Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The China-Russia summit meeting
• The measures for safety and security in cyberspace
• The right of collective self-defense

(Abridged)

REPORTER: At the China-Russia summit meeting held yesterday, the two sides issued a joint statement that expressed opposition to interference in domestic affairs and unilateral sanctions. Could I ask for your views once again on this statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan’s position is clear in this matter. For the seventy years of the post-war period Japan has followed a path of freedom, democracy and peace. That is the message that Japan will continue to thoroughly explain to countries concerned.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: After two-and-a-half months of persistent surveillance, law enforcement authorities have gained a confession from Yusuke Katayama concerning his involvement in an incident that involved remote controlled operation of other people’s computers. However, prior to securing the confession the authorities made mistaken arrests and some believe they failed to track the situation in cyberspace. Could you tell us how the Government intends to respond to cyber-crime in future?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government’s recognition is that it is essential to implement comprehensive cyber-crime countermeasures, including the utilization of knowledge in the private sector and promoting international cooperation on the issue. The Government is aiming to compile measures by June this year that will seek to strengthen cyber-security functions. Whatever the case, it is necessary for the law enforcement authorities and other related organizations to engage in mutual cooperation and work to further enhance measures that will ensure safety and security in cyberspace.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the right of collective self-defense. Today Vice-President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Masahiko Komura made a remark about permitting the exercise of the right of collective self-defense by changing the constitutional interpretation. He noted that it was nonsensical to suggest that the interpretation could be liable to change each time the Government changes. I believe the point of his statement was to underscore that changing the constitutional interpretation would not affect the stability of legislation. What is the Government’s view on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would say that the situation is exactly as it was explained by Vice-President Komura. If, hypothetically, the interpretation were to be changed, it could not actually be implemented without legislative deliberation in the Diet. That, I believe, was the context for the comment made by Mr. Komura.

REPORTER: The consultations among the ruling parties on the right of collective self-defense are due to be held approximately once a week. Is there no change to the Government’s policy of only proceeding to a Cabinet decision following the results of these deliberations and coordination with the ruling parties?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There is no change to the Government’s policy.

(Abridged)