Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The director-general level talks between Japan and North Korea
• The Japan-China foreign ministers’ meeting
• The UN security council resolution for the prosecution of foreign nationals participating in fighting led by ISIL

(Abridged)

REPORTER: On September 29 director-general level talks will be held between Japan and North Korea. How will the Government of Japan approach the meeting and what expectations does it have regarding the talks? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, as I have stated in this press conference, the Government of Japan stressed that the North Korean side should swiftly conduct investigations and notify the results promptly. Therefore, we made a request for this meeting to be held on September 29 in Shenyang between the diplomatic authorities of each country. In any case, in this meeting we will conduct a hearing with the North Korean side and carefully determine the status of the investigations being carried out by the Special Investigation Committee. 

REPORTER: My question relates to this. I believe that Japan seeks to achieve a comprehensive resolution of the abduction, nuclear and missile issues and is working closely with the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK). Do you anticipate that Japan will make an independent decision for the sake of solving the abduction issue, given the difficult nature of the negotiations to date?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The abduction issue is one of the most important issues being addressed by the Abe administration. In this context we will seek to achieve a comprehensive resolution of outstanding issues, including the abduction, nuclear and missile issues. The focus of the upcoming negotiations with North Korea will be on all Japanese nationals, including other missing persons and victims of abduction. Therefore we will continue to request that North Korea make sincere efforts to reinvestigate the abduction issue, as agreed. 

REPORTER: I have a question about the Japan-China foreign ministers’ meeting. Minister Kishida and Minister Wang Yi met in New York during which time Minister Kishida exchanged his views on issues with regard to Japan-China relations. Within the extent possible, can you describe what was discussed?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have not received a detailed report, but I understand that a frank and sincere exchange of opinions took place. Japan and China are neighbors and therefore a variety of challenging issues exist between us, but I believe it is very important for both leaders to engage in open dialogue without any preconditions.   

REPORTER: I have a related question. Japan is seeking to hold a summit meeting with China in conjunction with the APEC meeting to be held in Beijing in November this year. Did the foreign ministers exchange opinions with regard to this summit meeting as well?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I do not know the details of the meeting, but I did receive a report that a frank and sincere exchange of opinions took place.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to return to the topic of the Japan-China foreign ministers’ meeting. The fact that this follows a similar meeting held in August gives the impression that progress has been made in establishing an environment conducive to a future summit meeting. What meaning do you attach to the recent Japan-China foreign ministers’ meeting in New York?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: A Japan-China foreign ministers’ meeting had not been held for one year and eight months since the inauguration of the Abe administration. The first ministers’ meeting was held in May. Thereafter another such meeting was held in August, and again now. I believe it is extremely important to hold sincere discussions on the issues facing our two countries.

REPORTER: I have a related question. I believe that during an appearance on a TV program in the past you made comments that indicated that an environment conducive to a summit meeting is gradually being developed. Do you consider the recent foreign ministers’ meeting to be another step in this direction?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I do not recall making those comments. In any case, ministers from both countries met for the first time under the Abe administration in May. Since then the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism met with his counterpart in June. Thereafter, in August, the foreign ministers met, and now they met again this month. Furthermore, recently defense officials from our two countries held a meeting. Exchange is also beginning between local governments from our two countries and Chinese visitors to Japan have increased by about 80% compared to last year. I believe that this type of diverse exchange between our two countries is extremely important.

REPORTER: I have a related question. A little earlier you said you have not yet received a detailed report of the meeting. Did you receive any reports about specific topics of discussion, such as the maritime communication mechanism, for which talks have recently resumed, the Senkaku Islands, or issues of the understanding of history? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I said, I have not received a detailed report of the meeting. Nevertheless, the fact of the matter is that Japan and China are neighbors and therefore a variety of issues exist between us. Given this, it is extremely important for the leaders of both our countries to hold a summit meeting. It is very important for both sides to assert their respective positions to one another through the recent foreign ministers’ meeting and other such meetings.

REPORTER: I would like to change subject to the United Nations. The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution obliging the prosecution of foreign nationals participating in fighting led by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and other extremist groups. The resolution contained wording that foreign terrorist fighter travel across land and maritime borders should be strongly prosecuted in accordance with domestic laws. Does the Government of Japan intend to review additional legislation on restricting movement of terrorists across borders?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the United Nations Security Council resolution. While the situation may differ depending on each individual case, I understand that under the current legislation in Japan, anyone who travels abroad to carry out a terrorist act or attempts to do so, or who funds such travel, may be subject to criminal prosecution. In any case, the Government will examine the details further.

REPORTER: Are you saying that in principle Japan will first respond within the scope of existing legislation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In principle, certain actions may be taken under existing legislation, and at the same time the United Nations Security Council also adopted the aforementioned resolution. The Government will therefore further examine the details.