Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA:

(Abridged)

I have an announcement regarding the visit to the Philippines by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan. Japan and the Philippines have deepened their cooperative relations in a wide range of areas over a long period of time. The Philippines has extended an invitation to Their Majesties to visit the country on a number of occasions, including when President Benigno S. Aquino III visited Japan in June of this year. In addition, next year will mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines. In light of these circumstances, the two sides will be coordinating a visit of Their Majesties to the Philippines, which, if possible, will take place early next year.

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the subject. In connection with the inscription of Chinese documents relating to the “Nanjing Incident” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), you stated that Japan was considering suspending or reducing its financial contributions to UNESCO. What is the status of the considerations? In addition, can you please tell us the views of the Japanese side?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, with regard to the inscription of China’s documents relating to the “Nanjing Incident,” I believe there are problems with the documents submitted by relevant organizations in China to UNESCO for inscription on the Memory of the World Register, including the fact that experts have not verified whether the documents are authentic. Furthermore, the documents were inscribed despite the fact that strong protests were lodged over a long period by the Government of Japan to UNESCO and China, including at the ministerial level, and in the context that China and Japan have entirely different views. Such decisions pose a problem for UNESCO, as an international organization which should be neutral and impartial. The Government strongly urges that the Memory of the World Register Programme maintains fairness and transparency so that it is not utilized for political purposes. With regard to Japan’s assessed contributions and voluntary contributions, we will be studying all possible revisions, including the suspension of their payments.

(Abridged)