Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: Foreign Minister Bishop of Australia stated in an interview with the local media that senior officials from Japan, the United States, India, and Australia and others are jointly holding discussions on the development of an infrastructure plan. Some media reports note that this plan could evolve into an initiative that counter China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative. Could you confirm the facts on this point?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the four countries you have just mentioned constantly exchange views on matters of mutual concerns, seizing various opportunities, including consultations, through the frameworks of trilateral dialogue such as Japan-U.S.-Australia, Japan-U.S.-India, and Japan-Australia-India. I would like to refrain from elaborating on the details of the topics that have been discussed at such occasions. In any event, it is not the case that they are intended to counter China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative.