Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question related to the situation in North Korea. In his testimony to Congress, the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command indicated in the committee that the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson is sitting about two hours, in striking range, in projection range, of North Korea if necessary. What is your assessment of these actions taken by the U.S. Forces from the standpoint of stepping up pressure on North Korea?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the Government collects and analyzes information on nuclear and missile-related developments in North Korea with utmost interest on a daily basis. In this process, the Government is strongly urging North Korea to refrain from provocations and comply with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions in close cooperation with the United States and the Republic of Korea. At the same time, as it is the greatest responsibility of the Government to protect the lives and properties of the Japanese people, the Government is taking all possible measures with a sense of urgency to be able to respond to any situation, while maintaining an advanced monitoring and surveillance system.

REPORTER: In that same testimony, the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command stated that it was important to maintain military readiness against North Korea, which includes aircraft carriers. Does the Government view that the maintenance of readiness by the U.S. Forces has led to significant improvements in curbing provocations by North Korea?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government welcomes the U.S. statement that all options are on the table.

REPORTER: I have a related question. It is in connection with the actions taken by the Trump administration. I understand that President Trump explained the administration's North Korean policy to all members of the Senate. It can be construed that the  administration indicated its readiness to deal with North Korea by giving it top priority. What is the assessment of the Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I stated earlier, the Government would like to refrain from commenting on the operations of the U.S. Forces. That said, it is true that Japan and the United States are constantly working together closely. Furthermore, as the security environment becomes extremely severe, it is critically important to secure the deterrence power of the United States. In this regard, the Government welcomes that the United States has all options on the table.

(Abridged)