Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question regarding Prime Minister Abe’s attendance at the Pyeongchang Olympic Games. There is a media report saying  that the Prime Minister is scheduled to  watch a match of the Japanese women’s national ice hockey team on February 10. Could you share with us the facts behind this report and the current status of the arrangements?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, circumstances permitting, Prime Minister Abe is scheduled to visit the Republic of Korea (ROK) to attend the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Olympic Games to be held on February 9 and offer encouragement to Japanese athletes. During his stay in the ROK, a Japan-ROK summit meeting and other activities are scheduled to take place. All other details regarding the itinerary are currently being arranged.

REPORTER: Is the Prime Minister scheduled to watch any games ?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister is to make a visit as he hopes to offer encouragement to Japanese athletes.  Under such circumstances, we are now arranging his schedule.

REPORTER: I have a question related to the Senkaku Islands. According to media reports, Chinese authorities have taken issue with the fact that the Senkaku Islands, which China claims sovereignty over, were not shown on a map included in a catalogue distributed in China by Muji, and ordered it to scrap the catalogues as well as prevent similar incidents. Can you please share the Government’s view regarding this matter? What responses is the Government taking if any?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, there is no doubt that the Senkaku Islands are clearly an inherent part of the territory of Japan, in light of historical facts and based upon international law. Indeed, the Senkaku Islands are under the valid control of Japan. There exists no issue of territorial sovereignty to be resolved concerning the Senkaku Islands . China’s measures based on its own assertions are totally unacceptable. In addition, from the standpoint of the Japanese and Chinese economies, we are concerned that this incident could affect the activities of Japanese companies in China going forward. On January 30, the Government immediately conveyed its position on this matter to China through diplomatic channels in Beijing and Tokyo, including our position that China’s latest measures are totally unacceptable, and requested the facts and an explanation.

(Abridged)