Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, I would like to inform you of the Prime Minister's schedule. On June 14, the Prime Minister will visit Shimane and Tottori Prefectures to inspect the progress of regional revitalization measures. More specifically, the Prime Minister will hear from officials about initiatives aimed at revitalizing industry and tourism in those two prefectures, and exchange views with youths who have settled there and who are working for the benefit of the region. For more details, please contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, or the Japan Tourism Agency. 

Q&As

• The incident of the approach by Chinese military fighter plane
• The situation in Iraq
• The utilization of the site of returned land in the west Futenma
• The ascertaining the background of the Kono Statement
• The consultations among ruling parties about the right of collective self-defense

REPORTER: I would like to ask you about the Chinese military fighter plane which flew extremely close to Japan Air Self-Defense Force aircraft. There have been a series of similar incidents over the last two months. How is the Japanese government analyzing the intent and objectives of the Chinese side?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: When this kind of incident occurs, this case being no exception, a meeting of directors-general of relevant ministries and agencies is held, led by Secretary General of the National Security Secretariat Yachi or Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary for Crisis Management Nishimura. At the meeting, analyses and possible responses to the incidents are considered, and a report is submitted to me. That is the system we have in place. They engage in wide-ranging collection and analysis of information at such meetings. I would like to refrain from disclosing the information discussed.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Yesterday, Minister of Defense Onodera indicated to media reporters that the piloting of the Chinese warplane was wild and dangerous, and that the pilot of the Japanese plane felt endangered. Some are pointing out, or are of the opinion, that the Chinese army is poorly disciplined; and that the pilot of the Chinese plane was technically unskilled and had made an unauthorized decision to approach the Japanese plane. Could you share with us your thoughts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are carrying out wide-ranging collection and analysis of information, but I would like to refrain from disclosing such information.

REPORTER: In regard to this case, you mentioned the maritime communication mechanism at this morning’s press conference. I think the mechanism should be rapidly established, but how exactly are you approaching the Chinese side about this issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Saiki summoned the Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cheng Yonghua again today to make a strong protest and strongly demand the prevention of reoccurrences. During that meeting as well, it was pointed out that both sides should initiate operation of the maritime communication mechanism between Japan and China defense authorities as early as possible.

REPORTER: Have there been any approaches made to others on the Chinese side through channels other than the Chinese Ambassador?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Minister of Defense and others have requested through a variety of diplomatic channels, whenever they have the opportunity, that such a mechanism be put in place promptly. That is being communicated through a wide range of diplomatic channels.

REPORTER: I have a question about the situation in Iraq. The armed Sunni extremist group “Islamic State in Iraq and Syria” is growing in strength in the north of the country, and Prime Minister Maliki’s Shia administration is facing a crisis. How does the Japanese Government view this situation, and what will be the response with regard to Japanese citizens in Iraq?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government of Japan is deeply concerned about the large number of casualties arising from attacks by Al Qaeda-linked terrorist organizations which have controlled the City of Mosul, Northern Iraq since June 9. The Government of Japan strongly condemns such attacks, and supports the Government of Iraq in its fight against terrorism. The Government of Japan very much hopes that the Government of Iraq tackles early restoration of the security situation while minimizing the impact on Iraqi ordinary citizens and their daily lives. We have not received any reports of Japanese citizens being harmed.

REPORTER: Diet member Ms. Aiko Shimajiri visited this afternoon, and I think her visit was related to the utilization of the site of returned land in the west Futenma area. How does the Government intend to respond to this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Planning for a medical base, among other initiatives, is currently being carried out. Ms. Shimajiri is the representative of a Liberal Democratic Party team related to that issue in Okinawa, and in this sense, I believe she paid a visit to make a request as part of those activities. 

REPORTER: Exactly what kind of support will the Government be providing?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Prefectural, city, and national governments are working together on the urban development of the former site of the West Futenma Housing Area. Also, we intend to provide proper support during that process, and we have been engaging in a large number of meetings. The governor and mayor have attended those meetings, and we intend to provide support in this process.

REPORTER: I have a question about the results of the work on ascertaining the background of the compilation of the Kono Statement. You said that results would be compiled during the current Diet session and then submitted if there is a request from the Diet, but there is only just over a week until the end of the current Diet session and there are no plans for budget committee meetings, among other meetings, to be held. Do you think the results will be published if no request from the Diet is received? Could you share your opinion with us?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Diet session will soon be coming to a close next week, but I would like to discuss this issue with the Diet before dealing with it.

REPORTER: I have a related question. You say you will hold discussions and coordinate with the Diet. I think this problem was brought up at a budget committee meeting, but do you mean that if there is no request, it will not be submitted until the next Diet session?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I will first discuss it with the Diet. I would like to respond to the Diet’s requests.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the consultations among ruling parties about the right of collective self-defense. It is being reported that an agreement was reached to approve limited exercise of the right of collective self-defense. Will you receive a report regarding this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I do not know. I think the ruling parties are working hard on proceeding with this task.