Cablegate: Tokyo Media Reaction - Idea of "East Asian Community"

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DE RUEHKO #2350 2860215
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P 130215Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
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UNCLAS TOKYO 002350

SIPDIS

STATE FOR I/RF, PA/PR/FPC/W, IIP/G/EA, EAP/PD, R/MR, EAP/J, EAP/P,
PM;
USTR FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE;
TREASURY FOR OASIA/IMI;
SECDEF FOR OASD/PA;
CP BUTLER OKINAWA FOR AREA FIELD OFFICE;
PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO JA
SUBJECT: TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - IDEA OF "EAST ASIAN COMMUNITY"

1. LEAD STORIES: There were no papers published on Tuesday morning
because of a press holiday. Television news stories on Tuesday
morning included North Korea's apparent firing on Monday of
short-range missiles.

2. "Study of East Asian Community to Begin" The liberal Asahi
editorialized (10/11): "... The leaders of Japan, China, and South
Korea decided to share Prime Minister Hatoyama's idea of creating an
'East Asia Community' as a common long-term goal... The biggest
issue is how to deal with the U.S. in the envisaged framework...
There cannot be a community that conflicts with the U.S. Prime
Minister Hatoyama said during his meeting with the Chinese and South
Korean leaders that Japan has depended on the U.S. too much. He
needs to explain to both domestic and international audiences real
intentions behind his remarks."

3. "Big Picture of East Asian Community Should Be Presented" The
liberal Mainichi stated in an editorial (10/11): "... It is certain
that the U.S. is concerned that it might be excluded from the Asian
market. Prime Minister Hatoyama reportedly said that Japan has
depended on the U.S. too much. He should not forget about the U.S.'s
concern that Japan might be becoming anti-American. In order to
avoid provoking unnecessary negative reaction, Hatoyama should
present a specific and complete picture of his idea of an 'East
Asian Community.'"

4. "Keep U.S.-Japan Alliance as Basis of Foreign Policy" The
moderate Yomiuri argued in an editorial (10/11): "We wonder whether
Hatoyama's foreign policy is seen as an effort to leave the U.S.
behind and instead build stronger ties with Asian nations... The
U.S.-Japan alliance should remain the cornerstone of Japan's foreign
policy. Hatoyama should repeatedly stress this point to avoid any
misunderstanding."

5. "Japan, China, South Korea Discuss East Asian Community" The
business-oriented Nikkei editorialized (10/11): "... Although the
move by Japan, China, and South Korea to seek a common regional
community together has significance, there is an issue of how to
deal with the U.S... Japan's alliance with the U.S. is critically
important for its security. Japan will not be able to carry out its
foreign policy in Asia if it fails to strengthen its relations with
the U.S."

ROOS

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