MEDIA REACTION US-CHINA RELATIONS - TOKYO

UNCLAS TOKYO 002113 SIPDIS 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: MEDIA REACTION US-CHINA RELATIONS - TOKYO LEAD STORIES: Most Wednesday morning papers front-paged the surge in oil prices in Tuesday's trading in New York, London, and Tokyo. ¶1. "China's Oil Policy Will be a Focal Point at Bush-Hu Talks" Washington correspondent Kasahara of the liberal Mainichi commented (4/19): "In a speech Monday in Washington, Deputy Secretary of State Zoellick pointed out that China's energy policy, as seen in its move to lock up oil supplies in undemocratic African countries like Sudan, is a source of tension in US-China relations.... As China's policy of supporting resource- rich rogue states clashes with the US goal of expanding democracy, this issue will be a focal point at the Bush- Hu talks Thursday.... The US has become wary of China's moves to strengthen ties with Sudan, Iran, and Venezuela.... Washington is also concerned about moves among oil-producing nations to use oil as a diplomatic tool, as Iran's nuclear development poses a challenge to the international community. China's oil policy has demonstrated to the US that it has grown from an Asian power into a major global player. US concern about Washington's energy policy has prompted Washington to call on Beijing to become a responsible stakeholder in the international community." SCHIEFFER