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Cablegate: Japanese Morning Press Highlights 09/23/09

Published: Wed 23 Sep 2009 02:10 AM
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SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 09/23/09
Index:
1) Top headlines
2) Editorials
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei)
Hatoyama Diplomacy in NY
4) Hatoyama pledges to reduce greenhouse gases by 25 PERCENT ;
Offers aid to developing nations (Yomiuri)
5) Gist of PM Hatoyama's UN speech (Nikkei)
6) Hatoyama proposes East Asia Community to Chinese President Hu
(Nikkei)
7) Gist of Japanese-Chinese summit meeting (Yomiuri)
Okada Diplomacy in NY
8) Japanese and U.S. foreign ministers agree to strengthen alliance
(Nikkei)
9) In meeting with Okada Clinton expresses de facto acceptance of
termination of refueling mission (Mainichi)
10) Gist of Japan-U.S. foreign ministers' meeting (Yomiuri)
11) Japan and U.S. foreign ministers agree to further discuss
realignment of U.S. forces in Japan (Asahi)
12) U.S.-Japan foreign ministers early on take up challenges
(Sankei)
13) Japanese, U.S., and Australian foreign ministers agree on
resolving Iran nuclear issue through dialogue (Tokyo Shimbun)
Foreign Relations
14) Assistant Sec. of State Campbell: "Secret nuclear accord a
Japanese domestic matter" (Nikkei)
Articles:
1) TOP HEADLINES
Asahi, Mainichi, Yomiuri, Nikkei, Sankei, Tokyo Shimbun & Akahata:
Hatoyama pledges in UN speech to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25
PERCENT , support developing countries in tackling global warming
2) EDITORIALS
Asahi:
(1) Start of Hatoyama diplomacy: Look at big picture when addressing
sticky issues
(2) Decentralization: Make efforts to build affluent society giving
priority to residents
Mainichi:
(1) Japan-China summit: Establish relationship of trust with spirit
of "fraternity"
(2) Policy of cancelling Yamba Dam project: Make it "symbol" of
correction of anachronism
Yomiuri:
(1) Japan-China summit: "Fraternity" alone will not move diplomacy
forward
(2) New Internet age: Giant IT firms struggling for hegemony
Nikkei:
(1) New government should formulate proper growth strategy
Sankei:
(1) Japan-China summit: Presentation of undeveloped concept of an
TOKYO 00002216 002 OF 009
East Asia Community regrettable
(2) Japan-U.S. foreign ministerial: Take action first to build
relationship of trust
Tokyo Shimbun:
(1) Strengthening Japan-U.S. relations key to influencing China
(2) Toll-free highway plan: The government must answer simple
questions
Akahata:
(1) Spread of new strain of flu: Take every possible countermeasure
3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei)
Prime Minister's schedule, September 21
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
September 23, 2009
Evening Arrived at Kennedy International Airport in New York via
government plane. Met with Chinese President Hu Jintao at the
Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Stayed overnight at the Intercontinental
Hotel.
Prime Minister's schedule, September 22
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
September 23, 2009
Morning Delivered speech at high-level meeting on climate change
hosted by the UN (climate change summit).
4) Premier makes his diplomatic debut: Pledges 25 percent emissions
cut to world in UN speech; Also pledges assistance to developing
countries
YOMIURI (Top Play) (Excerpts)
September 23, 2009
On the evening of Sept. 21 (the morning of Sept. 22, Japan time),
Prime Minister Hatoyama arrived in New York for his first overseas
trip since taking office as prime minister. He met with Chinese
President Hu Jintao right away at a hotel in the city on the same
evening. He launched his diplomatic activities with a speech given
at the opening ceremony of the high-level meeting on climate change
hosted by the UN (climate change summit), which has brought together
the leaders of more than 100 countries.
