JAPAN,S RESPONSE TO KEEPING PRESSURE ON THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 004634

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/02/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM BM JA
SUBJECT: JAPAN,S RESPONSE TO KEEPING PRESSURE ON THE
BURMESE REGIME DEMARCHE

REF: SECSTATE 137644

Classified By: Charge D' Affairs Joseph R. Donovan for reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d).

Summary and Comment
--------------


1. (C) The Japanese Government is waiting for a readout from
Deputy Foreign Minister Yabunaka's September 30-October 2
Burma trip before deciding whether to adopt new measures to
increase pressure on the Rangoon authorities, VFM Yachi told
the Charge October 2. It is unlikely Yabunaka will be able
to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi before departing, but he called
on the regime to exercise self-restraint when reacting to
protesters, pushed for the release of political prisoners and
emphasized the need for Burmese leaders to engage in dialogue
with pro-democracy groups, Yachi stated. It would be
difficult for Japan to curtail humanitarian aid to Burma, but
Tokyo is considering imposing formal sanctions, and would
welcome U.S. assistance on how to restrict direct aid in
favor of using developmental organizations, in the same way
the United States does. Japan would also like to participate
in international discussions on Burma, Yachi stressed.


2. (C) With the video of the point-blank shooting death of a
Japanese citizen receiving wide news play and generating
universal outrage here, Japan is under unusual pressure to
"do something" more than seeking an official apology and the
punishment of the perpetrator. Given these unprecedented
circumstances, we assess that the Japanese Government may be
in a position to do more than it has in the past. Any
opportunity to engage with the Japanese bilaterally or
multilaterally would be useful in shaping their response to
this ongoing crisis. End Summary and Comment.


3. (C) The Charge met October 2 with Vice Foreign Minister
Shotaro Yachi to deliver reftel points and discuss ongoing
developments in Burma. After extending his condolences over
the death of Kenji Nagai, the Japanese photojournalist killed
in Burma on September 27, Charge asked whether Japanese
Deputy Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka will be able to meet
with Aung San Suu Kyi before departing Burma. Without ruling
out the possibility of a meeting, Yachi replied that it would
be very difficult to arrange a meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi
and said Yabunaka would depart Burma in the evening on
October 2.

USG Announcement on Tightening Burma Sanctions
-------------- -


4. (C) Drawing from reftel, Charge explained that the U.S. is
tightening sanctions on senior Burmese officials in response
to the long-standing oppression of the Burmese people and the
regime's recent use of violence against peaceful
demonstrators. We are urging other countries to do the same
and hope the United Nations will stay engaged on Burma. The
U.S. is also working with ASEAN to push the Burmese regime to
bring about important reforms, including ending the violence
against demonstrators and beginning genuine dialogue with
pro-democracy and ethnic minority leaders, he said.

Japan's Next Steps on Burma
--------------


5. (C) Japan's priority is investigating the accidental death
of journalist Kenji Nagai, Yachi responded. MOFA is also
awaiting DFM Yabunaka's trip readout before considering
whether to take additional measures to step up pressure.
Japan shares the United States' concern over the violent
crackdown on demonstrators. Yabunaka delivered a strong
message to the Burmese regime, echoing the message from the
September 28 G-8 meeting in New York, on the need to exercise
self-restraint when reacting to demonstrators, the VFM noted.
Yabunaka pushed for the release of political prisoners and
emphasized the need for Burmese leaders to engage in dialogue
with pro-democracy groups. It would be very helpful if the
United States would continue to keep Japan informed on Burma
issues, particularly on UN Special Envoy Gambari's visit to
Burma, Yachi suggested.


6. (C) Yachi downplayed the extent of Tokyo's bilateral ties
with Burma and said Japanese assistance is primarily
humanitarian. Japanese trade with Burma is already quite
limited and the total of Japanese economic assets in the
country is almost zero. Japan will continue its policy of

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not starting new ODA projects, but it would be very difficult
to restrict all humanitarian assistance, Yachi noted.

Japan Considering Sanctions
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7. (C) It would send a very strong message to the Burmese
regime if Japan adopted formal sanctions, Yachi acknowledged.
Tokyo would like to participate in international discussions
on this subject. Japan is also studying the possibility of
restricting direct assistance to Burma and would like to
discuss with the U.S. how to provide humanitarian assistance
through developmental organizations, in the same way the
United States does, Yachi stated. The United States welcomes
the opportunity to work closely with Japan on this, Charge
emphasized.
DONOVAN