(RESEND) PACOM COMMANDER MEETS WITH MOD LEADERSHIP

S E C R E T TOKYO 001728

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/19/2017
TAGS: PGOV PINR PRELJA JA
SUBJECT: (RESEND) PACOM COMMANDER MEETS WITH MOD LEADERSHIP


Classified By: AMB Thomas J. Schieffer, Reasons: 1.4 (B/D)


1. (U) This is a resend of Tokyo 1693.


2. (C) Summary: The leadership of the Japanese Ministry of
Defense affirmed their commitment to implement the May 1,
2006 base realignment agreement during meetings April 11-12
with visiting PACOM Commander ADM Timothy Keating. Defense
Minister Fumio Kyuma and Administrative Vice Minister
Tamkemasa Moriya welcomed Keating to his new position and
reaffirmed the close working ties between PACOM and the
Ministry of Defense. AVM Moriya pledged to address recent
intelligence leaks and said he wished to work with the U.S.
to select a next generation fighter. Kyuma and Moriya both
noted that the Japanese people still look to the U.S.
alliance as the foundation of Japan's defense. End Summary.

Kyuma on Relocation and the JMSDF
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3. (C) During an April 11 meeting with visiting PACOM
Commander Keating, Defense Minister Kyuma focused on the
implementation of the Defense Policy Review Initiative (DPRI)
and, specifically, the relocation of Futenma Marine Corps Air
Station. Kyuma said that the Prime Minister Abe had directed
him to quickly implement the agreed-upon force realignment
plan. Kyuma told Admiral Keating "not to worry," as the US
and Japan have the same goal of proceeding according to
schedule and without changes. Any remaining differences on
Okinawa base realignment are "technicalities" that would not
interfere with the implementation process. In response, ADM
Keating made clear he would watch the implementation process
closely and will instill discipline in the process to ensure
there are no obstacles to its completion on the US side.


4. (C) Turning to the Global War on Terror, ADM Keating
affirmed that the Japanese contributions to Iraq and
Afghanistan are significant and appreciated. In particular,
the JMSDF presence in the Indian Ocean is critical to
coalition efforts to deny the maritime domain to terrorists.
Kyuma appreciated the comments and but lamented that it was
difficult for the Japanese people to understand the
importance of maritime interdiction. Although Kyuma
expressed his regret that the JMSDF's refueling activities in
the Indian Ocean were only extended by a single year, he said
he expected that most recent extension bill would soon be
passed by the Diet. Admiral Keating also expressed his deep
appreciation for Japan,s important contributions to an
integrated ballistic missile defense.

Moriya on the Alliance, FX Fighter, Intel Leaks
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5. (C) In a subsequent meeting, Administrative Vice Minister
Moriya reaffirmed the Japanese government's commitment to
implement the DPRI, the product of more than three years of
deliberation and negotiation and a shared assessment of the
strategic environment. Specifically, any reconsideration of
the plan for the relocation of Futenma MCAS would not solve
any problems and instead simply delay the project. Moriya
noted that the Government of Japan has tried to accommodate
Okinawan views multiple times over the last 11 years (since
the SACO agreement) but each time new Okinawan complaints
asserted themselves. Admiral Keating said that he had
reached exactly the same conclusion. The DPRI agreement, he
said, was based on common strategic objectives and addressed
both short and long term concerns. It is important, he
asserted, to hold on to what we have achieved.


6. (C) Shifting gears, Moriya noted the Japanese people
understood the importance the U.S. force presence. With
North Korea an ever-present threat and increased Chinese
military capabilities, he claimed the Japanese people need to
be reassured that the U.S.-Japan. alliance remains robust.
Admiral Keating emphatically reaffirmed not only the U.S.
government's commitment to the defense of Japan, but his own
personal interest in Japan's security. Japanese Ballistic
Missile Defense (BMD),Keating assured Moriya, will become
more sophisticated and cooperation in this area that serves
both nations, strategic interests.

7. (C) Continuing the list of challenges Japan and U.S. will
face in the years to come, Moriya discussed the Japanese
desire for a next generation fighter. While Moriya did not
mention any specific fighter type, he emphasized repeatedly
the need for Japan to have a capability that can match the
improving power of the PLA Air Force. The Government of
Japan will consider purchasing U.S. military equipment as a
reflection of the closeness of the U.S.-Japan alliance.


8. (S) Moriya also raised the recent possible compromise of
AEGIS operational information. Moriya assured ADM Keating
the Japanese understand the importance of protecting
classified information and will provide the U.S. with a
report on the event as well as measures to prevent similar
events. Admiral Keating stressed that the U.S. will continue
to share information with Japan as an ally but encouraged
Moriya to improve the way information is controlled and
protected.


9. (U) Admiral Keating has cleared this message.
SCHIEFFER