Toshimitsu Maya, Yuji Yoshisugi, New York
Prime Minister Hatoyama on the morning of Sept. 21 (the night of
Sept. 22, Japan time) delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of
the high-level meeting on climate change hosted by the UN (climate
change summit) held at the UN Headquarters. During the speech he
announced Japan's new mid-term goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions
by 25 percent in comparison with the 1990 level by 2020. He also
revealed his plan to look into setting up a tax to pay for steps
against global warming, which is to be levied on CO2 emitters in
proportion to the amount of emissions, to achieve that end.
Gist of Prime Minister Hatoyama's speech
TOKYO 00002216 003 OF 009
Q Japan will aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent in
comparison with the 1990 level by 2020.
Q The commitment of Japan to the world is premised on agreement on
ambitious targets by all the major countries.
Q Japan is prepared to proactively extend financial and
technological support to developing and island nations.
Q Proposal to the international community of a "Hatoyama initiative"
designed to support developing countries.
5) Gist of PM Hatoyama's speech at UN climate change summit on
September 22
NIKKEI (Page 3) (Full)
September 23, 2009
As the prime minister of Japan following the change of
administration, I will seek to join with the leaders of other
countries in addressing current and future global climate change
with due consideration for the warnings of science.
The advanced countries need to take the lead in efforts to reduce
emissions. Japan should also be actively involved in setting
long-term reduction targets. As for the mid-term target, we will, in
accordance with the standards urged by science, aim for a 25 percent
reduction from the 1990 level by 2020.
As we pledged in the manifesto for the recent House of
Representatives election, we will mobilize all available policy
tools, including the introduction of a domestic emission trading
system and consideration of a global warming tax, to deliver on this
pledge. However, climate change cannot be halted by Japan alone
setting a high-reduction target. Our pledge to the international
community is premised upon an agreement between all the advanced
nations on ambitions targets.
With regard to the market for domestic emission trading, we will
promote exchange of information on the systems being contemplated by
other countries and hold discussions, bearing in mind the impact on
international competitiveness and linkage with other countries.
Government funding of capital and technology transfers to developing
countries is crucial. We believe that the following principles
should apply in assistance to developing countries: (1) The public
and private sectors in the developed countries should make
additional financial contributions; (2) rules should be established
for measuring the effect of aid; (3) innovative mechanisms should be
implemented in a predictable manner; and (4) aid should also ensure
the protection of intellectual property rights. I would like to
present the above to the international community as the "Hatoyama
Initiative."
We would like to make every effort toward establishing a fair and
effective undertaking and work for the success of COP15 in
Copenhagen through the process of putting this initiative into
effect.
6) Prime minister proposes East Asia Community
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full)
September 23, 2009
Naoya Yoshino, New York
TOKYO 00002216 004 OF 009
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama on the evening of Sept. 21 (the
morning of Sept. 22, Japan time) met with Chinese President Hu
Jintao in New York for the first time since taking office as prime
minister. During the meeting he proposed an East Asia Community
initiative. Both leaders agreed to press ahead with working-level
talks to sign an agreement for the joint development of gas fields
in the East China Sea. They also vowed to work together toward the
denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
The East Asia Community that the prime minister envisions is an
initiative that takes into consideration a framework of regional
economic cooperation for the free movement of people, goods and
money, and security. It symbolizes the prime minister's stance of
attaching importance to Asia. He proposed to his Chinese
counterpart, "I would like Japan and China build trust that goes
beyond the differences between the two countries and establish the
initiative based on that."
The East Asia Community Intuitive was incorporated in the Democratic
Party of Japan's election manifesto, but it was considered to be
anti-American. Coordination of views with the U.S. and other
countries will be indispensable for the materialization of the
Initiative.
Regarding the issue of the Japanese view of wartime history, the
prime minister said that he would follow the precedent of the
Murayama statement of 1995, in which Japan offered an apology for
its colonial rule and invasion of China. The president responded by
saying, "I highly appreciate that."
Hatoyama urged Hu that both countries should begin working toward
signing an agreement for the joint development of the gas fields. Hu
indicated his stance of paving the way for launching the activity,
saying, "I would like to build trust through working-level talks."
