Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question related to the situation surrounding the Senkaku Islands. Over the weekend, Chinese government vessels intruded into Japan’s territorial waters in succession. A total of 13 government vessels entered Japan’s contiguous zone surrounding the Senkaku Islands. This was the largest number of vessels since the nationalization of the Senkaku Islands. How does the Government view the situation? In addition, can you please explain about the Government’s response? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, on August 5, at approximately 1:30 PM, following the intrusion of Chinese fishing vessels into Japan’s territorial waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands, Chinese government vessels intruded into territorial waters. As of today, 14 Chinese government vessels at most have entered Japan’s contiguous zone surrounding the Senkaku Islands. Chinese government vessels have intruded into territorial waters a total of 14 times. Today, as of 10 AM, 12 Chinese government vessels were sailing or drifting within Japan’s contiguous zone surrounding the Senkaku Islands. On the 5th, the Government established a response office within the Prime Minister’s Office. Meetings among the directors-general of relevant ministries and agencies are held as necessary to discuss intelligence gathering and other responses. Furthermore, the Prime Minister issued the following instructions: relevant ministries and agencies are to cooperate and respond calmly and resolutely in accordance with international law and domestic laws and ordinances; collaborate closely with the United States and other related countries; and provide accurate information to the public and the international community. At the site, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) is responding by reinforcing its arrangements. In addition, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Sugiyama has repeatedly lodged strong protests against Mr. Cheng Yonghua, Ambassador of China to Japan, through diplomatic channels. Japan will continue to strongly urge China not to escalate the situation. At the same time, relevant ministries and agencies including JCG will coordinate closely in acting firmly and calmly.
 
REPORTER: There has been no change in the situation despite Japan’s protests through diplomatic channels. What is your view of this situation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, the Government will strongly urge China not to escalate the situation. In addition, the relevant ministries and agencies including JCG are coordinating closely in acting firmly and calmly.

REPORTER: I have a related question. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has protested against China on three consecutive days. Is the Government not considering elevating the level of its protests?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At this time, the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs is lodging strong protests.

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