FUKUDA-WEN SUMMIT SETS OUT HIGH-LEVEL DIPLOMACY,

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 005335 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/26/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV CH JA SUBJECT: FUKUDA-WEN SUMMIT SETS OUT HIGH-LEVEL DIPLOMACY, EAST SEA GOALS TOKYO 00005335 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: A/DCM Mike Meserve per 1.4 (b/d) Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) During their November 20 meeting in Singapore, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda offered to Premier Wen Jiabao to visit China "as soon as possible," which could be late this year or early next year depending on the Diet's schedule. Chinese President Hu Jintao will also visit Japan next year, most likely in the spring, MOFA told Embassy Tokyo. Fukuda and Wen agreed on the importance of resolving the East China Sea resource development issue, although there is little hope that any significant progress will be made soon. The two leaders expressed views in familiar terms on Taiwan and the DPRK, and noted that the exchange of naval vessels will help to advance mutual understanding in the area of national security. Wen told Fukuda he would "provide whatever assistance is necessary" on the issue of abductees. End Summary. ¶2. (C) Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda met Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on November 20 in Singapore during what MOFA has billed as a "rare" summit encounter in a third country. Wen opened the 90-minute meeting and lunch by noting that Japan-China RELATIONS are now at a "historically important turning point" and stressed his desire to ensure that bilateral ties continue to progress, MOFA China Division Principal Deputy Director Endo Kazuya told Embassy Tokyo Political Section Deputy. Wen praised former Prime Minister Abe for the contribution he made to Japan and China's "strategically mutually beneficial relations." Recalling his trip to China four years ago as Chief Cabinet Secretary, PM Fukuda noted that, although bilateral ties were difficult then, they had seen many improvements, and now both sides are working more closely together to further common interests. High-Level Visits, Other Exchanges -------------- ¶3. (C) PM Fukuda expressed his desire to visit China "as soon as possible," either towards the end of this year or the beginning of next year. According to MOFA's Endo, this will depend on whether the current Diet session is extended a second time into January, and when the Diet's follow-on regular session will be called. Endo explained that in any case, FM Koumura will lead a group of Cabinet members to Beijing in early December for the Japan-China High-level Economic Dialogue. Both Fukuda and Wen agreed that Chinese President Hu Jintao should try to visit Japan "sometime next year," which Endo explained means "sometime in the spring." The two also agreed on the importance of sports, youth and educational exchanges in order to deepen mutual understanding. ¶4. (C) Welcoming the visit to Japan during the week of November 26 of a Chinese naval vessel, PM Fukuda noted that Japan hopes to send a Maritime Self-Defense Forces ship to China "at an appropriate time." These and other exchanges can help to further Japan-China understanding in the national security area. Both Fukuda and Wen agreed on the need for strengthening bilateral confidence-building measures. Taiwan -------------- ¶5. (C) Premier Wen underlined the sensitivity of the March 2008 election in Taiwan and expressed the PRC's hope that Japan respond "in an appropriate manner" and "make contributions to the peace and development on both sides of the Taiwan Strait." PM Fukuda replied that the maintenance of peace on both sides of the strait is important and noted his government's hope that cross-strait RELATIONS continue to develop peacefully within international society. East China Sea Resource Development -------------- ¶6. (C) Premier Wen described the East China Sea resource development issue as "extremely complicated and sensitive," but that, based on the understanding Japan and China reached during Wen's April visit to Japan, he wishes to continue to make efforts to resolve the matter with an aim towards joint development. PM Fukuda expressed his wish to resolve this TOKYO 00005335 002.2 OF 002 issue for the sake of bilateral relations, and he urged Premier Wen to play a leading role in these efforts. According to MOFA's Endo, although both sides have expressed a desire to try to find some way forward in time for PM Fukuda's visit, it is unclear whether this will be possible. Although the Chinese have told the Japanese that they are expecting Japan to "make the first move," the Japanese are not sure what this move should be, and the Chinese are not giving them any hints, he explained. DPRK -------------- ¶7. (C) PM Fukuda stressed the importance of resolving both the DPRK nuclear issue and settling the abductions issue so that the victims can return home. Wen expressed his understanding and sympathy and offered to provide "whatever assistance is necessary." DONOVAN