Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: The Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has decided to provide humanitarian assistance of US$8 million to North Korea. You have stated in a press conference before that actions that could undermine the pressure placed on North Korea should be avoided. Japan, the United States, and the ROK have confirmed with each other that they will put greater pressure on North Korea. Against this backdrop, are you concerned that the ROK’s action may lead to disagreement or non-alignment among the countries regarding what course the responses should take?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the international community as a whole needs to put greater pressure on North Korea. In this context, it is necessary to avoid actions that could undermine the pressure on North Korea. With regard to the ROK’s latest decision, the Government will request the ROK to respond cautiously, on the grounds that it is necessary to consider their impacts on the efforts of the international community in response to the North Korean issue. Based on this view, the Government will continue to coordinate closely on the responses with the ROK bilaterally and with the United States and the ROK trilaterally at a variety of levels, including at the leader and foreign minister levels, such as a Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Summit to be held in New York before dawn on September 22, Japan time.

REPORTER: Is it correct to understand that the Government has verified as to whether it is true that the Government of the ROK is providing this assistance?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan and the ROK, as well as Japan, the United States, and the ROK are working together closely on our responses to the North Korean issue. I would like to refrain from responding about the specific discussion.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the ROK’s humanitarian assistance. The Government of Japan has requested the ROK to respond cautiously. Does the Government intend to lodge a protest against the ROK?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We believe this is a matter that requires close collaboration among Japan, the United States, and the ROK. By unanimously adopting the United Nations resolution, the entire international community agreed to apply firm pressure on North Korea. We therefore view that actions that would undermine this pressure need to be avoided.