Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Based on the current situation related to Ukraine, Japan decided to take new measures as follows: (1) to freeze assets in Japan of the individuals and organizations considered to have been directly involved in the annexation of Crimea and destabilization of the Eastern Part of Ukraine; (2) to take coordinated action in line with the EU’s position publicly announced recently with regard to the new projects for Russia of EBRD; and (3) to introduce restrictive measures with regard to imports from Crimea and Sevastopol based on Japan’s position that annexation of Crimea by Russia will never be recognized. The necessary procedures including the adoption of a cabinet understanding will proceed as soon as possible with coordination among relevant ministries and agencies. With regard to the asset freeze, a list of the relevant individuals and organizations will be released upon completing the prescribed procedures. Japan sincerely hopes that the situation in Ukraine will be promptly normalized through diplomatic dialogues. It is necessary to realize and implement a cease-fire at the earliest timing, peace talks, cessation of inflow of weapons and fighters across the border, and tightening of border-control measures. Japan will continue to strongly call upon Russia to exert influence on the armed separatists so that they cooperate with the international investigation on the downing of the Malaysia Airlines flight.

Q&As

• The introduction of new measures on the situation of Ukraine
• The issue of food safety which imported from China
• The Governor of Tokyo’s visit to ROK

REPORTER: I have a question with regard to this matter. When you say that the list will be released in the coming days, does this mean that the set of individuals and organizations has not yet been decided?   

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As this requires a Cabinet decision, we will release the list after this is completed.

REPORTER: So the list will not be released yet?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: That is correct.

REPORTER: As regards the imports from Crimea and Sevastopol, what kinds of import restrictions will be introduced for the most part?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Although Japan imports from Crimea, as no statistics are kept on such imports, I would like to refrain from responding to your question. While Japan imports from Crimea, statistics limited to Crimea have never been compiled.

REPORTER: Sorry, I have one more question. I believe you referred earlier to the “downing” of the Malaysia Airlines flight. Is it correct to understand that the Japanese Government recognizes this incident as a “downing”?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It is important that we first swiftly undertake the investigation of the facts. Based on the given circumstances, Japan perceives that the chances are very high. In this context, Japan decided to take these measures based on a comprehensive examination of the situation.

REPORTER: Sorry, if I may ask one last question, when you say that the chances of a downing are high, could you please tell us any grounds there may be that supports this view?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First and foremost, the facts need to be investigated. Japan is supporting the extensive international investigation efforts, and in this context, it was determined that the chances of a downing are very high. Based on our examination, we decided to take our latest measures. Although it is still not completely definite, the chances are very high.

REPORTER: I see that Japan views the chances of a downing are very high. Which country or which group do you think is likely responsible for the downing?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from making comments on that.

REPORTER: Measures with regard to new projects for Russia were also included in the sanctions. Is it then conceivable that Russia could also be subject to the sanctions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan will take such measures in coordination with the G7 and the United Nations.

REPORTER: To confirm, is another Cabinet decision necessary for the implementation of the list of the additional sanctions you just mentioned?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I apologize. By Cabinet decision, I meant Cabinet understanding.

REPORTER: Is it necessary that this to be adopted once again?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yes, it is. There are measures that require a Cabinet understanding, and those that do not. Measures such as freezing the assets of individuals and organizations, as well as import measures and restrictions with regard to products from Crimea and Sevastopol, require a Cabinet understanding.

REPORTER: I have a related question. The Prime Minister is making overseas visits and is scheduled to return to Japan on August 4. Will you wait until the Prime Minister returns to Japan to adopt the Cabinet understanding?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Separate from the Prime Minister’s return to Japan, discussion on the additional measures already took place when the situation in Ukraine was discussed during the four ministers’ meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) on July 24.

REPORTER: Regarding this matter, does that mean that a Cabinet meeting will be held and a Cabinet understanding will be adopted prior to the Prime Minister’s return to Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Arrangements are being made as quickly as possible after the Prime Minister’s return to Japan. With regard to the Cabinet meeting, a Cabinet understanding is sufficient. Therefore we will adopt a Cabinet understanding regarding the asset freeze and measures for imports from Crimea and Sevastopol which I mentioned moments ago. We will do so during the earliest upcoming Cabinet meeting. The remaining measures may be implemented irrespective of a Cabinet meeting.

REPORTER: I have a question in connection with this matter. To what extent will Japan be expanding the list of individuals and organizations subject to the asset freeze?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I stated, as this requires a Cabinet understanding, I will announce this information after the understanding is adopted.

REPORTER: I have a related question. What were the reasons for deciding to impose additional sanctions? Was it in light of the annexation of Crimea and the situation in Eastern Ukraine?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In this sense, Japan expresses grave concern about Russia’s continuous actions which violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, such as the annexation of Crimea, and armed separatists’ continuous actions which destabilize the situation in Eastern Ukraine. The security situation on the ground has not been improving despite repeated calls by Japan and the international community. On the 17th of this month, the downing of a Malaysia Airlines flight occurred and 298 precious lives were lost. As the Security Council Resolution describes, investigation for the facts and recollection of the remains and personal belongings are the urgent issues. Full cooperation by the armed separatists in securing access of the international investigation team to the site is indispensable. Japan has been stating this from the moment that this incident occurred. In this context, Japan will take coordinated steps with the EU and the G7.

REPORTER: I believe the Japanese Government has been looking into President Putin’s visit to Japan. How do you think Japan’s latest measures will affect the plan for the visit to Japan by the President?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, Japan has stated from before that we would take measures in coordination with the G7. Accordingly, we have decided to take sanction measures in coordination with the international community. At this time, nothing has been decided with regard to President Putin’s visit to Japan.

