TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - DPRK NUCLEAR PROGRAM

UNCLAS TOKYO 005133 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR I/RF, PA/PR/FPC/W, IIP/G/EA, EAP/PD, R/MR, EAP/J, EAP/P, PM; USTR FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; TREASURY FOR OASIA/IMI; SECDEF FOR OASD/PA; CP BUTLER OKINAWA FOR AREA FIELD OFFICE; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO JA SUBJECT: TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - DPRK NUCLEAR PROGRAM SHUTDOWN, DEFENSE SECRETARY GATES' VISIT TO CHINA, AND UNREST IN PAKISTAN LEAD STORIES: Top stories on Thursday morning include opposition DPJ President Ozawa's informal decision to withdraw his offer to step down. ¶1. "Nuclear Disablement Alone Is Not Enough" The business-oriented Nikkei editorialized (11/7): "Disablement of the nuclear facilities at Yongbyon has finally started.... However, it will be necessary to dismantle them in order to realize the ultimate goal of denuclearizing North Korea. Disablement is just a stepping stone on the path toward denuclearization.... Another pillar in the 'second phase' of denuclearization is to have North Korea declare all of its nuclear programs by year's end. Pyongyang needs to disclose the amount of plutonium it has extracted, which is believed to be about 30-50 kg, and the number of nuclear bombs it has, and well as to provide details about its alleged uranium enrichment program. North Korea needs to present a sincere attitude on this front." ¶2. "Confidence-Building Measures with Taiwan Also Necessary" The conservative Sankei wrote (11/7): "Defense Secretary Gates agreed with his Chinese counterpart Cao on the establishment of a hotline between the two militaries. This will be the first hotline to be set up between China and another country. The emergency communication channel is expected to build confidence between the two military powers and to avoid the accidental outbreak of a conflict. China is also considering creating similar channels with Japan and South Korea. It would be desirable for Beijing to also open a military hotline with Taiwan, as there remains the possibility of a cross-straits war.... China's new attitude is praiseworthy, but it is not enough. Secretary Gates called on Chinese Defense Minister Cao to increase transparency in the nation's defense budget and provide reasons for his country's rapid military buildup. If the Hu administration truly hopes to realize 'peaceful development' and the 'creation of a harmonized world,' it should sincerely respond to Gates' call." ¶3. "Strong-arm Tactics Cannot Break Impasse" The top circulation, moderate Yomiuri stated (11/7): "By declaring a state of emergency, Pakistani President Musharraf has embarked on a risky course that may lead to self-destruction.... Pakistan is on the frontline in the war on terrorism and is a nuclear power. If it were to slide into chaos, that would have serious repercussions on the international situation. It has become necessary for the international community to do something in order to assure stability in Pakistan.... The legitimacy of Musharraf, who took power eight years ago in a coup, has been further eroded following the government's recent strong-arm measures. If he wants to restore his government's legitimacy and to win back the hearts and minds of the Pakistani people, there is only one option available for him. He must proceed with transferring power to civilian authorities." SCHIEFFER