DEFENSE MINISTER KOIKE COMMENTS ON ELECTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 003679

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

OSD FOR APSA/SHINN/SEDNEY/HILL/BASALLA
USPACOM FOR J00/J2/J5/POLAD
COMUSJAPAN FOR J00/J01/J2/J5

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/09/2027
TAGS: PREL MARR PINR ENRG JA CH
SUBJECT: DEFENSE MINISTER KOIKE COMMENTS ON ELECTION
FALLOUT, F-22, CHINA


Classified By: Amb. J. Thomas Schieffer. Reason: 1.5 (b,d)


1. (C) Summary: Defense Minister Yuriko Koike,
meeting with former U.S. Speaker of the House J.
Dennis Hastert on August 6, said that opposition
control of the Diet's Upper House would generate some
"turmoil," particularly true with respect to the
renewal of the antiterrorism legislation authorizing
Japan's Self-Defense Forces to support the
multinational mission in Afghanistan. She stressed
that Japan hoped to buy the F-22 fighter aircraft from
the United States not just to obtain a "new toy" but
because it would enhance Japan's defense capabilities.
Koike also noted that the Japanese were endeavoring to
establish a new apparatus to secure information and
intelligence in the light of recent leaks. Koike and
Hastert agreed on the importance of engaging China on
environmental, economic, and military issues, and
Koike indicated that Japan was looking forward to a
visit by China's defense minister as well as a Chinese
ship visit in the near future. End summary.

"Turmoil" Possible Due to Election Results
--------------


2. (C) Minister Koike opened the August 6 meeting
with Representative Hastert (accompanied by the
Ambassador) with an expression of appreciation for Mr.
Hastert's support of recent Congressional resolutions
noting that the U.S.-Japan alliance is
"indispensable." She observed that the political
dynamic had changed both in the United States and most
recently in Japan following the July 29 election for
the Upper House of Japan's Diet and expressed concern
that the opposition parties led by the Democratic
Party of Japan (DPJ) that now hold the majority in the
Diet's Upper House would generate a "little bit of
turmoil." This was particularly true with respect to
the renewal of the antiterrorism legislation
authorizing Japan's Self-Defense Forces to support the
multinational mission in Afghanistan, to which the DPJ
had announced its opposition. Although the bill
needed to pass before the end of October, an Upper
House veto of the bill would substantially delay its
passage even though the ruling party would be able to
override the veto in a second Lower House vote.


3. (C) Koike indicated her commitment, as a former
minister in charge of Okinawan affairs, to work for
the smooth implementation of the defense realignment
process. Although the coordination between the
Japanese central government and the Okinawan
authorities remains a domestic issue, its impact on
U.S.-Japan relations is undeniable, Koike noted.

Support for Engagement with China
--------------


4. (C) Koike stated that Japan was looking to
maintain good contacts with China. The Japanese were
expecting a visit by China's defense minister as well
as a port call by elements of the Chinese fleet in the
near future, she said. Noting that she paid close
attention to developments in China in such areas as

TOKYO 00003679 002 OF 002


human rights and the environment, Koike agreed with
Rep. Hastert's observation that it was important to
maintain pressure on China to cooperate on
environmental protection.


5. (C) Responding to Rep. Hastert's discussion of
his interest in Japan's nuclear energy program,
Minister Koike emphasized that the main building of
the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant had not been
damaged in the recent earthquake in Niigata
Prefecture, demonstrating that Japan had taken
adequate steps to guarantee the safety of its nuclear
facilities. In contrast, she raised concerns about
the possible fragility of China's planned nuclear
power plants as that country looked to develop its
nuclear energy infrastructure.

Japan Wants F-22 for Substance, Not Show
--------------


6. (C) Koike made a strong appeal to Rep. Hastert
for U.S. approval to allow Japan to buy the F-22
fighter aircraft. She stressed that Japan did not
simply want a "new toy" but instead believed the F-22
would significantly enhance Japan's defense
capabilities. Koike asked for Rep. Hastert's support
for a possible F-22 sale. She added that the Japanese
government was also taking steps to set up a new
apparatus to maintain the security of intelligence and
other information in light of recent leaks to the
press of confidential information.


7. (U) Codel Hastert did not have an opportunity to
clear this message.
SCHIEFFER