Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding Foreign Minister Kono’s visit to China. Yesterday, Foreign Minister Kono held a series of meetings with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Premier of the State Council Li Keqiang and State Councilor Yang Jiechi. Could you tell us how the Government evaluates the outcomes of these meetings?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, as you have noted, Foreign Minister Kono held meetings with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Premier of the State Council Li Keqiang yesterday. According to the report I received, these meetings were held in an extremely positive atmosphere and involved meaningful exchanges of views. My understanding is that the visit was therefore one that will further strengthen efforts to develop Japan-China relations and give significant momentum towards mutual visits by the leaders of the two countries. In any event, the Government will continue to strengthen communication with China at all levels and we will work together with China to deepen overall trust, strengthen economic relations and promote people-to-people exchanges.

REPORTER: By when is the date of the Japan-China-Republic of Korea (ROK) Trilateral Summit to be decided, for which it is anticipated that Premier Li Keqiang would visit Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, we are to continue our coordination with a view to holding a meeting as early as possible. However, at the current point I would like to refrain from offering a concrete prospect.

REPORTER: It seemed that differences still remain over issues relating to the East China Sea. How will the Government respond to them, which could potentially derail efforts to improve bilateral relations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, we stated strongly that the East China Sea should remain  a “Sea of Peace, Cooperation and Friendship” and that no situations should arise that would set back Japan-China relations. We also called for steps to be taken to prevent reoccurrence of any such situations.  China made statements based on its own assertions. In any case, I would like to refrain from commenting on the details of diplomatic interactions. In any event, the Government will continue to emphasize points that need to be emphasized as we move forward in promoting Japan-China relations.

(Abridged)