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

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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