Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issue of Chinese aircraft flying unusually close to Japanese SDF
• The situation in Ukraine
• The Japan-North Korea consultations

(Abridged)

REPORTER: (With regard to the issue of Chinese People’s Liberation Army [PLA] aircraft flying unusually close to Japanese Self-Defense Force [SDF] aircraft,) China asserts that this was because the SDF aircraft intruded into China’s Air Defense Identification Zone. Can you please share your comments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Let me begin by explaining the overall situation. On May 24, at around 11 am and around 12 pm, Chinese PLA fighters flew unusually close to a Maritime Self-Defense Force aircraft and an Air Self-Defense Force aircraft over the East China Sea. Japan recognizes that such actions are extremely dangerous acts that should never occur and could lead to inadvertent accidents. They are deeply deplorable. In response to this incident, the Government of Japan lodged a strong protest to China through diplomatic channels. The Ministry of Defense (MOD) also lodged a protest over this matter. The Government will continue to take all possible measures to patrol and monitor the surrounding sea areas to defend resolutely Japan’s territorial land, sea, and airspace. In addition, with regard to ensuring maritime security, the Government will continue to take various opportunities to urge China that the two countries should aim for the early start of a maritime communication mechanism between their defense authorities. In any case, Japan will strongly call on China for restraint and responsible behavior to avoid and prevent unforeseen situations. As for your question, the airspace in which Chinese PLA aircraft flew unusually close to SDF aircraft was outside of the airspace of the China-Russia exercise. In any case, the MOD and SDF carry out patrol and monitoring activities using vessels and aircraft in Japan’s surrounding sea areas as necessary. These are valid acts based on international law, and there is no truth to the allegation that Japan conducted dangerous acts that interfere with the China-Russia joint navy exercise. This is the Government’s position.    

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a related question. China’s statement says that Japan interfered with the China-Russia exercise, and moreover, that the SDF aircraft intruded into the airspace of the China-Russia exercise. Meanwhile, yesterday, Minister of Defense Onodera stated that this area was totally different from the air and sea space that China and Russia identified as the area in which their exercise would be carried out. Is this true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I said, the airspace in which Chinese PLA aircraft flew unusually close to SDF aircraft was outside of the airspace of the China-Russia exercise. It is as Minister Onodera explained.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the situation in Ukraine. Yesterday, a presidential election took place. It is said that pro-Western candidate Petro Poroshenko is all but certain to win the election. It seems Mr. Poroshenko is the candidate who calls for dialogue with pro-Russian parties. How will the Japanese Government approach the situation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, this presidential election was largely held under peaceful conditions, except for some areas of eastern Ukraine. According to the Central Election Commission, the provisional voter turnout was 61%. Japan is aware of the release of the exit poll. However, as the votes are still being tallied, we are watching over the process of the emerging election results. In any case, Japan hopes that a new democratically elected government will be established expeditiously. Once the new government is formed, Japan will continue to extend supports for the political and economic reforms of Ukraine. Japan dispatched ten election monitors, in light of the importance of holding a peaceful and democratic presidential election for the normalization of the situation in Ukraine. In any case, with regard to our evaluation of the election, we will wait for the election observation mission of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to make its evaluation before making our evaluation.

REPORTER: I understand U.S. President Obama already stated that he would work together with the incoming President. Conversely, will the Japanese Government wait for the election results to become certain before making such an announcement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In principle, yes. After all, the election is still ongoing. However, in any case, Japan hopes that a new democratically elected government will be established expeditiously.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding Ukraine. In connection with Japan’s economic sanctions against Russia, President Putin was quoted as questioning whether Japan intends to suspend negotiations on the Northern Territories. At the same time, President Putin stated that he is prepared to hold talks on the territorial issue. Many observers see these statements as moves by President Putin to keep Japan in check. What is the understanding of the Japanese Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, according to the website of the Russian Presidential Executive Office, President Putin has stated clearly that Russia is prepared to hold negotiations. Our intention remains wholly unchanged, which is that Japan and Russia will proceed with peace treaty negotiations based on the agreement reached in the Japan-Russia Joint Statement on the occasion of Prime Minister Abe’s visit to Russia in April of last year. Furthermore, as of this moment in time, no changes have been made to President Putin’s visit to Japan, which was agreed upon on the occasion of the Japan-Russia summit meeting held last February.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Are you saying that President Putin’s remark about being prepared to hold negotiations should be interpreted in a positive light?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We consider that the commitments made between Japan and Russia remain the same as before.

REPORTER: President Putin is scheduled to visit Japan this autumn. Will the schedule of the President’s visit be affected?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I said, we consider that the commitments made between Japan and Russia remain the same as before.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question about the Japan-North Korea consultations. Japan-North Korea director-general-level consultations will be held from today for the next three days in Stockholm. Can you please share with us your expectations for the consultations and your opinion?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Japan-North Korea consultations will be held from today amid extremely severe circumstances. Both sides have been making preparations, so to speak. Both sides have undertaken quite intensive discussions ahead of these consultations. I expect that talks will be held regarding concrete issues, including the abduction issue. I hope that in this context, we can take at least one step forward.

REPORTER: I believe the greatest focal point for Japan is whether or not North Korea conducts a reinvestigation into the abduction victims. Is it correct to understand that if North Korea conducts a reinvestigation, Japan is prepared to partially lift its economic sanctions, etc.?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan has been urging North Korea very strongly to conduct a reinvestigation into the victims of the abduction issue. I expect that during the upcoming talks, both sides will carry out discussions towards the realization of the reinvestigation. With regard to issues such as economic sanctions, Japan will explore the most effective approaches.

REPORTER: I would like to go back to President Putin. Some observers see President Putin’s statements as a sign that the President is once again sending out a message that a resolution can be found by draw if the two sides work together sincerely. What are your thoughts regarding this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: President Putin stated that in, there is no reference to the conditions under which the two islands, namely Shikotan and Habomai, will be handed over to Japan nor who has sovereignty over these islands. Furthermore, President Putin stated that all islands are subject to negotiation. In my view, President Putin reiterated his position from before and stated that all four islands are subject to negotiation. In any case, the basic policy of the Japanese Government remains wholly unchanged, which is that we will work to conclude a peace treaty by resolving the issue of the attribution of the four islands. Looking at President Putin’s statements as a whole, it seems that the President touched upon a variety of matters in his discussion.