7) Gist of Japan-China summit
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full)
September 23, 2009
(Japan-China relations)
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama: I would like to make the two
countries' strategic and mutually beneficial relationship more
substantial.
Chinese President Hu Jintao: The Japan-China relationship is one of
the most important bilateral relationships. I want to propose (1) an
increase in visits by high-level officials of the two countries, (2)
the strengthening and developing of economic and trade cooperation,
(3) improvement in the public perceptions (of each country), (4)
promotion of cooperation on Asian and internal issues, and (5)
resolution of differences in views in an appropriate manner.
Hatoyama: I want to build a relationship of trust between Japan and
China and on the basis of that relationship to create an East Asian
community. I will adhere to the 1995 Murayama statement.
Hu: Cooperation between Japan and China is important for the Asian
region. I highly value your position of observing the Murayama
statement.
TOKYO 00002216 005 OF 009
(Gas exploration in the East China Sea)
Hatoyama: I would like to transform the troubled waters of the East
China Sea into a sea of fraternity.
Hu: The agreement (on joint development by Japan and China) made
last year is significant. I propose the launch of working-level
meetings in the near future.
(North Korean issue)
Hatoyama: I cannot allow North Korea to develop nuclear weapons and
ballistic missiles. The Japanese people hold strong views on the
abduction issue.
Hu: China has urged (North Korea) to improve relations with Japan,
including the abduction issue.
(Global warming issue)
Hu: I welcome your positive attitude. China, too, will make efforts
for the success of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United
Nations Framework of Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
8) Okada, Clinton agree to strengthen alliance
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full)
September 23, 2009
Naoya Yoshino, New York
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada met with U.S. Secretary of State
Clinton in New York on the evening of Sept. 21 (early on the morning
of Sept. 22, Japan time) and agreed to strengthen the bilateral
alliance between Japan and the United States. In addition, they also
discussed issues related to the planned realignment of U.S. forces
in Japan, including the relocation of Futenma airfield in Ginowan,
Okinawa Prefecture. On this issue, Okada proposed reviewing the
realignment plan. Clinton clarified the U.S. government's basic
understanding, taking the position that U.S. forces in Japan should
be realigned as planned. They agreed to discuss the realignment
issue between the two countries.
"Our alliance is a cornerstone of the United States' diplomacy,"
Clinton said at the beginning of the meeting." She added, "I'd like
to make efforts to deepen and strengthen our alliance in order to
pursue our common values." Okada responded, "We'd like to make our
alliance sustainable for the next 30 to 50 years."
Okada also brought up the planned relocation of Futenma airfield in
Okinawa Prefecture. "The Democratic Party of Japan has questions
about it," Okada said. He added, "My government will study specific
measures." Clinton indicated that the basic policy would be to
translate the current plan into action. However, she also told Okada
that the United States was prepared to discuss the matter.
Concerning Afghan reconstruction assistance, Okada insisted on
Japan's role in the area of civilian assistance as an alternative
for Japan to take on after discontinuing the Maritime Self-Defense
Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean. "It's also necessary
to provide job training to people who used to be Taliban members,"
TOKYO 00002216 006 OF 009
Okada said.
9) U.S. accepts Japan's plan to end refueling mission; Japanese,
U.S. foreign ministers agree to strengthen bilateral alliance
MAINICHI (Page 1) (Full)
September 23, 2009
Takenori Noguchi, New York
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada held talks in New York with U.S.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for about 45 minutes on the
afternoon of Sept. 21 (the morning of Sept. 22, Japan time). Clinton
categorically said that the United States' alliance with Japan is a
cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. In response, Okada said that he
wants to build a Japan-U.S. alliance sustainable for the next 30 to
50 years. The two leaders reaffirmed a policy direction to continue
reinforcing the bilateral alliance. At the outset of the meeting,
Clinton expressed a stance to effectively accept (the new Japanese
government's decision) to terminate the Maritime Self-Defense
Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean by saying to the press
corps, "The relationship between Japan and the United States is so
broad and so deep that there isn't any one issue that defines it."
