Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I believe that you recently received a request from a delegation of Diet members representing Osaka for support in the city’s efforts to host the G20 summit in Osaka in 2019. What was your response?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have recently received a request from Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and New Komeito Diet members from Osaka concerning their wish for Osaka to host the G20 summit meeting. The host city will be selected from among the local governments that have expressed an interest in hosting the summit and nothing has been decided as yet. The Government will make a decision from among the local government candidates, taking various matters into consideration, including the results of on-site surveys.

REPORTER: Other than Osaka, Fukuoka and Aichi have also indicated their readiness to host the G20 summit. What points will the Government be focusing on in the process of selection?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As the G20 is an international conference  , I believe that a decision will be made on the basis of a comprehensive review of various matters, including accommodation facilities, security issues, and the result of on-site surveys.

REPORTER: What is the timeline by which the Government expects to make a decision concerning the host city for the G20 summit?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The timing of a final decision has yet to be determined, but it will not be a prolonged process.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I believe you stated in yesterday’s press conference that the Government is aware that North Korea was involved in the cyberattack in May this year, which affected companies and hospitals around the world. Given that Japan is strengthening pressure on North Korea as it continues its nuclear and missile development and, needless to say, the abductions issue also remains unresolved, does the Government intend to highlight the dangers of North Korean cyberattacks and criticize such actions in the international arena?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, ensuring safety in cyberspace is of the utmost importance for the peace and prosperity of the international community, including Japan. It is in this context that the Government of Japan supports the announcement made by the United States on December 20 concerning the cyberattacks by North Korea. We have also denounced North Korea’s involvement behind this “WannaCry” attack . From the perspective of maximizing pressure on North Korea to make it change its policies, Japan will continue to closely cooperate with the international community, including the United States, and make efforts to create and advance a free, fair, and secure cyberspace.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The Government has decided to introduce two Aegis Ashore systems, which are extremely expensive systems and are not included in the Medium Term Defense Program. According to some press reports, the same system cost 80 billion yen to introduce in Poland, but in Japan it is estimated that the costs will be as much as 100 billion yen. It is also the case that the interception success rate for the Aegis Ashore system is currently around the 50 percent mark and it has been noted that the system’s electromagnetic waves could impact daily lives, including people’s health, as well as television and mobile reception. Given these various negative aspects of the system, could you tell us the Government’s current thinking with regard to its introduction?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would suggest that you inquire with the Ministry of Defense concerning the details of this matter.