Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved 27 general and other measures, as well as the promulgation of legislation, cabinet orders and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology made a statement concerning personnel affairs relating to the heads of national university corporations.

Q&As

• The Japan-U.S. relations
• The Japan-China relations
• The issue of Takeshima

REPORTER: United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has announced that he is to step down. This was a sudden announcement, so can I ask for the reaction of the Government and whether there was any indication of the announcement from the United States Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the announcement that United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is to step down, but I would like to refrain from making any comment on behalf of the Government concerning a personnel matter within the Government of the United States. Secretary Hagel has visited Japan on two occasions and the Government of Japan is deeply appreciative of his efforts to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance and his efforts for the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. In any event, the Japan-U.S. alliance is of great importance to Japan and the Government will continue to cooperate closely with the United States to build firm Japan-U.S. relations.

REPORTER: I have a related question. There are a number of issues that still remain outstanding between Japan and the United States, including the revision of the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation. Will the Secretary’s resignation have any impact on Japan-U.S. security policy?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: My understanding is that until a successor is appointed, Secretary Hagel will continue to guide the process on the U.S. side and work on revision of the guidelines will continue in accordance with the schedule that was agreed in October last year.

REPORTER: With regard to Japan-China relations, on November 7 a document that had been agreed between the two countries was released. This document made clear that both countries commonly recognize the issues of the Senkaku Islands and the understanding of history. However, in light of a number of subsequent comments made in Japan since then, there have been press reports in China that the Japanese side has discarded this document. Could you tell us the stance of the Government with regard to the positioning of the document that was agreed between the two countries?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This document was the result of quiet discussions between the Governments of Japan and China toward the improvement of Japan-China relations and it sets out the points on which both countries share views. It was on the basis of this agreement that on the occasion of the recent Japan-China summit meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting the two leaders agreed to work to improve bilateral relations. The Government has therefore maintained a consistent stance with regard to the positioning of this document.

REPORTER: So the Government of Japan has not discarded this document?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Not in any way at all. The Government has done no such thing.

REPORTER: I have a question concerning discussions that aim to improve Japan-China relations. Specifically, could you tell us about the current status of working level discussions on the construction of a maritime communication mechanism?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The current status is that the Government of Japan has issued a request to the Government of China and meetings are taking place to address this matter.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Yesterday the armed forces of the Republic of Korea (ROK) conducted military exercises in the vicinity of Takeshima. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a protest over these exercises. Could you tell us about the facts of this matter, the views of the Government and whether these exercises will impact the planned director general-level talks between Japan and the ROK that are scheduled to take place on November 27?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that the ROK has conducted military exercises in the vicinity of Takeshima. I consider these exercises to be unacceptable and extremely regrettable in light of our position on the sovereignty of Takeshima. Strong protests have been lodged with the armed forces of the ROK. There was no advance notification of such exercises and the Government has therefore lodged a strong protest with the Government of the ROK.

REPORTER: What will the impact on the upcoming talks be?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would say that in these talks the Government will severely response, including to whatever reply may be forthcoming from the ROK.