Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

Q&As

REPORTER: My question is related to the issue of the Chinese Navy vessel that transited the contiguous zone around the Senkaku Islands. Last evening, the National Security Council held a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office. What kinds of analyses were made? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The recent incident involving the entry of a Chinese Navy vessel into Japan’s contiguous zone was discussed from a variety of angles.

REPORTER: In connection with this incident, the Deputy Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State reaffirmed the U.S. view that the Senkaku Islands are under Japanese administration and fall within the scope of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. What significance do you attach to the United States expressing this view in terms of deterring China’s provocative actions?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: To date, Japan and the United States have confirmed, on repeated occasions including summit meetings and the 2+2 meetings, our position that the Senkaku Islands are under the administration of Japan and fall within the scope of Article 5 of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. I believe in making this remark, the U.S. side was affirming its longstanding position, as it has done consistently. In any case, Japan will work closely with the international community, including the United States, to urge China not to engage in acts that unilaterally heighten tension.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Since the incident, has any Chinese Navy vessel taken new peculiar actions, such as intruding into the contiguous zone?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Not since the incident.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Chief of Staff Kawano stated during his press conference yesterday that should a Chinese Navy vessel enter Japan’s territorial waters, Japan would take corresponding responses. What responses is the Government considering?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I do not know the details of what Chief of Staff Kawano stated. Having said that, the Senkaku Islands are an inherent part of the territory of Japan in light of historical facts and based upon international law. The Government will respond firmly and calmly to the situation with the intention of firmly protecting Japan’s territorial land, waters, and airspace. At the same time, Japan will work with the international community, including the United States, to urge China not to engage in acts that unilaterally heighten tension. I understand that this was the nature of the Chief of Staff’s remark.

REPORTER: I have a related question. When you say “firmly protect,” is the issuance of an order for maritime security operations included as one of your options?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from responding to a hypothetical question.

REPORTER: My question concerns the activities of the Chinese Navy vessel. Some speculate that as a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) vessel entered the contiguous zone to pursue a Russian vessel, the Chinese Navy vessel entered the zone as a retaliatory measure. Are there any past cases in which a Japanese MSDF vessel entered the contiguous zone for patrol purposes?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any event, I would like to refrain from disclosing the details of Japan’s operations. The Government will, in any case, take steady responses with the intention of firmly protecting Japan’s territorial land, waters and airspace and responding firmly and calmly to the situation.

(Abridged)