Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK)-United States Defense Trilateral Talks that took place on April 16 and 17. The Ministry of National Defense of the ROK has explained that in these talks Japan announced that in the event that the exercise of the right of collective self-defense by Japan would impact the security of the ROK, Japan would seek prior consent from the Government of the ROK and would prioritize considerations regarding the stance of the ROK. What are the facts behind this statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of press reports about this matter. Ensuring the peace and stability of the region is in the common interests of all three countries and it is therefore of the utmost importance to engage in trilateral cooperation to respond to various security-related matters. I am aware that in the recent talks the representatives of Japan, the ROK and the United States engaged in a meaningful exchange of opinions on trilateral cooperation, including a response to and the sharing of information about the nuclear missile issue in North Korea, and also issues relating to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. I have not heard anything other than that.

(Abridged)