PRC ON CHINA-JAPAN SECURITY TALKS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 015377 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/25/2021 TAGS: PREL CH JA SUBJECT: PRC ON CHINA-JAPAN SECURITY TALKS Classified By: Classified by Deputy Political Minister Counselor Robert Griffiths. Reasons 1.4 (b/d). SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (C) China agreed to resume the China-Japan Security Dialogue after a two-year hiatus to show the importance of the bilateral relationship, MFA Asian Affairs Department Japan Division Deputy Director Lu Guijun told poloffs on July ¶24. Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and Deputy Foreign Minister Tsuneo Nishida agreed to cooperate to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and to bring the DPRK back to the Six-Party Talks. The two sides exchanged information and doubts about their respective defense policies, with the PLA's rapid growth and lack of transparency being Japan's concern. China expressed worry that Japan might change its overall security posture. Foreign Ministers Li and Aso will meet in Kuala Lumpur during the ARF. PRC Ambassador to Japan Wang Yi will express President Hu Jintao's condolences at the August 8 funeral for former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto. End summary. ¶2. (C) On July 25 MFA Asian Affairs Department Japan Division Deputy Director Lu Guijun briefed poloffs on the 10th round of the China-Japan Security Dialogue held July 21 in Beijing. PRC Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and Japan's Deputy Foreign Minister Tsuneo Nishida headed large delegations that included a significant component from each country's Ministry of Defense, as well as Foreign Ministry officials. Lu said that China decided to resume the talks after a two-year hiatus to shore-up sagging bilateral relations to underline the importance of Sino-Japan relations. The Korean Peninsula and the overall China-Japan security relationship were the two main topics of discussion. DPRK -------------- ¶3. (C) Wu and Nishida reviewed their responses to the DPRK missile launches, particularly focusing on the Japan-sponsored UNSC resolution, Lu said. Despite preliminary differences which Lu blamed on Japan's initial overly strong response, the two sides reached a consensus, which Lu attributed to Japan's "flexibility." Nishida in turn expressed appreciation for China's persistent efforts to solve the Korean Peninsula issues. The two sides agreed to work together more closely to bring the DPRK back to the Six-Party Talks and maintain peace and stability on the peninsula, according to Lu. Comparing Notes on Defense Strategies -------------- ¶4. (C) Each side introduced its defense strategy and sought to allay the doubts of the other. China said that its defense planning is defensive in orientation. Japan expressed concern over the rapid growth of the Chinese military forces and the PLA's general lack of transparency. China responded by sharing statistics to show that the PLA's growth has been moderate and by pointing to its military white paper as evidence of transparency. The Japanese side then reviewed its "Specialized Defense" policy. China urged Japan to maintain its current defense posture as it is a positive factor for the peace and stability of the region. Regarding Chief Cabinet Secretary SHINZO Abe's call to discuss the possibility of a preemptive strike on DPRK missile sites, Lu said the Japanese side stated that, while Japan will not change its longstanding defense policy, it reserves the right to engage in preemptive action. Li-Aso Meeting at the ARF -------------- ¶5. (C) At a bilateral meeting between Foreign Ministers Li Zhaoxing and Taro Aso on the margins of the ARF later this week, Lu said the agenda will focus on improving the overall China-Japan relationship and improving coordination regarding the DPRK. The talks will also touch on the Yasukuni Shrine visits. Lu said FM Li will state China's willingness to improve relations with Japan through increased cooperation in many areas. Lu speculated that the Yasukuni Shrine issue will not be as contentious as it has been in past leadership meetings. PRC Ambassador to Attend Former PM Hashimoto's Funeral -------------- -------------- ¶6. (C) Lu said PRC Ambassador to Japan Wang Yi will attend the August 8 funeral of former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto as Beijing's "special representative" and he will BEIJING 00015377 002 OF 002 express President Hu Jintao's condolences. RANDT