DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 04/28/06

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 06 TOKYO 002341 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST DIVISION; TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN, DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR; CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA. E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 04/28/06 INDEX: (1) Expansion of joint use of US military facilities may obscure overburden on Okinawa (2) Editorial: Japan to pay 3 trillion yen in USFJ realignment; Don't let figures take on a life on their own (3) Deployment of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier: US discloses information to convince Yokosuka residents; Gives red-carpet treatment to highlight safety; Construction of facilities near at hand (4) USFJ realignment (Part 2): Post-Koizumi leader to carry out agreement, shoulder heavy expectations from US ARTICLES: (1) Expansion of joint use of US military facilities may obscure overburden on Okinawa Okinawa Times (Page 2) (Full) April 28, 2006 Commentary Okinawa houses 75% of all the US military bases in Japan. By promoting the joint use of US military facilities and areas in Okinawa by US and Self-Defense Force (SDF) troops, it will become possible for the government to change this percentage, which represents an overload on the prefecture. Meanwhile, the US military will be able to reduce its base-maintenance costs by letting the SDF use its facilities. The proposal for expanded joint use will thus benefit both sides. The government says that the promotion of joint use will lead to reducing the base burden on Okinawa. This explanation, though, is just a manipulation of numbers. There may be even a possibility of Okinawa's burden increasing in substance. DFAA Naha Regional Defense Facilities Administration Bureau Director General Tsutomu Sato in a regular press conference yesterday revealed the plan for the first time of "studying the possibility of additional chances for the SDF to use US military facilities and areas in Okinawa." Sato emphatically said, in an attempt to deny that this was an abrupt change: "The interim report (on US forces realignment in Japan) referred to an increase in interoperations by Japanese and American troops and effective use of US military bases. In the process of discussing such measures, the idea emerged." On the propriety of joint use, though, views in Okinawa are divided. Some might oppose setting an expansion of joint use of US military bases as the government's established policy in the final report, which is due out soon. The Mid-Term Defense Buildup Plan covering fiscal 2005 through fiscal 2009 incorporates a plan to upgrade the Ground Self- Defense Force 1st Mixed Regiment in Naha to a brigade. Regarding the proposed joint use of US military bases, one senior Defense Agency (JDA) official said: "Raising the mixed regiment to a brigade is now under consideration, but the government is TOKYO 00002341 002 OF 006 probably considering the possibility that Camp Hansen might not have enough capacity to accommodate it." The Mid-Term Plan in 2004 added the clause "responses to invasion of islands" and shifted attention to the west, keeping an emerging China in mind. Given the situation, in order to scale down the presence of US forces in Okinawa without reducing their deterrence capability, some people in Okinawa suggest that there will be no other means but for the SDF to manage US military bases and allow US troops to be stationed there only in times of emergency. But the government is keeping in mind the application of Article II, clause 4, paragraph A, of the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement, with the US military as the "master," in its call for the joint use of Kadena Air Base and Camp Hansen. Okinawa residents' uncompromising position is that US military troops must be reduced as the premise for implementing the joint- use plan. (2) Editorial: Japan to pay 3 trillion yen in USFJ realignment; Don't let figures take on a life on their own MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full) April 28, 2006 US Deputy Defense Under Secretary Richard Lawless stated in a press conference that Japan would pay an estimated 26 billion dollars (2.99 trillion yen) to implement the overall US military realignment. His statement is now causing a major stir in Japan. Lawless made the statement soon after Tokyo and Washington had struck a deal on sharing the cost of relocating US Marines from Okinawa to Guam, with Tokyo paying 59%, or 6.09 billion dollars (approximately 710 billion yen). Many Japanese people, therefore, might have doubts as to why Japan would have to pay such a huge amount. The United States is urging Japan to pay 3 trillion yen for the USFJ realignment. Administrative Vice Defense Minister Takemasa Moriya stated in a speech: "We have estimated that the realignment project will cost 2 trillion yen, excluding the cost of relocating US Marines, over eight years." The Defense Agency estimates a total of 2.71 trillion yen. Lawless presented an estimate that exceeds 2.71 trillion yen. Although his statement appears to be aimed at a domestic audience, the Japanese side cannot be satisfied with it, thinking that Washington is forcing Japan to pay additional money. The United States released the cost without clarifying the grounds for its calculation, as it did when it proposed the share for the cost of relocating Marines from Okinawa to Guam. Since USFJ realignment is part of the global transformation of the US military, it must be part of the global strategy of the United States. At the same time, the USFJ is partly responsible for