Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The 29th of this month will mark exactly one year since the security legislation, which enables the exercise of the right of collective self-defense, entered into force. Amid the increasing severity of the security environment, including North Korea's nuclear and missile development, can you once again explain the significance of this security legislation and what role it has fulfilled over this last one year?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, it is true that the security environment surrounding Japan is further increasing in severity. In particular, North Korea has conducted two nuclear tests and launched over 20 missiles during and after last year. In this regard, Japan perceives that the Legislation for Peace and Security is essential for preventing wars from occurring as well as for securing the lives of the Japanese people and peace. Indeed the Government has the role of securing the daily lives of the Japanese people. Accordingly, the Abe administration has passed a variety of laws, which has included the development of the Legislation for Peace and Security and the Law on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets. As North Korea continues to conduct all of these provocations, the Government regards that these laws fulfill a vital role in strengthening the deterrent of the Japan-U.S. Alliance and the close collaboration between Japan and the United States. We consider it truly good that the laws were passed.

REPORTER: I recall there were some people who were opposed to the security legislation. Does the Government view that the public's understanding has deepened over the last one year?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to the Legislation for Peace and Security, both the Prime Minister and the relevant ministers have striven to provide transparent and careful explanations through a variety of opportunities, even after the laws entered into force. We believe that the public's understanding has deepened as an outcome of these efforts, and we intend to continue to provide careful explanations.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the subject. I have a question regarding the nuclear weapons convention. The United Nations (UN) conference to negotiate a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading towards their total elimination, will commence at the UN headquarters in New York on the 27th. It is expected that a majority of the nuclear-weapon states, including Japan's ally the United States, will not be attending the conference. Will Japan be attending?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, we are carrying out a final review on whether Japan will be participating in the negotiations. Japan considers that it needs to take responsible actions upon confirming the nature of the negotiations, such as what format the negotiations will adopt, under what circumstances the discussions will take place, and whether Japan will be able to fully advocate its position. We are now in the process of conducting our final review.

(Abridged)