Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: Prime Minister Abe held a meeting with President Duterte of the Philippines. During the meeting, the Prime Minister reportedly announced the provision of two large patrol vessels to the Philippines. Can you please tell us the current status of the Government’s arrangements?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Japan-Philippines summit meeting has just ended, and I understand that a press briefing will be held regarding the outcomes of the meeting monetarily in Laos. I ask that any questions on the details of the meeting be made at the briefing in Laos.

REPORTER: I have a related question. President Duterte made an offensive comment to President Obama of the United States, and consequently, their scheduled meeting was cancelled. Subsequently, President Duterte stated that he regretted the comment, and the meeting was rescheduled for a later date. The Philippines is a party to the arbitration case that denied China’s rights in the South China Sea. I imagine that a strained relationship between the Philippines and the United States would also have some impacts on Japan’s diplomacy towards China. What are Japan’s expectations and hopes for the Philippine foreign policy?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, we are aware of the news reports. The Government would like to refrain from making comments as this concerns exchanges between third countries. Having said that, Japan views that for the stability and prosperity of the region, it is important that the United States, an ally of both the Philippines and Japan, remain involved in the region. Japan hopes that the Philippines and the United States continue to deepen their cooperative relationship.

(Abridged)