Japan's security based on the Japan-US Security Treaty. It is true that Japan worked on the US to reduce its burden of US military bases. If that was the case, the sharing of costs should be determined taking the circumstances of the two countries into account. TOKYO 00002341 003 OF 006 Officials in charge of accounting attended the final stage of senior working-level talks on the USFJ realignment. The contents of the agreement on cost-sharing should be made public based on the approval of both sides. The contents should be acceptable for the people. Asked about his impression of Lawless's statement, Chief Cabinet Secretary SHINZO ABE said at first: "My impression is that it is SIPDIS an incredible sum of money. I will refrain from making a comment." He later in a press conference said that the government would seek further explanation from the US government. Whether a sufficient study was carried out in the government is questionable. Reportedly internal discord is evident in the government as to whether Japan's share of the USFJ realignment cost should be included in the Defense Agency budget or should be handled separately. The government seems to have made such a move based on the agreement on Japan's share of the cost of relocating US Marines to Guam. However, it should first look into the details of the estimated costs and then assess from all angles whether the amount is appropriate. Japan should take responsibility for calculating the cost of relocating US bases in Japan. The United States should not announce its own calculation without asking Japan. The two countries should not let the figures take on a life of their own in order to prevent bilateral ties from being strained. With the realignment of US forces in Japan, the Japan-US alliance will face a new stage. With the introduction of a missile defense system, the division of roles between Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and USFJ and their cooperation will greatly change. There remain only the finishing touches on negotiations on USFJ realignment. The government should give the public a clear explanation about the share of Japan's cost. (3) Deployment of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier: US discloses information to convince Yokosuka residents; Gives red-carpet treatment to highlight safety; Construction of facilities near at hand TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 3) (Abridged) April 28, 2006 The United States is planning to deploy a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to Yokosuka Naval Base in Kanagawa Prefecture. The US Navy has disclosed partial data on the nuclear reactors onboard US Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carriers to local residents who fear a nuclear accident. Although the contents of the fact sheet fell far short of fully verifying the safety of nuclear warships, the US Navy has changed its posture of refusing to disclose information under the pretext of maintaining confidentiality. The disclosure of the fact sheet offered a SIPDIS glimpse into the US Navy's need to convince Yokosuka residents regarding the planned construction of facilities. Yokosuka Mayor Ryoichi Kabaya received the fact sheet on the safety of nuclear-powered warships on April 17. That day, a Yokosuka delegation composed of 20 municipal assembly members and business leaders received a briefing on the safety of nuclear reactors aboard the USS John Stennis in San Diego. TOKYO 00002341 004 OF 006 "The Navy's nuclear rectors are pressurized water reactors that use solid metal fuel. Output (approximately 200,000 kilowatts) is one-fifth of a large power-producing nuclear reactor. Navy nuclear warships are loaded with two such reactors." Referring briefly to the structure of nuclear reactors, a US Navy spokesman revealed that their fuel enrichment is 93%, which is far higher than that of power-generating reactors (3%-5%),adding that they are controlled by 400 highly trained personnel. Despite its strong desire, the mission was not allowed to take a firsthand look at the nuclear reactors. US Naval Forces Japan Public Affairs Officer Commander John Wallach, who accompanied the mission to San Diego, said: "We cannot reveal design data and technology of nuclear reactors, because if they were copied, we would lose our strategic advantage. Even I cannot see the reactors." Deploying a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at Yokosuka is vital for the US military's Asia strategy. Still, the disclosure of technological information, albeit partially, proved the importance of local support. Japanese Embassy Defense Attach Rear Admiral Masanori Yoshida, who came all the way from Washington, commented: "The US military has never offered an explanation this thorough. This is exceptionally good treatment." The US Navy's earnest efforts to convince Yokosuka residents is ascribable to the growing need to build facilities for accommodating a new aircraft carrier. The largest challenge is construction to make the dock's seafloor nearly two meters deeper in order to berth a new aircraft carrier. Shallow waters threaten the safety of a nuclear aircraft carrier, which needs to take in seawater in order to cool off its nuclear reactors. The government intends to include funds for the work in its fiscal 2007 budgetary request in August. A preliminary survey for that is near at hand. In order to begin construction, it is essential to win the concurrence of Mayor Kabaya, the administrator of the Yokosuka bay and port. Proving the safety of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers is the key to winning his concurrence. Positively evaluating the disclosed information by the US Navy, a Foreign Ministry official