TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - COP13

UNCLAS TOKYO 005582 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 - COP13 LEAD STORIES: Top stories on Monday morning include the finding that the Aegis data leaked by an MSDF officer contained information on such vital items as the capabilities of weapons, radar, and other onboard systems. ¶1. "Use Bali Accord to Create Low-Carbon Society" The economic-oriented Nikkei editorialized (12/16): "Along with the return of the U.S., a major focus of attention at the Bali climate-change conference was the inclusion of China and India in a new framework, though the specifics of their participation were left ambiguous.... The Bali accord can be called the first international pact on climate change that embodies the basic principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities.'... Under a post-Kyoto framework, it is a matter of course for participants to bear common responsibilities. The U.S., which withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol for reasons of national interest, has promised to return to a new framework. While it is still a developing nation, China is expected to soon become the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases. India, meanwhile, will soon surpass Japan to become the world's fourth-largest emitter. These countries must all fulfill their responsibilities." ¶2. "Roadmap Set, But Issues Remain" The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri argued (12/16): "In order to encourage U.S. participation in a new mechanism, Japan argued against taking up numerical targets at this stage. This approach was successful. At this juncture, it was critical to create common ground upon which future negotiations can build. In this sense, the Bali conference can be called a limited success.... In the end, numerical targets were deleted, as the EU softened its position. However, the discord between the U.S. and EU remains. What is most important in the creation of a new mechanism is to have all the major emitters of greenhouse gases take part in the framework. The Kyoto Protocol's failure to bring in the U.S., China, and India must not be repeated." ¶3. "Country-Specific Obligations Should Be Continued" The liberal Asahi wrote (12/16): "The Bali conference was not able to specify numerical targets in the face of opposition by the U.S. and other countries. Politicians failed to translate the message from scientists into action. This is quite regrettable.... A key feature in any new framework for combating global warming should still be country-specific reduction targets. Only when countries are forced to bear such an obligation will they have to come up with a design for a reduced-carbon society." SCHIEFFER