Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
 
(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question about the memorial ceremony that has been held in China to commemorate the Nanjing Incident. President Xi Jinping attended the ceremony, but did not make a speech. Some people are of the view that this was in consideration of the Japan-China relations. Can I ask for a comment?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to avoid making any comments based on conjecture on behalf of the Government about the intentions of the Government of China. In any event, it is of the utmost importance to demonstrate a future-oriented approach as we continue to build on the current momentum towards improving relations.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a further question about the ceremony in Nanjing. Although President Xi did not make a speech it was the first time in three years for him to attend the ceremony. Also, the Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference emphasized that “300,000 of our compatriots were massacred by Japanese invaders.” Japanese and Chinese historians have differing views about the number of dead and injured in the Nanjing Incident. Based on the Government’s position, which you stated this morning, that it is important to demonstrate a future-oriented stance, what is your view of China’s response to this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, I would like to note that it was also the case that in his speech, Mr. Yu Zhengsheng, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, remarked that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China and next year will mark the 40th anniversary of the conclusion of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China. In the series of recent Japan-China summit meetings the leaders have confirmed the importance of further improving bilateral relations. The Government considers it to be important to mutually demonstrate a future-oriented approach as we continue to build on the current momentum towards improving relations.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question on the wooden vessels that have washed ashore along the coastline of the Sea of Japan. I believe that the Government is already providing subsidies to local governments to cover costs of disposing these vessels, but some local governments that are facing severe financial constraints have asked for the central government to cover the total cost relating to disposal. Does the Government intend to make any additional response to such requests?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the Government, in principle, seeks to respond to such requests. At the current point the rate of subsidy is between 70 and 90 percent, depending on the situation and isolation of the areas or outlying islands in question. It is also the case that 80 percent of the remaining costs are being covered by special local allocation taxes, meaning that the burden for local governments is between two and six percent of the total cost of disposal. We will address the situation responsibly, in full consultation with the local governments concerned.

REPORTER: You have just stated that the Government will address the situation responsibly, but what specific scheme are you considering?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Currently, some comments have been expressed that subsidy funds are drying up. In these and other cases the Government will address the situation responsibly, in full consultation with the local governments concerned.

(Abridged)