Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding Taiwan. President Tsai Ing-wen delivered an inaugural address in which she stated that Taiwan would deepen its relationships with friendly democracies, including the United States, Japan, and Europe. Can you please share the Government’s reaction to this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the inaugural address of President Tsai Ing-wen. We appreciate the President’s statement that Taiwan would deepen its relationship with Japan and promote full-fledged cooperation. Taiwan is Japan’s key partner and an important friend with which we share fundamental values and have close economic ties and people-to-people exchanges. The Government will make efforts to further deepen the bilateral cooperation and exchanges, based on the position of maintaining non-governmental, working-level relations with Taiwan.

REPORTER: I have a related question. In this inaugural address, President Tsai Ing-wen did not make any reference to the One-China Principle that China is urging Taiwan to accept. It is envisioned that the China-Taiwan relationship will become closer than ever before. What is the Government’s view of this situation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan expects that this matter will be resolved peacefully through direct dialogues between the relevant parties and that this will contribute to regional peace and stability.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the meeting of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Promotion Headquarters that was held this morning. Can you once again explain the significance of the Prime Minister’s compilation and announcement of measures to contribute to Middle East assistance, health, and women’s empowerment?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, Japan established the SDGs Promotion Headquarters chaired by Prime Minister Abe. In addition, the Prime Minister set out concrete measures to contribute to the relevant fields, namely, Middle East assistance, health, and women’s empowerment, as the chair country of the G7. Doing so will lead to Japan exercising leadership in the implementation of the G7’s efforts.

REPORTER: A related question. Can you give us your outlook concerning how the Government will realize these contribution measures? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan, as the G7 chair country, will make its position clear. I expect there will be active discussions among the G7 countries regarding the SDGs adopted at the United Nations last autumn.

(Abridged)