Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issue regarding Ukraine
• The Japan-China relations
• The issue of abductions

(Abridged)

REPORTER: President Putin of Russia has revealed on Russian national television that he gave orders for preparations to be made to use nuclear weapons if the situation turned unfavorable concerning the annexation of Crimea, and also that he ordered the dispatch of Russian troops. This statement contradicts previous explanations that the incorporation of Crimea into Russia was purely as a result of the referendum. What is the Government’s view of this situation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the reports on this matter. Japan has consistently taken a strong stance that any attempt to change the status quo with force in the background is unacceptable. The Government would like to expect that all parties involved will exert constructive efforts towards a peaceful, diplomatic solution to the Ukraine issue.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: President Obama of the United States and the countries of the European Union (EU) have expressed strong opposition to the counter-terrorism law draft bill currently being deliberated by China. What is the view of the Government concerning this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that in China new regulations are being introduced targeting financial institutions in order to strengthen cyber security. I am also aware that Japanese companies are concerned that such regulations may have a significant impact on business activities in China. Given this situation, the Government have join the United States and countries of the EU in expressing concern about these regulations to China through diplomatic channels.

REPORTER: Following the closure of the National People’s Congress yesterday, Premier Li Keqiang of China gave a press conference in which he stated that the 70th anniversary of the end of the war this year would test Japan-China relations and also provide opportunities. What is the Government’s view of this statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the comments that were made. Over the 70 years of the post-ward period, while feeling deep remorse regarding the war, we have dedicated our post-war development to building a country liberal and democratic, which upholds human rights and the rule of law. As a peaceful nation, we have sought to contribute to the peace and development of Asia and of the world and have been widely praised and received a high evaluation from other countries for our efforts. Furthermore, in 2006, on the occasion of Prime Minister Abe’s visit to China during the first Abe Cabinet, it is also a fact that the Chinese side positively evaluated Japan’s actions to date and a Japan-China Joint Press Statement was released. To now focus deliberately and exclusively on past history is not constructive for Japan-China relations, and given that China and Japan are the world’s second and third-largest economies respectively, I believe it to be extremely important for the two countries to develop future-oriented cooperative relations in order to respond to common challenges being faced by the international community.

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the Japan-North Korea intergovernmental consultations. In a Republic of Korea newspaper article today it is reported that the North Korean authorities have fully completed their reinvestigation, including the reinvestigation into the abduction victims. Has the Government received any contact from the North Korean side?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There has not been any contact whatsoever, and I would like to state clearly here that there is no truth to the reports.