Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
(There was a statement on the overview of the Cabinet meeting.)
 
Q&As
 
REPORTER: I am asking a question related to the cancellation of the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting. What is the Government’s analysis of President Trump’s decision to cancel the meeting?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are aware of the letter from President Trump addressed to Chairman Kim Jong-Un. It is important that the meeting serves as an opportunity for making progress on the nuclear and missile issues, and, above all, the abduction issue, rather than the summit meeting being held. We will continue to closely work together between Japan and the U.S., and Japan, the U.S., and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to that end.
 
REPORTER: President Trump himself also stated that there would still be a chance that the summit meeting might take place. What is the Government’s view on the likelihood of the meeting being arranged again?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We would like to deal with the situation, closely working together between Japan and the U.S., and among Japan, the U.S. and the ROK. That is all.
 
REPORTER: The Government has strongly requested the United States to raise the abduction issue in the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting. How do you think the cancellation of the summit would affect the process related to the abduction issue?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have noted, it is important that the meeting serves as an opportunity for making progress on the nuclear and missile issues, and, above all, the abduction issue, rather than the summit meeting being held. We will continue to closely work together between Japan and the U.S., and Japan, the U.S., and the ROK to make North Korea change its policies; on top of that, the Government will proactively deal with this issue so as to realize the return of the abductees to Japan without further delay.
 
REPORTER: How does the Government analyze the likelihood that North Korea would take provocative actions in response to the cancellation of the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, with regard to the North Korea’s response to the President Trump’s letter, while we have been receiving various sources of information, I would like to refrain from making comments based on conjecture at this time. In any event, Japan continue to collect and analyze information with grave interest in relation to nuclear and missile developments in North Korea, while working closely with countries concerned, including the United States and the ROK. There is no change to our position of maintaining a surveillance and monitoring structure with a heightened sense of vigilance under the Japan-U.S. Alliance as we continue to ensure the security and peace of mind of the people of Japan.
 
REPORTER: President Trump has indicated that the maximum pressure campaign will continue and that the United States has not ruled out military action. Does the Government of Japan also continue to support this pressure campaign?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have stated previously, with respect to the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting, the contents of the meeting are more important than the meeting itself for Japan. I have already stated that the forthcoming summit meeting should provide a substantive opportunity to make progress on the nuclear and missile issues, and above all, the abduction issue. We will continue to cooperate bilaterally with the United States and trilaterally with the United States and the ROK in applying firm pressure to North Korea to compel it to change its policies. It is also important to thoroughly implement United Nations sanctions, with the cooperation of China and Russia, which also approved such sanctions measures in the forum of the UN.
 
REPORTER: According to the announcement of President Trump, he already notified Japan and the ROK. He meant that when a situation occurs, Japan and the ROK would bear the financial burdens. Could you tell us what kind of notification Japan received and how the Government sees the announcement made by President Trump?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are coordinating our policies closely with the President, the United States. I would like to refrain from touching upon specific details about our interactions.
 
REPORTER: I would like to clarify that Japan is prepared to bear the financial burden.
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from touching upon specific details about our interactions.
 
REPORTER: I have a question related to the issues surrounding Taiwan. Burkina Faso announced that it will cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Some have pointed out China’s influence behind this decision. Can I ask for a comment from the Government on this matter?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan, as a consistent stance, hopes that the issue surrounding Taiwan will be resolved peacefully by direct dialogue between the parties concerned on the Taiwan Strait. Based on this position, we will closely monitor the developments, including any future impact it may have, from the perspective of cross-straits relations and regional peace.
 
(Abridged)