said, "There is no need to review the government's judgment trusting the safety of nuclear-powered vessels." In contrast, a nuclear engineer noted, "Some innovative ideas were clearly necessary in order to make small reactors that can fit in vessels. But it is not possible to verity safety with this information." The conclusion of a disaster prevention pact between the municipal government and the US Navy against possible nuclear disasters would help put residents at ease. But even San Diego has no agreement focusing on nuclear power vessels. Upon returning home, the mission presented Mayor Kabaya with a report supportive of the deployment of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Some groups in the municipal assembly decided April 26 to accept the deployment of a nuclear vessel, saying that safety has been confirmed. At the same time, there is a growing backlash TOKYO 00002341 005 OF 006 from citizen groups, who claim that the US Navy has disclosed only advantageous information and has not disclosed any dangers. What kind of decision will Kabaya make on construction that is directly linked to the deployment of a nuclear vessel? The issue will soon reach a critical stage. (4) USFJ realignment (Part 2): Post-Koizumi leader to carry out agreement, shoulder heavy expectations from US NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full) April 27, 2006 Hiroshi Marutani, Washington In early June, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will visit the United States. His upcoming US trip will likely be unprecedented. President Bush will take Koizumi over to show him Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion in Tennessee. Koizumi is a big fan of Elvis. Bush will also host a banquet for Koizumi at the White House. Chinese President Hu Jintao was eager for a White House banquet when he recently visited the United States, but his ardent desire did not come true. Tokyo did not ask Washington to do so. These are all Bush's own ideas, one said. Bush is even more favorable in his talk of Koizumi. On April 24, Bush delivered a speech in California on the United States' immigration policy. In that speech, Bush stressed his "special relationship" with Koizumi. "He's an interesting man," Bush said. He went on: "We will talk about Iraqi democracy. Japan has sent troops to Iraq." Koizumi is now one of Bush's favorite buddies. For one thing, Koizumi-as is evident from his California remarks-has sent Self- Defense Forces troops to Iraq in a state of war. Koizumi made up his mind to do so in defiance of opposition in Japan. That's why Bush, unlike his predecessors, refers so often to "Japan" and "Prime Minister Koizumi." More than two years later, however, Tokyo is exploring when to withdraw the SDF troops from Iraq. Meanwhile, Japan and the United States have reached an agreement on the realignment of US forces in Japan. The agreement is a categorical imperative for Koizumi's successor as well to declare a stronger alliance. "I have full confidence in the agreement with the Japanese government," US Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Lawless told a press conference on April 25 when he was asked about the future course of coordination between the Japanese government and base- hosting localities. This is a message compelling Japan to keep its word without fail in order to complete the US military's realignment in Japan by 2012. The Japanese government is not only tasked with local coordination. In May, the two countries' foreign and defense ministers will work out a final report, which is to feature bilateral fusion in the area of military affairs with integrated command functionalities and other steps to go through. "We were ordered to think big in the process of transformation." With this, a Pentagon official stressed the objective of the US TOKYO 00002341 006 OF 006 military's global transformation. The US Marine Corps will move troops from Okinawa to Guam. Their presence, however, will remain a deterrent in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan will serve as a linchpin in the event of an emergency or a terrorist attack. Lawless also said: "Realignment is not the first thing to do. We will transform the alliance first, and realignment comes next." He added, "Physical realignment is just a small part of it." He also stressed, "Joint training exercises and joint operations will strengthen our alliance." Even so, the United States is seeking to ensure its military's command integration with Japan in the realignment process. In this area, Japan's contribution, unlike its cost sharing, is hardly visible. In the process of negotiating with the United States over its military's realignment, Defense Agency Director General Fukushiro Nukaga met with Chief Cabinet Secretary SHINZO Abe, Foreign Minister Taro Aso, and Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki to coordinate what to negotiate with the United States. They are all seen as post-Koizumi candidates. Another prospective one, Yasuo Fukuda, will also visit the United States after the holidays in early May. There's no doubt that the post-Koizumi leader-whoever may become prime minister after Koizumi-will be committed to the realignment plan. "The prime minister and I will discuss a broad range of issues. The first thing we're going to talk about is how to ensure the deployment of US troops to the satisfaction of Japan." With this, Bush said he would take up the realignment of US forces in Japan at his final meeting with Koizumi. This shows how much the US government weighs the force realignment. Washington is fully expecting Tokyo to carry out the agreement. It is the post-Koizumi generation's job to translate it into action. DONOVAN