Digital Minister Kono, who is in charge of regulatory reform, apologized after it was discovered that a document submitted by an expert at a Cabinet Office meeting on renewable energy contained the logo of a Chinese state-owned company.
The logo was included in materials from a Cabinet Office meeting in which experts examined whether there were any regulations that were impeding the expansion of renewable energy.
According to the Cabinet Office, the document was submitted by one of the meeting members, who is affiliated with a foundation working to popularize renewable energy, and it contained the logo of China's national power transmission and distribution company.
At the House of Councilors Budget Committee on the 25th, Digital Minister Kono, who is in charge of regulatory reform, explained that when experts quoted materials provided by this company in the past, they were reprinted in other materials. , he apologized, saying, ``I'm very sorry that I didn't notice.''
He then stated, ``We have to check whether there is a special relationship with this company,'' indicating his intention to investigate.
Prime Minister Kishida also stated, ``If inappropriate content is found, we will take strict action.The Cabinet Office will promptly confirm the detailed facts.''
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi “The Cabinet Office is currently confirming the facts”
At an afternoon press conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi said, ``Energy security is one of the core of national security, and when considering related policies, it is natural that we must ensure a system that does not interfere with other countries. The Cabinet Office is currently confirming the detailed facts."