Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Japan-China relations
• The economic relations between Japan-China-ROK

REPORTER: The Japan-China summit meeting has been held and the Prime Minister has stated that this represents the first step towards improving Japan-China relations by returning to the starting point of a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests. What is your evaluation of the first summit meeting in two-and-a-half years?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It is indeed approximately two years and six months since the last formal Japan-China summit meeting. As you noted, the Prime Minister has stated himself that the meeting marks a greatly significant a first step towards improving Japan-China relations by returning to the starting point of a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests. In addition, the Prime Minister has noted that the meeting was one that was anticipated not just in the Asian region but also by the international community and it is of significance that these expectations can be met. Moreover, based on the results of the recent foreign ministers’ meeting, working level efforts will be made to commence a maritime communication mechanism between defense authorities as quickly as possible, and this too is an extremely meaningful outcome.

REPORTER: I have a further question. On a television program last month, you noted that in a certain sense it would only be natural for the leader of the host nation of APEC to hold meetings with other visiting leaders. You also stated that it would be important not to just stop at achieving such a meeting but to consider how to progress from there. What efforts do you think are required by both Japan and China in order to ensure that this recent summit meeting can be developed into fully-fledged improvements in relations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, in the recent summit meeting, the two leaders met and engaged in a frank exchange of views. As I have already noted, the result of this meeting has been that the two countries have confirmed the mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests that was formed during the first Abe administration, which, since that time, has resulted in the acceleration of economic exchanges between the two countries. I believe that returning to the starting point of this mutually beneficial relationship represents a major step forward towards improving relations in various areas. Also, as I just mentioned, the two leaders agreed on the mutual establishment of a maritime communication mechanism capable of preventing unforeseen circumstances, which are a matter of concern for the public. It is a very significant outcome that efforts will be advanced on the working level towards the commencement of such a mechanism.

REPORTER: I have a question on a different topic. In Beijing, the free-trade agreement (FTA) between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) would appear to be nearing conclusion. This agreement has been concluded prior to the Japan-China-ROK FTA and there are some who point out that it could give the ROK an advantage over Japan in the Chinese market. What is the Government’s view on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There are various opinions on this issue and at the very least, as this FTA is one that is being drawn up between two countries other than Japan, the Government is not in a position to comment. I believe that it will be necessary to continue to thoroughly monitor the situation.

REPORTER: I have a related question concerning the path Japan will take from now, which is something you mentioned. For example, there is the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, the Japan-China-ROK FTA and the Japan-European Union (EU) FTA. What strategy will Japan implement going forward?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government has set out a basic direction towards the conclusion of a Japan-China-ROK FTA and we will actively advance that course. Negotiations between Japan and the EU are currently picking up pace and I believe that it will be very important to take such negotiations forward, in tandem with TPP-related negotiations.

REPORTER: In the photo call prior to the Japan-China summit meeting, Prime Minister Abe and President Xi Jinping both had very stern expressions. What is your opinion with regard to this point?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have also seen the images, but I don’t know. Ultimately, I think it was of extreme significance that various mutual issues could be overcome to realize a summit meeting. The outcome of the meeting was not just the realization of the meeting itself, but the fact that the two leaders agreed to further develop the mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests and also to advance efforts to establish a maritime communication mechanism. These were both extremely significant outcomes.

REPORTER: On a related note, did you receive a report or any contact from the Prime Minister following the summit meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not in a position to receive a report from the Prime Minister. I received a report from Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato.