was reported that during this exchange President Park remained expressionless. What do you think about this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I do not know anything about that. What I do know is that at the end of the meeting they shook hands firmly before parting.

REPORTER: The issue surrounding the understanding of history between Japan and the ROK was not raised during this meeting. What is your take on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The security situation in East Asia is extremely serious. Therefore, my perception is that the meeting was held to affirm that all three of our countries would address the situation while working together steadily and closely.

REPORTER: Do you expect this trilateral meeting will lead to a bilateral meeting between Japan and the ROK, which has still yet to take place?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, Japan and the ROK are indeed important neighboring countries who are both liberal societies and liberal democracies, and who share the same such values. Therefore, I consider the building of a future-oriented relationship between the two countries to be critically important for both countries in the context of overcoming various issues. At the same time, I believe this is also vital for the security of all of East Asia.  

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the Japan-China relationship. While Japan was able to hold a meeting with the ROK, no breakthrough for improving the Japan-China relationship has yet to be seen one year and three months into the Abe administration. I believe the Japanese Government still maintains the basic stance that the door is always open for dialogue. Aside from continuing to say that the door is always open for dialogue, how does the Government intend to reach a breakthrough for improving the relationship?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, Japan and China are both nations that are responsible for the peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. I believe that it is critically important that our two countries make efforts to enhance our relationship in an array of areas from a broad perspective, including in politics, economy, and culture. In this context, I think that it is essential that we promote dialogues and exchanges in a variety of areas and at various levels. Thus, Japan finds it important to stand firmly by its stance that Japan’s door is always open for dialogue, while continuing to hold exchanges in a variety of areas, such as economic exchanges, cultural exchanges, and sister city exchanges.  

REPORTER: The economic exchanges and private sector-level exchanges which you spoke about just now are of course also effective. However, at the same time, I believe it requires some time before effects can be seen. Is Japan’s intention to make the most of these exchanges, and thereby, strive to improve the relationship, even if this will take time?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Of course. As the Prime Minister always says as well, Japan wishes to carry out these necessary exchanges and deepen mutual understanding, while explaining Japan’s position carefully and humbly.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the Oma Nuclear Power Station that J-POWER is currently constructing in Aomori Prefecture. Today the Hakodate City Assembly in Hokkaido unanimously approved a plan to sue the Government and J-POWER, and to seek to suspend the construction and revoke the approval of the establishment of a nuclear reactor. The city intends to file a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court as early as April 3. I think this would be the first case in which a local municipality were to file a lawsuit against the Government for the suspension of a nuclear power station. Does the Government have any comments?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the actual lawsuit has not been filed. Once it is filed, I will explain the position of the Government.

REPORTER: Regarding a different matter, this morning, I understand you met with Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Rob of Australia. What did the two of you discuss concerning the economic partnership agreement (EPA) negotiations, among other issues?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that the Japan-Australia EPA negotiations are entering the final stages. It is critically significant that Minister Rob visited Japan under these circumstances. Minister Rob is particularly well-versed in agricultural matters and is very influential. Later today, he will be holding talks with other officials, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. While both countries have their respective positions, through these talks, we will aim to reach an agreement by making mutual concessions in areas where concessions can be made, and by asserting what should be asserted. Also, Prime Minister Tony Abbott is scheduled to visit Japan in April. In light of this and other factors, I consider Minister Rob’s visit to Japan to be critically important.    

REPORTER: Did you get the sense that Japan and Australia will be able to reach an agreement for the most part in time for Prime Minister Abbott’s visit to Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We both have our respective positions. However, I gather that Minister Rob visited Japan for the final coordination work. Therefore, I stated at the outset that this is a critically important visit to Japan.

REPORTER: If I may change the subject, I have a question regarding renewable energy. According to some media reports today, in the Government’s final draft of the Basic Energy Plan, the target is to have a 13.5% share of renewable energy by 2020 and over 20% by 2030. Is this true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Frankly-speaking, I am not sure why these figures were reported in media. I say this because it was reported that over 13.5% of Japan’s energy ratio would be in renewable energy. This number was actually the assumption made in the Basic Energy Plan decided during the Aso administration in 2009. So this is not the figure from the upcoming Basic Energy Plan. Rather, it is from two plans ago. Let me first state at the outset that this target is not from the Basic Energy Plan that we are currently working on.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: To follow up, is it then correct to understand that the target will be above the 13.5% level?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: So what I am saying is this. Although the report mentions this figure of “over 13.5%,” during these last three years, the Government has made focused and maximum efforts to unleash the potential of renewable energy. However, at this present stage, I do not believe I should mention any specific figures. Nevertheless, I think the fact that we are already making focused efforts should give you a general idea of the matter.  

REPORTER: Regarding a different matter, yesterday, the timing of the return of two communications bases of the U.S. forces in Yokohama City were announced. The timing was announced ten years after the agreement on the return was first reached. I think this can be considered to be major progress. Can you once again share any views you have on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: For the first time in 18 years, the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture approved the relocation of Futenma Air Station to Henoko, which was an outstanding issue between Japan and the United States for many years. As such, we are confident that the relationship of trust between Japan and the United States has indeed recovered considerably. This is truly turning into an unwavering relationship and I believe the United States has been drawing closer to Japan amidst these developments.