Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: A short while ago, a four ministers’ meeting of the National Security Council was held. I understand that the agenda of the meeting was the situation in the Asia-Pacific region. Can you tell us what was discussed specifically?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Discussions took place precisely regarding the situation in the Asia-Pacific region, led by the Prime Minister. I would like to refrain from disclosing the details of the discussions.

REPORTER: I have a related question regarding the situation in North Korea. The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea remains on alert, analyzing that North Korea could conduct a fifth nuclear test at any time. Was the situation in North Korea also discussed today?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan is conducting maximum monitoring and surveillance of the situation in North Korea at all times on a day-to-day basis. I would like to reiterate that in the face of this imminent threat, Japan is committed to fully protecting the safety and security of the Japanese people and their peaceful daily lives. Due to the nature of the matter, I would like to refrain from disclosing whether or not these matters were among the items discussed today.

REPORTER: It will be one month tomorrow, August 2 JST, since the terror attack in Bangladesh. This morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) compiled an interim report for strengthening counter-terrorism measures. What kinds of steps is the Government as a whole currently taking domestically and overseas?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, bearing the recent terror attack in mind, Prime Minister Abe instructed that all possible measures be taken to counter terrorism in and outside of Japan. Therefore, relevant ministries and agencies are now making utmost efforts in areas such as strengthening intelligence gathering for preventing terror attacks in Japan, implementing thorough border control measures, and tightening security at important facilities and soft targets. The Government has been collecting and analyzing various intelligence and strengthening intelligence sharing with a greater sense of urgency. We are undertaking a variety of counter-terrorism measures.

REPORTER: My question is related to the previous question. Today’s interim report of MOFA included measures, such as strengthening the mechanisms of the Counter Terrorism Unit - Japan (CTU-J), tightening security at Japan’s overseas diplomatic missions, and improving the bulletproof vehicles of the Japan International Cooperation Agency. What does the Government have in mind in terms of how many personnel CTU-J will gain and the size of the budget for these measures?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, I am aware that the measures you just mentioned are being studied in detail. On this basis, we believe that it is also necessary, for example, to conduct language training and training on methods of intelligence collection on local situations, as well as to install necessary equipment. We are now carrying out these detailed studies and are conducting these studies with a sense of urgency. I would like to refrain from disclosing the specifics regarding personnel enhancements and so on.