Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding North Korea’s missile launch two days ago. Secretary of State Tillerson of the United States condemned the ballistic missile launch, stating that it is a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and was a provocative act against the United States and its allies. Can you please comment on the Secretary’s remarks and share with us the Government’s analysis of North Korea’s missile launch?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, North Korea has launched to date ballistic missiles as well as short-range surface-to-ship missiles and rockets. We are currently analyzing the latest missile launch. The Government has collaborated closely with the United States through a range of opportunities. Particularly at the recent Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee meeting (2+2 meeting), the two countries concurred on the denuclearization of North Korea and on applying more effective pressure on North Korea. Furthermore, on the morning of August 27 and early morning today, Japan time, Secretary General of the National Security Secretariat Yachi and National Security Advisor McMaster of the United States exchanged views for approximately three hours regarding the issues of North Korea, and confirmed that the two countries will collaborate closely as well as their responses. In any case, the Government will take specific actions towards the denuclearization of North Korea in close collaboration with the relevant countries, including the United States, under the principles of “dialogue and pressure” and “action for action.”

REPORTER: Does the Government analyze that North Korea will likely continue to conduct provocations, including the launch of missiles?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As it is the Government’s most important responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the Japanese people, we will closely follow the developments in North Korea with the utmost concern. In any case, under these circumstances, we are constantly collecting and analyzing information and taking all possible measures to deal with the situation.

REPORTER: Secretary of State Tillerson of the United States expressed the view that the latest launch was North Korea’s message that it is not prepared to back away from its position on nuclear and missile development. The Government is applying a variety of pressures in response to North Korea’s stance. Does the Government consider that North Korea still has not changed its position?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government is continuously working in close collaboration with the United States and exchanging and analyzing information. Due to the nature of the matter I would like to refrain from disclosing the details.

(Abridged)