Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

(Abridged)

Q&As

• The talk between Governor of Tokyo and President Park Geun-hye
• The possibility to hold a summit meeting with the President of China
• The situation in Ukraine

REPORTER: Governor Masuzoe of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will soon commence talks with President Park Geun-hye of the Republic of Korea (ROK) in Seoul. Could you share with us the expectations of the Government if any?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I understand that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the ROK Government have been making arrangements for talks. There exist challenging issues between Japan and the ROK, but I believe that it is extremely important for us to exchange views and communicate closely at various levels.

Tokyo Governor Masuzoe held talks with Prime Minister Abe last week on July 17. I understand that Governor Masuzoe will hold talks with the President, taking into account his talks with Prime Minister Abe.

REPORTER: You just said that Governor Masuzoe’s talks will take into account his talks with Prime Minister Abe. Did the Prime Minister share any special message with Governor Masuzoe?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan and the ROK are extremely important neighbors and we share the same values. Japan's door is always open for dialogue. Precisely because there are difficult issues between our two countries, it is important that we maintain close communication and dialogue. I understand that that was in essence the Prime Minister’s message.

REPORTER: Please allow me to ask another question. I believe that you are aiming to hold a summit meeting with the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping at the APEC forum. Does the Japanese Government have any dates in mind for a summit meeting with President Park Geun-hye?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We do not have any dates in mind. Regardless, as I just said, Japan and the ROK are extremely important neighbors and we share the same values. A number of issues exist between us precisely due to the proximity of our two countries, but Japan will address the issues while maintaining our position that our door is always open for dialogue.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning Japan-China relations. Some media outlets have reported that former Prime Minister Fukuda will visit China before the end of the month to meet with President Xi Jinping. The reports say that upon his visit, Mr. Fukuda will pass on Prime Minister Abe's invitation to hold a summit meeting together during the APEC forum in November. Could you inform us of the facts? Did the Prime Minister entrust any messages to former Prime Minister Fukuda?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the media reports but the Government is unaware of any such arrangements.

REPORTER: Former Vice-President of the Liberal Democratic Party Yamasaki visited China on July 23 and held talks with former State Councilor of China Mr. Tang Jiaxuan of the China-Japan Friendship Association. I understand that during the talks Mr. Tang communicated to Mr. Yamasaki that holding a summit meeting during the APEC forum is difficult. Furthermore, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Liu Jianchao, who held talks with Mr. Yamasaki, expressed the Chinese Government's intention to not agree unconditionally to hold a summit meeting, saying that China needs the promise of results. Could you tell us what the Japanese Government intends to do?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Japanese Government always presents its stance in a straightforward manner. The APEC is an international forum, so I believe that the Government will act in a manner befitting of a member of the international community.

Having said that, I must refrain from commenting on each and every comment made by individuals who are unrelated to either of our Governments.

REPORTER: In light of the situation in Ukraine, the U.S. and Canada decided to oppose the World Bank financing projects in Russia. The international community is increasing sanctions against Russia, but could you tell us what the Japanese Government intends to do?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of these media reports. Japan will correspond the Ukraine situation while working in cooperation with other countries such as the U.S. and the European Union.

(Abridged)