Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Today, China released its new defense white paper. The white paper states “maritime preparation for military struggle” and expresses concern over Japan’s attempts to dodge its post-war mechanism. What does the Japanese Government think about this content?   

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We perceive that many countries acknowledge the course Japan has consistently taken as a peace-loving nation over the 70 years following the end of World War II. To date, Japan has taken proactive steps to secure the lives and peaceful daily lives of the Japanese people and achieve regional stability and peace, under our policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation. Thus, there is no truth at all to the comment about dodging Japan’s post-war regime. We will repeatedly explain Japan’s security policy to the countries concerned, including China. In any case, the course that Japan has taken as a peace-loving nation over the past 70 years has garnered significant praise from nearly all countries, such as the United States, European countries, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) member states. Therefore, Japan will pursue our security policy while continuing to offer thorough explanations.    

(Abridged)

REPORTER: On the 25th, Chief of Staff Harukazu Saito of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) held talks with the Deputy Minister of National Defence and others in Hanoi, Viet Nam. I understand that on the 28th, the Chief of Staff of the JASDF will be holding talks with the Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines. Are the speculations true that these talks are being held in view of China’s activities in the South China Sea?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: That is not true. I understand that the Chief of Staff of the JASDF is visiting Viet Nam and the Philippines at the invitation of the two aforementioned countries. The aim of these visits is to hold talks with the air force commanders of both countries, endeavor to promote mutual understanding and strengthen trusting relations through visits of military forces and other activities, and further deepen cooperation and interactions among air force officers. Let me be clear on this, the visit does not have in mind any specific countries, including China. 

REPORTER: In an editorial in a state-run newspaper, the Communist Party of China asserted that conflict between China and the United States in the South China Sea would be unavoidable if the United States continuously calls on China to halt its land reclamation work at the reefs in the South China Sea. Can you please share your views regarding this?   

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It is a given that the use of force should be avoided under any circumstances.