Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question about the succession of wooden boats that have been found on the coast of the Sea of Japan. Mr. Norihisa Satake, Governor of Akita Prefecture, has referred to this succession of wooden boats that have washed ashore, expressing concerns about terrorism. Actually, a significant number of local residents also have similar concerns, so could you tell us how the Government intends to manage its border control in response to these concerns?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, it is basically the case that the police and the Japan Coast Guard are cooperating closely on a daily basis and have a number of measures in place to respond to such situations, such as the implementation of the necessary surveillance and monitoring, including patrols of the Sea of Japan coastline, calling on local fishery operators, residents and crime prevention associations to report suspicious people or objects, and ensuring that a fast and responsive communication structure is in place with local governments and other related bodies. By further stepping up such efforts the Government seeks to strengthen measures to deal with suspicious vessels and persons.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: With regard to the case of the North Korean boat that washed ashore in Yurihonjo City in Akita Prefecture, but has since disappeared, I hear that the Governor of Akita Prefecture has criticized the response for being too slack. There was also a case in Chiba, where a vessel that was suspected of having made a port call in North Korea was allowed to depart. In view of these two cases, can I ask for the Government’s view of the current situation and what response measures will be taken going forward?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, I have already responded to the observations made by the Governor of Akita Prefecture in this press conference, and as for the case of the entry into port of a vessel that had previously visited North Korea, that was an administrative mistake. The Government takes these incidents very seriously and has issued instructions to the police and the Japan Coast Guard to investigate the recent cases and make thorough efforts to improve operations and prevent a similar situation in the future.

REPORTER: I have a question on a different topic. According to some press reports, the Government is considering providing support to Japanese and Chinese companies in some specific fields in relation to China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative. Could you tell us the status of such considerations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At the recent Japan-China summit meeting the two leaders confirmed two points. First it will be important to cooperate in order to build a win-win relationship that is free and open,  based on rules. Second, promoting business between private-sector companies as well as Japanese and Chinese business in third countries will also be beneficial to the development of the countries concerned, not just Japan and China. Last week a joint mission comprising approximately 250 people from economic and business circles visited China, and engaged in exchanges of opinions with Premier Li Keqiang and other persons concerned. Next week the Japan-China CEO Summit is scheduled to be held in Tokyo and the Government seeks to support business cooperation and exchanges among private sector companies. In any event, Japan hopes that the “One Belt, One Road” initiative will contribute proactively to the peace and prosperity of the region and the world by duly taking into account commonly held international standards such as the openness, transparency and economic viability of infrastructure, and fiscal soundness. Based on this perspective, Japan would like to consider participating in the initiative.