Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the dispatch of a U.S. naval vessel to the South China Sea. The Government of China has confirmed that in response to the patrol activities conducted by a United States vessel, it deployed a Chinese naval vessel to track and warn the United States vessel. I understand that you do not comment on specific U.S. military operations, but from the perspective of Japan’s security, could you tell us how you view the current tensions between the United States and China?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, taking unilateral actions that change the status quo and increase tensions by undertaking large-scale land reclamation or the construction of bases in the South China Sea is a matter of shared concern for the international community. Based on that recognition, the Prime Minister has consistently stated that it is important for Japan to preserve open, free and peaceful seas and to coordinate with the international community to that end. The recent exercise by the U.S. military is in accordance with measures taken by the international community and the Government has stated that it supports such moves.

REPORTER: The United States has already made clear that it will continue to engage in such patrol activities, and China has indicated that it will also take further countermeasures. What concerns does the Government have about the security of Japan in view of this escalation in tensions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that actions should be taken that are based in law and it goes without saying that such actions should be implemented together with peaceful discussions.

(Abridged)