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
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: I have a question relating to the issue of trade On June 6, the European Commission officially approved retaliatory tariffs in response to import restrictions on steel and aluminum imposed by the United States. There are concerns over a potential trade war and the impact on the world economy. Could you please share your views and how Japan, which is also subject to these import restrictions, will respond to the situation?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As a representative of the Government, I would like to refrain from making comments on the circumstances that other countries are facing and their responses to such measures. In any case, there is absolutely no change to Japan’s position that all trade-related measures must be consistent with the WTO agreements. Working together with the relevant countries, we will persistently call on the United States on this matter.
 
REPORTER: I have a follow-up question. The upcoming G7 Summit will, as a matter of course, discuss the issue of trade. Will Japan convey such a position you have just mentioned to the United States?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This is Japan’s basic position.
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: I would like to ask about the situation in North Korea. A research institution in the United States, specializing in North Korea, has published a series of satellite images showing the removal of a missile test stand and other equipment from Kusong in the western part of North Korea. There is a possibility that this would be part of North Korea’s moves to denuclearization. Could you please share any information that the Government is aware of, its evaluation, or analysis?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Regarding North Korea’s military developments, the Government is constantly gathering and analyzing information with grave interest. Meanwhile, due to the nature of the matter, I would like to refrain from commenting on the details of individual pieces of information.
 
(Abridged)