GENERAL PACE MEETS WITH MOD LEADERS: TALK ALLIANCE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 001363 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/29/2022 TAGS: PGOV PINR PREL SUBJECT: GENERAL PACE MEETS WITH MOD LEADERS: TALK ALLIANCE AND CHINA Classified By: Classified By: Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer for reason s 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. Summary: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Pace reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance during March 21 meetings with Defense Minister Kyuma and Administrative Vice Minister Moriya. Noting Gen. Pace's upcoming visit to the PRC, Kyuma and Moriya expressed differing outlooks on Japanese-Chinese relations, with Moriya painting a much more cautious picture. Kyuma reaffirmed his personal commitment to concluding the realignment of U.S. forces, especially the relocation of Futenma Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS). End Summary. Kyuma - Realignment a Priority -------------- ¶2. (C) JCS Chairman General Pace, accompanied by the Ambassador and USFJ Commander Lt. Gen. Wright, met with Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma March 21 to review bilateral relations and Gen. Pace's upcoming visit to China. Kyuma used the meeting to emphasize the strength of the alliance, his desire to quickly conclude the relocation of Futenma MCAS, and to reaffirm Japanese commitment to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF). ¶3. (C) Defense Minister Kyuma opened the meeting by asserting that "the Prime Minister specifically selected me to take the Defense Minister role because of my accomplishments and my expertise." Noting that he was State Minister for Defense ten years ago, Kyuma told General Pace that "the Prime Minister is looking to me to conclude the realignment process as quickly as possible." Kyuma acknowledged the complexities of the realignment process in Okinawa and stated his desire to work closely with the U.S. to make "no mistakes." Concluding the discussion, Kyuma commented that the legislation to fund realignment to Guam will be submitted to the Diet soon. ¶4. (C) Regarding Japanese participation in the Global War on Terror (GWOT),Kyuma said he expects a further extension of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) operations in the Indian Ocean. Similarly, he noted that an extension of the Air SDF operation involving C130s out of Kuwait is up for reconsideration ahead of the July Upper House election and, consequently, approval by the Diet may be a bit more troublesome. General Pace stated that the U.S., U.N., and multinational forces recognize the professionalism of Japanese forces deployed abroad. ¶5. (C) Noting General Pace's upcoming trip to China, Defense Minister Kyuma expressed his observation that Japan-China relations have begun to thaw. There are increasing opportunities for exchanges between the PLA and the JSDF and this upcoming summer Kyuma expects several high-level PLA visits. General Pace responded that his series of meetings in Japan will send the proper message to the Chinese about the strength of the alliance. Moriya- How to deal with the Chinese -------------- ¶6. (C) During a separate call with MOD Administrative Vice Minister Takamasa Moriya, Gen. Pace reviewed the role of U.S. forces in the Asia Pacific region and elicited Moriya's views on Japan-China relations. Moriya noted that U.S. forces have been essential to the security of Japan and, by default, to Asia as a whole. Continued forward presence of U.S. forces in Japan is critical for the region. Furthermore, it is the Ministry of Defense,s goal to make sure Japan is an environment where U.S. forces can feel at home. ¶7. (C) Moriya switched topics to General Pace,s upcoming visit to China where he discussed the "double standard" the Chinese government places on Japan. In particular, Moriya said that the Chinese consistently criticize the Japanese for various defense policy moves while simultaneously ignoring any similar criticism from Japan on Chinese activities. For example, Moriya asserted that the Chinese were unapologetic over the surfacing of a Chinese submarine in 2005 in Japanese TOKYO 00001363 002 OF 002 territorial waters. Moriya went on to point out that the recent joint declaration between Japan and Australia to establish a 2 2 framework came under criticism from China, yet the Chinese have no reservations about establishing their own similar meetings and conducting joint training with the Russians and Indians. ¶8. (C) Continuing on China, Moriya asked if the upcoming trip was General Pace,s first. Pace told Moriya that it was his first official visit and that the overall goal is to make the Chinese government and military more transparent. In particular, General Pace is looking to establish exchanges and promote inter-officer discussion so that, in the future, the Chinese military is less of a mystery. Moriya suggested that General Pace not feel beholden to any strict time limits when it comes to meetings with the Chinese. Moriya suggested the Chinese would endeavor to take forty or fifty minutes of an hour-long meeting for themselves. Instead, Moriya suggested that General Pace not bow to such tactics and should feel free to take as long as he wants to make sure the full message is conveyed to the Chinese. General Pace concluded the meeting by assuring that U.S. efforts to improve relations with China will not come at the expense of relations with Japan. ¶8. (U) Gen. Pace has cleared the text of this cable. SCHIEFFER