Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The discussion concerning the right of collective self-defense

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the right of collective self-defense. In this morning’s consultations between the ruling parties, the issue of logistics support by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) was discussed. With regard to the criteria for non-combat areas, the criteria that were discussed were not those that have been followed to date, but instead four new conditions were proposed. It has been pointed out by some that such conditions could result in SDF activities being expanded infinitely. What are your thoughts on this point?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government presented a collection of concrete case examples that it is considering to the ruling parties for discussion in their consultations. The ruling party consultations are currently ongoing, and the parties are engaged in considerations on these concrete case examples. The results of these considerations, however they turn out, will become the basis from which the Government will consider its own response. There is no change to the basic orientation of making a Cabinet decision, should it be determined that it is necessary to change the constitutional interpretation.

REPORTER: I have a related question. These four new proposals were made today by the Government. What is the Government’s aim in proposing these?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The ruling parties are engaged in discussions about whether the current structures are sufficient to protect the lives and property of the people of Japan and ensure the security of the nation in the midst of a globalized environment, or whether it would be difficult to attain these objectives under the constitutional interpretation to date. As such, I would imagine that the Government presented these concrete case examples to the ruling parties for the purposes of discussion.

(Abridged)