Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: Later today a Japan-United States summit meeting is scheduled. Given that the meeting will take place in the Philippines, which is on the front lines of issues relating to the South China Sea, where China is advancing the construction of artificial islands, could you tell us the significance of the meeting being held in the Philippines and also what the Government expects the meeting will achieve?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This summit meeting will be the first time since April for the two leaders to meet and the Government expects that a candid exchange of views will take place. At the same time, it is expected that the meeting will further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance and enhance cooperation on responses to Asia-Pacific and global challenges. Also, in light of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, it is expected that the leaders will discuss against the terrorism from an overall perspective, including cooperation on counterterrorism measure. It had previously been determined that the meeting on this occasion would take place in the Philippines and therefore there is no particular link to the matter of the South China Sea.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a related question. Press reports are suggesting that the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Declaration will not include any mention of the South China Sea issue or freedom of navigation. Do you believe that the issue of the South China Sea should be incorporated in the Chairman’s Statement of the ASEAN Summit, which is scheduled to be held following the APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit?

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. It is extremely important for the international community to coordinate in order to preserve open, free and peaceful seas. In the upcoming series of meetings, including at the ASEAN-related summit meetings, the Government will be explaining Japan’s concepts to all countries and will confirm that Japan will continue to cooperate on this issue.

(Abridged)