February 22, 2020

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo said that he will work to untangle other opposition parties' concerns regarding policy disagreements with the JCP in order to reach an agreement on forming a coalition government which consists of current opposition parties.

On a BS Asahi news program recorded on February 21, Shii said that he intends to formally explain to other opposition parties the JCP stance on how a coalition government should respond to the following four issues: the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty; the Japanese Self-Defense Forces; the Emperor (Tenno) system; and socialism and communism.

Shii said, "I know many people in Japan and in opposition parties have concerns or fears about a government composed of opposition parties which includes the JCP, but I can honestly tell them, 'No need to worry'."

He said, "In the process of explaining our position, we will present ideas or suggestions as to how to deal with disagreements. Only after other opposition parties become sure about the JCP can we take our discussions one step further and enrich our common ground."

Past related article:
> CDPJ Azumi: We can hold good discussions with JCP on formation of coalition gov't [January 15, 2020]