ニュース 2010/11/01 Okada says the DPJ intends to send a delegation to China in mid-December On November 1, DPJ Secretary General Katsuya Okada held his regular press conference at party headquarters. Okada first commented on the supplementary budget for this fiscal year, emphasizing its significance as “something intimately connected to lives of the nation.” He said that the DPJ had responded to requests from the opposition parties regarding the public release of video footage of the collision between a Chinese fishing vessel and a Japanese coastguard patrol boat off the Senkakus, and intensive debate on this matter, in order that debate on the supplementary budget could start as soon as possible. Okada also reported on discussions held in a meeting of the DPJ executive regarding the participation of DPJ Diet members in the Okinawa gubernatorial, and on the dispatch of a Japan-China Exchange and Discussion Mechanism delegation to China. With regard to the Okinawa gubernatorial, he said that considering the basic stance of the government and ruling party, and the current political situation in Okinawa, it had been decided “to call for a moderate and cautious approach.” Okada stated that in view of this, the DPJ’s prefectural headquarters in Okinawa would be responsible for the activities of Diet members belonging to the prefecture, and Diet members not belonging to the prefecture would not be permitted to go to Okinawa to campaign for any of the candidates. He said that this policy would be proposed to the DPJ Standing Officers Council the following day. Okada stated that the party planned to send a Japan-China (DPJ-CCP) Exchange and Discussion Mechanism delegation led by himself to China in mid-December. He explained that in contrast to the last year’s large-scale delegation that had included the Great Wall of China Programme, this year’s delegation was likely to be a small-scale one of approximately 10 Diet members. He stressed the significance of the visit, saying that it would further deepen the relationship of trust between the two parties that had been developed up until now. Okada also commented on the recent visit made by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to Kunashiri Island in the Northern Territories (known as the Southern Kuriles in Russia). He said, “I find it extremely regrettable. It is likely to put a damper on the friendly relationship between Japan and Russia.” He added, “Territorial issues, political issues, and economic issues cannot be considered in isolation. If there is no progress on territorial issues, then that is likely to affect economic issues. I would like to ask for Russia to respond to this matter in a calm manner.”