Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: I have a question regarding the relationship between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and North Korea. It has been decided that the Inter-Korean Summit between President Moon Jae-in of the ROK and Chairman Kim Jong-un of North Korea would be held on April 27. Could you please share the views of the Government of Japan?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, we are aware that at today’s North-South High Level Officials’ Meeting, the ROK requested North Korea to take concrete actions ahead of the Inter-Korean Summit. The Government would like to express its respect to the ROK for its efforts. In order to draw out concrete actions from North Korea through the Inter-Korean Summit and the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting, the Government will continue to seize all the available opportunities, including Prime Minister Abe’s visit to the United States in April, and closely coordinate our policies among Japan, the United States, and the ROK.
 
REPORTER: I believe the Government is requesting the resolution of the issues of the abductions, nuclear development, and missiles. Is our understanding correct that so far the situation is moving along as smoothly as you had imagined?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have stated multiple times here at these press conferences, Japan and the U.S. as well as Japan, the U.S., and the ROK continue to apply pressure on North Korea to compel North Korea to commit to denuclearization and change its policies by strengthening collaboration with China, Russia, and other members of the international community. I believe the situation is beginning to move in this direction.
 
REPORTER: The prototype of China’s space station, which is regarded as being uncontrollable, is supposed to reenter the atmosphere sometime between the 31st of this month and the beginning of next month. Space agencies and organizations around the world continue to monitor relevant developments. Could I ask once again whether there is almost no possibility of residual debris surviving the burn and falling into Japan? How does the Government see the impacts of these debris on Japan?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to the point that you have mentioned, the Government of China has announced that most of the fuel and components of the space station would be burned up in the reentry process, and therefore, it is highly unlikely that the reentry would pose a risk to the operation of aircraft or cause damages on land. In light of this announcement, at this point in time, the Government considers it extremely unlikely that parts of the prototype space station would fall into and around Japan and pose a risk to Japanese people. We will address this matter appropriately and thoroughly, including collaboration among relevant ministries and agencies to gather and analyze information.