Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question about the Chinese Navy ship that entered the contiguous zone around the Senkaku Islands. While the Japanese and Chinese Governments have already agreed to set up a maritime contact mechanism between defense ministries to avoid unexpected military clashes in the East China Sea, please explain the steps that are being taken for its prompt establishment.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY: Japan is currently at a stage of continuing arrangements with the Chinese side regarding the specific content of a mechanism for maritime and air-related contacts between the defense authorities of Japan and China.

REPORTER: This is a related question. While coordination might be taking place, do you think it is necessary to encourage the Chinese side to engage in prompt discussions following the latest entry into Japan’s contiguous zone?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY: The Government naturally believes that there is an urgent need to begin prompt operation of the mechanism in order to avoid and prevent unforeseen incidents, and it intends to continue efforts to realize this.

REPORTER: This is a related question. Some media reports suggest that a National Security Council (NSC) meeting might be held once Prime Minister Shinzo Abe returns today in light of the latest incident. Please give an update on related adjustments.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY: The Government intends to respond resolutely and in a level-headed manner in order to firmly protect our territory, territorial waters, and territorial air space. It has responded in a unified manner in accordance with the Prime Minister’s instructions since this incident occurred, and we are considering holding a meeting of the NSC.

REPORTER: This is a related question. Japan lodged a protest with the Chinese side. Does it intend to take further diplomatic measures?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY: Japan strongly protested the incident and requested removal of the vessel in accordance with the Prime Minister’s instructions since the incident occurred, and the Government intends to strongly voice our assertions at various opportunities as an ongoing response.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the discovery of the woman’s body in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture. The Okinawa Prefectural Police rearrested the man related to the US military on charges of murder and rape and causing death today. Please explain the Government’s response.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY: I think this was a very tragic and extremely brutal incident that caused significant fear in the local community. I understand that the police plan to continue related investigations to fully clarify details of the incident.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I’d like to return to the issue of the contiguous zone for the Senkaku Islands. China’s Ministry of National Defense commented in response to our contact that it is logical and legal for China’s military ships to navigate in waters under Chinese jurisdiction and other countries do not have any right to find criticism. What are your thoughts on this view?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY: The Senkaku Islands are Japan’s sovereign territory historically and under international law, and we maintain our existing position that this type of assertion by the Chinese side is totally unacceptable. This is why Japan called over China’s Ambassador and lodged a strong protest at 2:00am today.