Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening remarks
(Abridged)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question about the situation in the South China Sea. We published a story that China has deployed multiple anti-aircraft machine guns in the Spratly Islands too. Has the Government confirmed the related facts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Obviously I am aware of the media report. As stated in the past, the Government thinks that unilateral changes to the status quo and other actions that raise tensions in the South China Sea, such as large-scale and rapid landfill work, base construction, and use for military purposes, represent a common concern for the international community. Japan is deeply concerned about these actions too, and I would like to reinforce that we do not accept these attempts to create a fait accompli. Japan also believes that it is very important to cooperate with the international community to protect the freedom of navigation and overflight, and it intends to continue to cooperate closely with related countries. The Government is continuously collecting and analyzing intelligence on China’s activities with serious interest, but I would like to refrain from discussing specific content because of the nature of the matter.

REPORTER: This is related question. Yesterday’s media reports covered deployment of surface-to-air missiles in the Paracel Islands, and Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense issued an official comment that it is aware of this situation. Does the Japanese Government intend to refrain from commenting as usual?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Our stance is that we are monitoring developments with serious interest, but I would like to refrain from commenting because of the nature of the matter.

REPORTER: I have a related question. What specific role does the Japanese Government intend to play in the international community to put a halt to these military activities by China in the South China Sea?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I just mentioned, the Government thinks it is very important to cooperate with the international community to protect the freedom of navigation and overflight, and it intends to continue to cooperate closely with related countries. We plan to act firmly in this respect.

REPORTER: Does Japan have any plans to make direct requests to the Chinese Government regarding the situation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have communicated our views on the South China Sea issue on numerous occasions. However, I would like to refrain from discussing diplomatic interactions at this venue. Let it suffice to say that we are acting firmly, while coordinating with others, in this respect.

REPORTER: The Democratic Party of Japan and the Japan Innovation Party submitted three bills to the House of Representatives as their own national security legislation. What are your thoughts about this opposition initiative?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In light of the recent nuclear test and ballistic missile launch by North Korea, the Government believes that the recently passed Legislation for Peace and Security is the best format and essential for Japan in order to protect the lives and peaceful daily lives of the Japanese people amidst the increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan. While legislation has been proposed by individual Diet members within this context, I expect matters related to Diet deliberations to be handled at the National Diet. However, the Government feels confident that the recent Legislation for Peace and Security is truly the most suitable way of protecting the lives and peaceful daily lives of the Japanese people.

(Abridged)