Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Japan-China relations

REPORTER: Today, Secretary General Yachi of the National Security Secretariat departed for Beijing. What is the purpose of Secretary General Yachi’s visit to China? Who will he meet with?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At the instruction of the Prime Minister, ever since he was first appointed to his position, Secretary General Yachi of the National Security Secretariat has been visiting relevant countries to develop a closer relationship with his counterparts. Secretary General Yachi’s visit to China is part of this effort. I understand that Secretary General Yachi will be exchanging views with his counterpart in China. 

REPORTER: I have a related question. Is it correct to assume that his counterpart is State Councilor Yang Jiechi?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I think one can safely assume that.

REPORTER: I have one more question. You explained that nothing has been decided yet regarding the format of the Japan-China summit meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting. Is it correct to understand that the Japanese Government is requesting not a stand-up chat or brief contact, but a formal bilateral meeting in which the outset is open to the press, and with a post-meeting press briefing?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As of now, nothing has been decided with regard to the summit meeting. China and Japan are the world’s second and third largest economies. In that regard, their leaders share a responsibility for the peace and prosperity in this region. The Japanese Government therefore considers it to be critically important that the leaders have frank, candid dialogue, in whatever form it takes.

REPORTER: In regards to the previous question, you stated that Secretary General Yachi and State Councilor Yang Jiechi would be exchanging views. Can I assume that they will also be exchanging views on or making arrangements for the summit meeting at APEC? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I noted moments ago, Secretary General Yachi is visiting China to discuss and exchange views with his Chinese counterpart regarding their security policies and the overall Japan-China relationship – which is also what the Secretary General has been doing with his other counterparts. As such, the Japan-China summit meeting is not the main purpose. The two sides will be discussing their security policies and the overall Japan-China relationship. Their meeting will have a similar format as the previous meetings between Secretary General Yachi and his other counterparts.

(Abridged)