REPORTER: Since yesterday, you have consistently stated that nothing has been decided. Do you consider that the sanctions and the President’s visit to Japan are separate matters? Or do you view that the sanctions will have an effect on the President’s visit to Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It is undecided and there is nothing more that I can say at this moment. At this moment in time, it is undecided.

REPORTER: Regarding this same matter, correct me if my understanding is wrong, but I recall that the EU announced its sanctions before the downing incident. Is Japan the first country to announce additional sanctions following the downing?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to this matter, I have consistently stated that Japan will remain in step with the measures of the EU and the G7 as we make our response. As such, Japan will take sanction measures in coordination with the EU and the G7.

REPORTER: Is my understanding then correct that Japan’s measures are linked to the sanctions the EU imposed before the downing?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The EU is imposing sanctions. The Japanese Government has consistently stated that measures will be taken in coordination with the G7 members. Japan will take measures in coordination with the G7.

REPORTER: Is it not the view of the Japanese Government that Japan is one step ahead of the other G7 countries in regard to the measures?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan is taking measures in coordination with the G7.

REPORTER: With respect to this matter, will any telephone talks or other talks be held among the G7 or with Russia?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan is coordinating with the G7 and other relevant parties through diplomatic channels.

REPORTER: What specific instructions has the Prime Minister given with regard to this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I stated a short while ago, before the Prime Minister left the country, the Prime Minister instructed during the four ministers’ meeting of the NSC and other fora that Japan coordinate with the international community, including the G7 members. We held discussions based on the Prime Minister’s instructions.

REPORTER: Related to this, it seems you are saying that specific measures were decided after the Prime Minister gave his instructions. Were specific measures decided after the Prime Minister left the country?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The fundamental items were decided prior to the Prime Minister’s departure.

REPORTER: Did you wait until today to make the announcement because you were coordinating with several countries?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I stated, Japan will take measures in coordination with other countries.

REPORTER: Regarding this topic, is my understanding therefore correct that the incident or accident involving the Malaysian Airlines aircraft pushed the Japanese Government to decide on additional sanctions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan decided to take measures based not only on the so-called downing but based on comprehensive considerations.
 
(Abridged)

REPORTER: With regard to food safety, you suggested that Japan would carry out consultations with China. What do you mean exactly?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As questions have been asked about this, I would like to give an explanation. As I have stated at these press conferences to date, through various channels, including the Embassy of Japan in Beijing and the Embassy of China in Tokyo, Japan is requesting that China verify whether the allegation is true and quickly uncover the truth. This was requested immediately after this came to light. Following the so-called dumpling incident, the Japan-China Food Safety Promotion Initiative was newly started between Japan and China. This is a framework designed to promote exchanges and cooperation regarding the safety of food products exported and imported between Japan and China. The Initiative should also deal with the latest matter, and therefore, arrangements are now being made at the request of the Japanese Government to the Chinese Government.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a related question. Is the Initiative a consultative body that the Japanese and Chinese Governments established during the Fukuda Cabinet in the wake of the dumpling incident?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yes. The Japanese Government perceives that the latest matter is a major issue that this consultative body should address. Accordingly, Japan is urging China to make arrangements to this end.      

REPORTER: Changing the subject, I understand that a short while ago Governor Masuzoe of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government visited the Prime Minister’s Office and held a meeting with you. I gather that the Governor’s visit was to brief you about his meeting with President Park Geun-hye. Can you please elaborate?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This was the first official visit made to Seoul by a Governor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 18 years at the invitation of Seoul. I received an explanation from the Governor regarding a summary of his visit. With regard to the Governor’s courtesy call on President Park Geun-hye, Governor Masuzoe reported that while President Park Geun-hye touched on the issue of the recognition of history, the Governor keenly felt that the President was inclined to improve the Japan-ROK relationship. In addition, the Governor expressed his hope that city-to-city diplomacy will contribute to improving the bilateral relationship.

REPORTER: I understand that the Governor went to the Republic of Korea (ROK) with a message he had received from Prime Minister Abe about Japan’s hopes to improve the bilateral relationship. Conversely, did the Governor say whether President Park Geun-hye asked him to convey a message to Prime Minister Abe?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: While President Park Geun-hye touched on the issue of the recognition of history, the Governor sensed through the meeting that the President wanted to improve the Japan-ROK relationship.

REPORTER: Did the President ask the Governor to convey such views or her wishes to improve the relationship to the Prime Minister?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from going into the details at this time.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Returning to the subject of Mr. Masuzoe and the Japan-ROK relationship, I understand that the Governor conveyed to the President that Japan wishes to improve the relationship. What do you think the wishes of the ROK are?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan and the ROK are neighboring countries sharing a common set of values. Japan has stated that rather than not meeting because issues exist between our two countries, the leaders of our two countries need to engage in frank and open dialogue precisely because such issues do exist. Furthermore, Japan’s door for dialogue is always open. This view remains completely unchanged.

REPORTER: In that case, do you assess that the Governor’s meeting with the President will contribute to the realization of a summit meeting, which has not yet been held?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan considers it important to carry out inter-municipality exchanges, such as the exchanges conducted by Governor Masuzoe, as well as cultural and economic exchanges. Japan’s door for dialogue is always open as Prime Minister Abe has consistently stated. Japan will continue to adopt this stance in engaging with the ROK.