Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has announced that the land reclamation works that are currently being advanced at the reefs in the South China Sea will soon be completed. Can I ask for the Government’s views on this announcement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Although the press reports you mention have been circulating today, the Government’s stance remains consistent, in that we will firstly monitor the situation in the South China Sea. The Government has extremely serious concerns about unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo and elevate tensions. Mindful of unilateral actions that would severely elevate tensions in countries in the region, the Government believes it to be important to engage in actions that are based on the principle of the rule of law. Even after the conclusion of land reclamation, it must not be made a fait accompli. As the Prime Minister himself has stated, the Government believes it to be of the utmost importance that the rule of law is carried through. Also, returning to the spirit and the provisions of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, the Government will demand that no unilateral actions are taken that could result in irrevocable or physical change.

REPORTER: This recent announcement has been analyzed by some as an international declaration of intention by China that it will not engage in any further expansion of land reclamation efforts. There are also some who believe that the land reclamation will steadily lead to China’s effective control of the areas in question. What is your view?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There will be various views on this matter, but what is of the utmost importance is that actions are taken that are based on the rule of law. However, I believe that even after land reclamation works are completed the land reclamation must not be made a fait accompli.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the Japan-North Korea Government-level Consultations. According to some press reports, in informal consultations between the two sides in the spring, North Korea presented findings of its investigations concerning the remains of Japanese nationals and Japanese spouses. However, the Japanese side refused to accept these findings as they were not related to the abduction issue. Could you tell us the facts behind these press reports?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the various press reports and I would like to refrain from commenting on individual articles. What I would say is that since the initiation of the negotiations, the Government has consistently maintained its stance that the abduction issue is one that should be resolved without delay and has continued to demand that North Korea implement investigations promptly and notify the Government of the results honestly. The Government will continue to make these demands strongly going forward.

(Abridged)