Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: If I may switch topics, I would like to ask a question regarding the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) led by China. AIIB announced that it approved new membership applications  from 13 countries and regions, including Canada and Hong Kong. This brings the total membership to 70 countries and regions, exceeding the 67 regions of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) led by Japan and the United States. Can you please share your comments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan would like to refrain from commenting on the changes in the membership of the AIIB, an organization of another country. You noted that the membership of the AIIB exceeds that of ADB. However, it is also true that ADB, as a comprehensive development institution in the region, has built up a track record in providing many supports. In any case, Japan will continue to closely follow the activities of the AIIB, including whether it will become an organization that contributes to sustainable development in the Asian region and the AIIB's actual operations.

(Abridged)