The Okada-Clinton meeting took place ahead of the Sept. 23 talks
between Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and President Barack Obama.
About Japan's support for Afghanistan as an alternative to the
refueling mission, Okada said, "Japan wants to play an active role
in the civilian sector." Clinton welcomed Okada's statement, saying,
"We highly appreciate Japan's assistance to police officers (in
Afghanistan)." The two leaders also agreed on the importance of
reconstruction assistance for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Referring to
the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, Okada said, "There are some
issues the Democratic Party of Japan has not supported." Okada
conveyed a plan to hold fresh discussions on the matter after
indirectly touching on the question of relocating the U.S. Marine
Corps' Futenma Air Station (in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture) outside
the prefecture. Clinton simply replied: "The basic idea is to
realize the current plan and that is important. We would like to
continue discussing security issues with Japan."
Clinton also indicated that the U.S. government will continue
addressing the issue of (Japanese nationals) abducted by North
Korea. "There will be no talks on normalizing diplomatic ties
between Japan and North Korea unless the nuclear, missile, and
abduction issues are settled," Okada said. Okada stopped short of
referring to a plan to investigate the alleged Japan-U.S. secret
pact on the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japan.
10) Gist of foreign ministerial talks between Okada, Clinton
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full)
September 23, 2009
(Japan-U.S. alliance)
Secretary of State Clinton: The Japan-U.S. alliance is a cornerstone
of Washington's foreign policy and is indispensable to the security
and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. I hope we will further
develop and strengthen the historically strong bonds of our
partnership.
TOKYO 00002216 007 OF 009
Foreign Minister Okada: I want to establish a deeper bilateral
relationship sustainable for the next 30 to 50 years
(Assistance to Afghanistan)
Clinton and Okada agreed on the view that the task of reconstructing
and stabilizing Afghanistan and Pakistan is a top priority challenge
that will affect our efforts to eliminate terrorism and maintain
global stability.
Okada: Japan would like to consider the Afghanistan issue its own
problem and play a proactive role in public welfare and other
areas.
(U.S. force realignment)
Okada: The government will work out specific measures to deal with
such issues as U.S. military bases and the realignment of U.S.
forces in Okinawa. I hope that the two countries will jointly
address these issues in close cooperation.
Clinton: It is fundamental and important for the two countries to
implement the current plans agreed on between them. We should
discuss issues that will affect national security and the Japan-U.S.
alliance.
(Climate change)
Clinton and Okada shared the view that climate change is an urgent
key issue and that it is necessary for Japan and the U.S. to take
the initiative in international discussions on this issue.
11) Japanese, U.S. foreign ministers agree to discuss U.S. force
realignment in future
ASAHI (Page 1) (Full)
September 23, 2009
Kei Ukai, New York
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada held his first talks with U.S.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in New York on Sept. 21. The two
leaders confirmed the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance. They
also agreed that the two countries will discuss in the future the
realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, which Okada regards as his top
priority for his first 100 days in office.
"The Democratic Party of Japan has some questions. We want to
discuss the matter after examining it concretely," Okada said about
the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, including Futenma Air
Station in Okinawa, according to a Japanese source. A U.S. source
quoted Clinton as replying, "There is an existing plan, but we would
be glad to respond to any questions the Japanese government has."
Okada said that Clinton's stance was not obstinate.
Clinton indicated that the effects of the Hatoyama administration's
policy not to simply extend the refueling mission in the Indian
Ocean would be limited, saying, "The relationship between the United
States and Japan is so broad and so deep that there isn't any one
issue that defines it." Okada told Clinton that the Japanese
TOKYO 00002216 008 OF 009
government is considering offering civilian aid to Afghanistan.
"There will be no normalization talks unless the abduction, nuclear,
and missile issues are settled properly," Okada also said regarding
the North Korean issue. Clinton promised that the United States will
support the Japanese government regarding the abduction issue. Okada
did not bring up the issue of purported Japan-U.S. secret pacts,
according to an informed source.
