ADM WILLARD MEETS WITH MOD AND MOFA

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 003039 SIPDIS SIPDIS COMUSJAPAN FOR JOO/J5 E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/28/2017 TAGS: MARR JA MARR PGOV PREL SUBJECT: ADM WILLARD MEETS WITH MOD AND MOFA Classified By: Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer for reasons 1.4 (b) (d). ¶1. (C) Summary. During a June 27, 2007 introductory visit Admiral Robert F. Willard, Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, met with Defense Minister Kyuma, MOD Administrative Vice Minister Moriya, and MOFA Administrative Vice Minister Yachi. Admiral Willard noted his appreciation for the strong Navy-to-Navy relations between the U.S. and Japan. All three senior Japanese officials pointed out that the Defense Policy Review Initiative is on track and the forward deployment of the USS George Washington is proceeding smoothly. In each meeting, Admiral Willard emphasized the need for Japan to take information security seriously. Admiral Willard extended an invitation for Japan to participate in next year's tentative USNS Mercy humanitarian assistance mission. End Summary. MOD: AEGIS Leak, DPRI, and China -------------- ¶2. (C) The unauthorized disclosure of AEGIS information dominated Admiral Willard,s discussions with Defense Minister (DefMin) Fumio Kyuma and Administrative Vice Minister (AVM) Takemasa Moriya. The Prime Minister is fully aware of the situation and is taking the issue very seriously, DefMin Kyuma said. AVM Moriya emphasized that current systems need to be updated and a government-wide approach will be implemented in the future to better handle classified information. Both DefMin Kyuma and AVM Moriya told Admiral Willard that in the past information security was not a priority, but such sentiment is rapidly changing. Admiral Willard agreed that the need to secure classified information goes beyond the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and that the Government of Japan needs to approach the issue from both long- and short-term solutions. The U.S. would be happy to provide any assistance required to improve information security, he added. ¶3. (C) Both DefMin Kyuma and AVM Moriya praised the strength of the alliance and noted recent Government of Japan accomplishments such as the passage of a Defense Policy Review Initiative (DPRI) funding bill and progress on relocation of Futenma MCAS. AVM Moriya also emphasized the importance of the forward deployment of the USS George Washington and relocation of Carrier Air Wing 5 from Atsugi NAS to Iwakuni MCAS. In response, Admiral Willard emphasized the mutual benefits DPRI offers to Japan and the U.S. ¶4. (C) AVM Moriya noted Japanese concern over the modernization of the Chinese PLA, especially recent space and naval developments. The MOD sees the Chinese Navy using its geography to "deny access" to the U.S. Navy. Admiral Willard thanked AVM Moriya for his thoughts and added that the U.S.-Japan alliance, especially both countries' navies, would be the first to respond in the event of a crisis. The alliance, he said, is essential for regional stability. MOFA: Diplomacy, Collective Self Defense, USNS Mercy -------------- -------------- ¶5. (C) Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Shotaro Yachi began by citing a recent poll that shows American trust of Japan at an all-time high, and used the poll to underscore the strength of the alliance. He noted that the Government of Japan is interested in expanding its diplomatic presence in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. The Prime Minister is looking to revise the Japanese approach to collective self defense, including missile defense, Yachi added. Once legal restraints surrounding collective self defense are removed, Yachi asserted that Japan will engage in more peacekeeping activities. Admiral Willard responded that missile defense scenarios serve as good test cases for the collective self defense debate. ¶6. (C) On DPRI, Yachi assured Admiral Willard that Prime Minister Abe remains supportive of the package including the movement of Marines from Okinawa to Guam and the relocation of Futenma MCAS. Yachi also apologized for the AEGIS information security problem and emphasized that he is looking forward to the conclusion of a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA). ¶7. (C) Finally, Admiral Willard and Yachi discussed ship visits and humanitarian activities in the Asia-Pacific region. Of particular interest were the current activities of the USS Peleliu and the possible 2008 Humanitarian Assistance mission for USNS Mercy. Admiral Willard invited Japanese participation, noting that USNS Mercy will focus on medical and dental efforts. Admiral Willard suggested the use of Kobe port as a location for embarking Japanese participants. Yachi thanked Admiral Willard for the offer, but avoided making a commitment. ¶8. (U) ADM Willard has cleared this cable. SCHIEFFER