Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: In ruling party consultations on the reduced tax rate, it has been agreed that all fresh and processed foods, excluding alcohol and eating out, will be subject to the reduced tax rate. Can I ask for your thoughts on this agreement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, it was an election pledge of both the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and New Komeito, as well as a coalition agreement, that the reduced tax rate system would be introduced at the time of the increase in the consumption tax rate in April 2017. The secretaries general of both parties have been taking the lead in discussions held over the course of several days to repeatedly consider various issues. These include concepts on how to gain public understanding about the reduced tax rate being a measure for low income households, what can be done at the time the new tax rate is introduced in April 2017, and how stable and lasting financial resources can be secured. I consider that both parties have engaged in discussions with a sense of responsibility and that the agreement that has been reached is the best possible outcome. I understand that the ruling parties will continue to add further details to the general framework and swiftly compile an outline plan for tax system reform.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question on a different topic. Tensions remain high between Russia and Turkey following the shooting down of a Russian fighter jet, and on December 13 a Russian naval vessel fired warning shots at a Turkish fishing vessel. These tensions have raised concerns and former Soviet nations have successively called for compromise to be reached. Prime Minister Abe has indicated to President Erdogan of Turkey that if there is anything he could do to help he would be happy to cooperate. Is the Government considering further moves to call on the two countries to calm tensions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that what is of the utmost importance at the current point in time is for the international community to join together to fight against terrorism. The Government strongly hopes that the two countries involved and other countries concerned will respond calmly. There is absolutely no change to Japan’s desire to contribute more robustly, engaging together with the international community in the fight against terrorism. I believe that the Prime Minister’s comments were made in that context.

REPORTER: During Prime Minister Abe’s visit to India, an agreement on nuclear energy was reached in principle. If the agreement is concluded it will be the first of its kind to be concluded with a country that is not a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Can I ask for your thoughts with regard to this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, I am aware of the various discussions on a nuclear energy agreement with India, which is not a party to the NPT. In recent years India has made certain efforts to contribute to strengthening the international systems for non-proliferation. Also, since 2008 the United States, France, the Republic of Korea (ROK), and Canada have all concluded new agreements on nuclear energy with India. There is absolutely no change to Japan’s position of seeking to maintain and strengthen the international disarmament and non-proliferation system based around the NPT and of placing importance on the universality of the NPT. Japan has taken every opportunity to strongly urge India to join the NPT and will continue to do so. I would also note that the agreement that has been concluded in principle provides legal provisions that will ensure that any machinery or materials relating to nuclear energy that are transferred to India will be for non-proliferation and peaceful uses. This means that it is confirmed that India will take responsible actions with regard to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and I believe that this will also lead to more substantial participation by India in the international non-proliferation system in the future. It is also the case that if India were to engage in a nuclear test, this would result in the cessation of all cooperation from Japan.

REPORTER: In a joint press conference the Prime Minister stated that it has been confirmed that cooperation provided by Japan will be limited to peaceful uses. You just stated that if India were to engage in a nuclear test, this would result in the cessation of all cooperation from Japan. Is Japan seeking to include such language in the text of the actual agreement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Drafting work on the specific wording of the agreement is currently ongoing with India and therefore I would like to refrain from providing any detailed explanation with regard to the content. Once the text of the agreement has been finalized an explanation will of course be provided.