Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the visit to China by Chairman of the General Council of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Toshihiro Nikai. Prime Minister Abe has indicated his intention to request Chairman Nikai to convey a personal letter on his behalf, which I believe is addressed to President Xi Jinping of China. What are the contents of this letter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of the contents of this letter, but if the Prime Minister has asked Chairman Nikai to convey it on his behalf, I would imagine that it expresses hope for further developments in Japan-China relations.

REPORTER: On a related note, what expectations does the Government have of this mission to China by Chairman Nikai for the further improvement of Japan-China relations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The summit meeting held between Prime Minister Abe and President Xi Jinping in November last year resulted in various outcomes, based on which Japan-China dialogue and exchange is continuing on various levels, including among local governments and in business circles. The continuation of such dialogue and exchange will help to significantly advance Japan-China relations from a broad perspective and they are therefore, in that sense, of the utmost importance. The mission headed by Chairman Nikai comprises approximately 3,000 representatives of the tourism industry, who are scheduled to attend a large-scale tourism exchange event in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 23. The Government has great expectations that such events will help to bring Japan and China closer and lead to the further development of exchange.

(Abridged)