Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
REPORTER: According to some media outlets, an agreement is likely to be reached sometime this month between the U.K. Government and Hitachi Ltd. regarding the construction of nuclear reactors in the U.K. being planned by Hitachi. It is also being reported that Nippon Export and Investment Insurance, which is fully-owned by the Japanese Government, plans to provide loan guarantees for the financing of Hitachi and others. Could you share with us the facts of which the Government is aware?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, while we are aware of the reports, I would like to refrain from making comments on deals of individual companies. The operator will give due considerations from various perspectives regarding the nuclear reactor plan. At this point in time, nothing specific has been decided, including any potential policy support by the Government of Japan. That is the situation.
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: I have a question about the steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by the United States. According to some media reports, the Japanese Government is making the final arrangements to notify the World Trade Organization (WTO) this week that it is prepared to impose countermeasures. Could you confirm the fact behind these reports?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, we are aware of the reports you have just mentioned. Japan has continued to approach the United States on this matter, based on a careful review of the measures taken by the United States and the impact on Japanese companies. We are also conducting deliberations over possible measures, which are required under the process of the WTO framework. At this point in time, we have not decided on any specific response to be taken.