(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 -------------- ¶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 -------------- -------------- ¶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