Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: Although I believe the Government has not yet made an announcement, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasutoshi Nishimura sought approval for Prime Minister Abe’s attendance at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and ASEAN-related Summit Meetings at today’s meeting of the Committee on Rules and Administration of both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, which was subsequently approved by the Diet. What are the Government’s expectations for these international meetings, which come directly after the Japan-U.S. summit meeting,  where there was agreement on increasing pressure on North Korea to the maximum extent possible?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, final coordination is currently being made for Prime Minister Abe’s attendance at the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and ASEAN-related Summit Meetings, which requires approval from both houses. If I were to say anything else, I would add that at the APEC and ASEAN meetings, Japan will lead discussions on driving economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region and send a strong message to the international community about regional issues such as North Korea.

REPORTER: Can you please explain the status of coordination for the Japan-U.S., Japan-Russia, and Japan-China summit meetings?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The bilateral summit meetings are currently in the final stage of coordination. 

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the speech at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (ROK) by President Trump of the United States. President Trump addressed North Korea with the statement, “Do not underestimate us, and do not try us ,” and named Russia and China when calling on  the international community to increase pressure on North Korea. Can you please explain the Government’s response to this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: During his speech at the National Assembly of the ROK, President Trump strongly criticized North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons and missiles, emphasized the importance of the efforts of the entire international community for the denuclearization of North Korea, and once again stated that the United States will not be intimidated by threats and will protect its allies. Japan highly evaluates President Trump’s strong message of increasing pressure on North Korea and protecting U.S. allies. In addition, in the portion of his speech on North Korea’s dire  human rights conditions, President Trump stated, “Soldiers have kidnapped foreigners and forced them to work as language tutors for North Korean spies.”  It is highly significant for the swift resolution of the abduction issue that President Trump once again referred to those people who were abducted by North Korea. Centered on Japan-U.S. cooperation and Japan-U.S.-ROK cooperation, the Government will continue to call on related countries, including China and Russia, to have the entire international community increase pressure on North Korea and make the country change its policies.