Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question about Japan-Russia relations. Yesterday, Secretary General Yachi of the National Security Secretariat departed for Russia. Could you tell us once again what the Government’s expectations are with regard to this visit?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Immediately following his appointment, Secretary General Yachi has paid visits to relevant countries on the Prime Minister’s instructions and has exchanged views with his counterparts in these countries. The visit to Russia on this occasion is one such visit and Secretary General Yachi is scheduled to meet with Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev and exchange views concerning both countries’ security policies, various regional situations, and Japan-Russia relations in general.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Yesterday the Government of China announced an overview of cultural activities that are to be implemented to mark the 70th anniversary of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The cultural activities are planned to be held over a period of several months, both in China and overseas, and deployed through various media, including newspapers, publications, radio, films and television. This could be viewed as a media campaign designed to restrain Japan over historical issues. What impact do you think such activities will have on Japan-China foreign relations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all I am aware of the announcement made by China on this matter. Japan has followed the path of a peace-loving nation over the 70 years since the end of WWII. This has garnered significant praise from the international community and it is as a part of these efforts that we have developed a relationship of friendship with China. China’s efforts to emphasize resistance against Japan in this 70th anniversary year and raise historical issues internationally are unlikely to contribute to the peace and stability of this region. The Government of Japan considers it to be of the utmost importance that both countries demonstrate a stance of engaging together in a future-oriented manner to deal with common issues that face the international community. The Government has explained this concept to China and continue to monitor related developments.

(Abridged)