12) Japan faces tough issues at first meeting between FM Okada,
Secretary of State Clinton
SANKEI (Page 5) (Full)
September 23, 2009
Ken Kasahara
At his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Foreign
Minister Katsuya Okada indicated his intention to deepen the
Japan-U.S. alliance, but he is already facing such tough issues as
U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) realignment and alternative contributions
to replace the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean in case of its
discontinuation.
During the meeting Okada was expected to mention the "secret nuclear
agreement" allowing U.S. ships carrying nuclear arms to call at
Japanese ports. However, he gave priority to enhancing the
relationship of trust between the two countries and refrained from
touching on this issue because, according to a source familiar with
Japan-U.S. relations, "the U.S. has already made its documents
public. Whether documents exist in Japan is a Japanese internal
issue."
Okada has presented a "100-day plan" according to which he will work
on the following three issues in the first 100 days of the
administration: (1) USFJ realignment, including the relocation of
the Futenma Air Station; (2) aid to Afghanistan and Pakistan; and
(3) climate change. The plan demonstrates great enthusiasm for
rebuilding the Japan-U.S. relationship. After charting a direction
for policy based on this plan, he intends to work on redefining of
the Japan-U.S. security alliance in the 300 days until the House of
Councillors election next summer.
The success of this effort depends on the realignment of U.S.
military bases and the question of the refueling mission.
Okada and Clinton confirmed at their meeting that discussions on
issues related to the realignment of U.S. bases will continue, but
Japan has yet to clarify its position. Proposals to merge the
Futenma base with the U.S. Air Force's Kadena Air Base or to revise
the plan to build a Futenma replacement facility off the coast of
Camp Schwab are under review in the government and the ruling
parties. If the Futenma facility is to be moved out of Okinawa, the
government will face many difficult issues including the employment
of Japanese base workers and negotiations with a local government
willing to host the new facility.
On the other hand, if the Hatoyama administration ends the refueling
mission in the Indian Ocean, the U.S. is certain to demand
alternative contributions. The government plans to draw up proposals
for these, such as providing vocational training, agricultural
instruction, and other civilian aid measures, before President
TOKYO 00002216 009 OF 009
Barack Obama's visit to Japan in November. Okada believes that the
withdrawal of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) (from the Indian Ocean)
will not be a problem because "the U.S. has not actually asked for
an expanding commitment of SDF troops to Afghanistan." However, it
is unclear how the Obama administration will assess this.
Instead of rebuilding the Japan-U.S. relationship, there is even the
possibility that the relationship may deteriorate.
13) Japan, U.S., Australia concur on dialogue-based solution to Iran
nuclear issue
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full)
September 23, 2009
Jiji, New York
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada held a strategic meeting with U.S.
Secretary of State Clinton and Australian Foreign Minister Smith in
New York on the evening of Sept. 21 (on the morning of Sept. 22,
Japan time). During the meeting, the three discussed the issue of
Iran's nuclear development programs and agreed on the importance of
aiming for a solution to the issue through dialogue in line with the
Obama administration's policy. In addition, they confirmed a course
of action to put stronger pressure on Iran, taking the position that
Iran should be well aware of the issue and make serious efforts to
resolve it.
On the issue of North Korea's nuclear and missile development
programs, Okada and his U.S. and Australian counterparts confirmed
that their governments will call on United Nations members to
strictly implement U.N. Security Council resolutions that
incorporate cargo inspections of North Korean and other foreign
ships heading to and from North Korea.
14) Secret deal is Japanese domestic issue: Campbell
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
September 23, 2009
Kaku Oishi, New York
When asked by reporters at a press conference on Sept. 21 whether
the Hatoyama administration would disclose the alleged secret
agreement on nuclear introduction between Japan and the United
States, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State (for East Asian and
Pacific affairs) Kurt Campbell said, "It is up to the Japanese
government to decide how the issue is handled. It is a domestic
issue for Japan." Pointing out that the United States has already
disclosed the documents on the pact, he stated, "It is part of the
diplomacy between Japan and the United States in the Cold War era.
ROOS
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