Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the visit to China by the Chairman of the General Council of the Liberal Democratic Party. President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at an exchange meeting with the Japanese delegation. President Xi called for friendship between Japan and China, but at the same time, expressed that China would not compromise on the issue of the recognition of history. This is the first time President Xi has delivered such a speech. In this light, could you please share your comments?   

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, on the evening of May 23, Chairman of the General Council Toshihiro Nikai, who was visiting Beijing, China, met with President Xi Jinping of China at the Japan-China Friendship Exchange Meeting. Among those in attendance were the 3,000-member Japanese delegation to China. Chairman Nikai and President Xi each delivered speeches. Based on the achievements made at the Japan-China summit meetings held in November of last year and in April of this year, the Japanese Government considers that it is critically important to deepen Japan-China relations from a broad perspective by holding a series of dialogues and exchanges at a variety of levels, including in the tourism field. From this standpoint, the delegation’s visit to China is extremely significant, and I expect that it will lead to deepening exchanges and developing relations between the two countries. With regard to the remarks you just mentioned, I would like to refrain from commenting on the remarks made by the Chinese side. However, I understand that in the same speech, President Xi Jinping made positive remarks, saying that Japan and China would boost friendship. In any case, Prime Minister Abe and President Xi Jinping have held two meetings. I anticipate that the Japan-China relationship will develop into an even better one if steady efforts are made under the concept of the Mutually Beneficial Relationship based on Common Strategic Interests.

(Abridged)