Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issue of the visit of Russia President to Japan
• Visit to Japan of the President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries
• The opinion poll conducted by the Ryukyu Shimpo newspaper and Okinawa TV Co. Ltd

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the visit of President Putin of Russia to Japan. Yesterday Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs Lavrov expressed the view that the autumn visit to Japan by President Putin is unrelated to the situation in Ukraine and at the current point no decision has been made to change the schedule for the visit. Is this also the view of the Government of Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, it is a fact that at the time of the Japan-Russia summit meeting held in Sochi in February it was agreed that President Putin would make a visit to Japan in the autumn. Nothing has yet been decided with regard to the schedule for the visit and the stance of the Government is to make a decision that takes all factors comprehensively into account.

REPORTER: Are we to understand, therefore, that the Government of Japan is making arrangements with a view to a visit being made by President Putin to Japan in the autumn?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government will consider the visit taking all factors comprehensively into account.

REPORTER: On a related note, Foreign Minister Lavrov has stated that the visit is unrelated to the conflict in Ukraine. Does the Government of Japan share this view?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would think it only natural for the Government to proceed in a manner that contributes to the national interests of Japan. With regard to the situation in Ukraine, the Government seeks to work together with the G7 and other related countries towards a peaceful and diplomatic resolution.

REPORTER: I have a further related question. September is nearly upon us and it is fair to say therefore that the timing for an autumn visit will have to be decided soon. By when will a decision have to be made?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government has not set any deadline regarding a decision on the visit. We will consider the matter taking all factors comprehensively into account. That is all.

REPORTER: There are reports that suggest that President Li Xiaolin of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) will make a visit to Japan in September or October. Is the Government of Japan aware of such plans for a visit?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, as the person concerned is the head of a private-sector organization, I do not think that I should make any comment on behalf of the Government concerning a visit to Japan. Speaking in general terms, private sector exchanges between Japan and China are extremely important as they serve to further improve relations through various exchanges and dialogue. It is my understanding that as yet nothing has been decided concerning the visit to Japan of President Li Xiaolin, which you mentioned earlier.

REPORTER: I have a related question. It is said that President Li of the CPAFFC is very close to President Xi Jinping of China, so is there a possibility that she could meet the Prime Minister or the Minister for Foreign Affairs on her visit?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Nothing has been decided yet. I believe that exchanges between Japan and China are of great importance.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Today we have reported on an opinion poll conducted jointly by the Ryukyu Shimpo newspaper and Okinawa TV Co., Ltd. 80.2% of respondents called for a halt to the start of construction of a replacement facility for Futenma Air Station at Henoko in Nago City. In the same poll the disapproval rating for the Abe administration, which has forced through the construction work, was at a high level of 81.5%. Could you share with us the Government’s thoughts on these poll results?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that the answer to this would depend very much on how the question is phrased. In any case, the Government’s stance is to proceed calmly with work for which the approval of the Governor of Okinawa has been granted.

REPORTER: I have an additional question. With public opinion against the Government strengthening among the people of Okinawa, do you think that this will have any impact on the upcoming gubernatorial election in November?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Whatever the case, Japan is a country ruled by law and Governor Nakaima of Okinawa Prefecture has granted approval. The people of Okinawa have also been strongly calling for the elimination of the dangers of Futenma Air Station and its relocation is something that was decided 18 years ago, from the perspective of eliminating dangers and maintaining deterrence. Since that time a number of elections have been held and the issue has been discussed. Finally, at the end of last year the Governor granted approval for the relocation project and the Government is proceeding in a calm manner.

REPORTER: I have another related question. Do you think that the strong opposition of the people of Okinawa will impact the progress of construction work?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I do not think that will be the case at all. Work is progressing in a calm manner as we endeavor to provide full explanations about it. There is absolutely no change to that stance.