Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: If I may, I have another question. On a related note, this afternoon, a resolution condemning the acts of terrorism against Japanese nationals in Syria was passed in the plenary session of the House of Representatives. Could I please ask for your views on these events in the Diet?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With respect to recent events in particular, we must never forgive such despicable acts of terrorism. Today a resolution was passed in the Diet with that sentiment in mind, and we would like to gain the people’s understanding for this. Furthermore, it is extremely important that we are able to receive the cooperation of the people in ensuring, first of all, that incidents that could lead to acts of terror do not occur around us. In this sense, I believe the passing of the resolution was highly meaningful.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: During a recent public hearing the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency of the United States stated that the missiles and other weapons belonging to the Chinese military posed a major threat to the US military. Furthermore, he also cited the risks posed by China’s cyber activities, expressing a sense of crisis. Could you please comment on the effects on Japan of the shifting power balance in the Asia-Pacific region?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I am sure you are all aware, China has continued to significantly increase its defense spending. Furthermore, I believe China is rapidly strengthening and expanding its military capabilities in a manner that lacks transparency. In light of this, and in the interest of Japan’s national security, we must carefully monitor these trends in China, and are taking thorough steps in this regard.

(Abridged)