A/S HILL REAFFIRMS FIRM U.S.-JAPAN TIES WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 006056 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/18/2016 TAGS: PGOV PINR PREL UNDC JA SUBJECT: A/S HILL REAFFIRMS FIRM U.S.-JAPAN TIES WITH JAPANESE MOFA DG KAWAI Classified By: AMBASSADOR J. THOMAS SCHIEFFER. Reason: 1.4 (b)(d). ¶1. (C) Summary: During an October 17 meeting with EAP Assistant Secretary Chris Hill, MOFA North America Director General Kawai praised U.S.-Japan cooperation on North Korea but explained that Japan,s public is unsettled by the DPRK,s missile and nuclear tests. Kawai suggested that additional U.S. steps against North Korea, even symbolic gestures, would have a calming effect in Japan. DG Kawai believed that Japan,s media is focusing excessively on possible maritime interdiction efforts to implement UNSCR 1718 and proposed that the U.S. and Japan use Secretary Rice,s upcoming visit to temper such expectations. Turning to the stalled efforts to complete the Japanese portion of the Afghan ring road, Kawai was downbeat on any possible cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In conclusion, Kawai suggested that the U.S. and Japan explore ways to spotlight our economic relationship during a possible meeting between the President and Prime Minister Abe at APEC. End Summary. U.S.)Japan Relations -------------- ¶2. (C) During an October 17 breakfast meeting, MOFA North American Affairs Director General Kawai praised U.S. Japan cooperation during the North Korea missile and nuclear tests. He said that Japan,s leaders and public appreciated U.S. statements reaffirming our commitment to the alliance, particularly those of the President and Secretary Rice, which were important at this time as the Japanese public is unsettled by North Korea,s actions. Recent polls showed a heightened sense of insecurity and overwhelming support for UNSC 1718. Kawai said he hoped that the U.S. Government will use the upcoming visit by Secretary Rice and other public forums to reiterate its commitment to Japan,s defense. He noted that the current tense atmosphere in Japan would be very receptive to those statements and reaffirmed the current government,s support of U.S. military activities. Kawai singled out Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) cooperation, including the ongoing PAC-3 deployment to Okinawa as particularly reassuring to the Japanese people. DPRK -------------- ¶3. (C) Director General Kawai and Assistant Secretary Hill agreed that the Japanese media is placing excessive attention on the possible inspection of ships under UNSC 1718, to the point of making it look like a full-scale blockade is imminent. Efforts need to be taken to calm the Japanese media in order for the public to get a more realistic picture of implementing UNSC 1718, Kawai suggested. A/S Hill stressed that we did not contemplate a maritime interdiction operation, but rather Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)-like activities more akin to &cargo inspections8 where we have sufficient information to warrant an inspection. ¶4. (C) Explaining that there are extensive and ongoing internal GOJ discussions on the appropriate way to implement UNSC 1718 Kawai stated that the Foreign Ministry believed that Japan could use relevant existing laws to support maritime inspection efforts. Others, including Japan Defense Agency (JDA),believe that additional legislation is necessary. Kawai suggested amendments to maritime interdiction legislation may be a possibility, but he ruled out Diet passage of a new law to govern UNSC 1718 implementation. The Japanese Coast Guard is fully prepared to enforce UNSC 1718 in Japanese territorial waters Kawai stated. He was unsure, however, if Japan could provide logistical support to any third-country forces under existing TOKYO 00006056 002 OF 002 legislation. ¶5. (C) A/S Hill agreed with Kawai when the Director expressed confidence that Japan's economic sanctions on the DPRK will have a real and meaningful impact. He pointed out that the DPRK has been a ready importer of Japanese luxury items and the loss of Japanese markets for DPRK agricultural products is a significant blow to Pyongyang. A/S Hill explained and Kawai agreed that the best method to enforce sanctions against luxury goods exports would be to publicize such activities and insist that the exporting nation refrain from future sales. ¶6. (C) A/S Hill noted favorably the unilateral sanctions that Japan took in the aftermath of the DPRK nuclear test, adding that he recognized the need for the USG to take additional steps as well, even if they were symbolic, in order to reassure the Japanese public. Kawai concurred that symbolic actions by the USG are important at this point. Seoul Trilateral -------------- ¶7. (C) A/S Hill expressed appreciation for Foreign Minister Aso,s willingness to participate in the upcoming trilateral meeting in Seoul. Kawai explained that FM Aso was able to obtain approval to be absent during the current Diet session because of the importance that the GOJ attached to this event. Afghanistan -------------- ¶8. (C) Kawai acknowledged the difficulties Japan's failure to date to fulfill its commitments to completing its portion of the Afghan ring road is causing for overall reconstruction efforts. He expressed frustration over the recent decision of an Indian contractor to back out of the project over security concerns. Kawai downplayed prospects for amending Japan,s laws so that it could utilize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers resources. Economic Relations -------------- ¶9. (C) Kawai describes Japan,s economic relationship with the U.S. as fundamental and a necessary balance to improving economic ties with the rest of Asia. The GOJ therefore hopes to spotlight U.S.-Japan economic relations during a possible meeting between the President and Prime Minister Abe at APEC. Kawai suggested that the upcoming sub-cabinet meeting explore ways to do so. SCHIEFFER