Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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08TOKYO1267 | 2008-05-09 09:26:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Tokyo |
1. (C) Summary: There have been no surprises during the first three days of Chinese President Hu Jintao's May 6-10 visit to Japan. Hu's visit is being characterized in the press as successful, is viewed as in important step forward, and signals a new chapter in Japan-China ties. As reported septel, Vice Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka told visiting Deputy Secretary that Japan is pleased with the visit so far. President Hu met with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura, and Deputy Foreign Minister Kenichiro Sasae to discuss ways to strengthen their bilateral "mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic issues." Increasing economic and environmental cooperation-including possible joint gas field development in the East China Sea-was at the top of the agenda. Yabunaka told the Deputy Secretary that despite press reports heralding a "breakthrough" on this, much work remains to be done. While Japan and China signed a number of joint statements and memorandum aimed at boosting cooperation, one disappointment is the lack of a major deliverable on substantial progress on joint gas field development in the East China Sea. They also discussed human rights, Tibet, and Japan's bid for a permanent UNSC seat. Fukuda and Hu signed a joint statement outlining ways to boost ties and confirmed their commitment to their previous three joint communiqus signed in 1972, 1978, and 1998. End Summary. Fukuda and Hu Sign Joint Statement on Bilateral Relations -------------------------- -------------------------- 2. (SBU) Fukuda and Hu released a joint statement on bilateral ties on May 7. The statement outlining ways to promote a "mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests." It states that the three previously signed joint communiqus in 1972, 1978, and 1998 are the political foundation for advancing the Japan-China relationship. The statement is future-oriented and downplays contentious historical issues. It also confirms bilateral efforts to promote high-level visits and cultural exchanges and boost cooperation on food safety, energy, and the environment. 3. (SBU) Turning to Taiwan, Japan reaffirmed its adherence to the position enunciated in the 1972 joint communiqu. Although the Chinese did not explicitly support Japan's bid for a permanent UNSC seat, Hu told Fukuda "I understand that Japan hopes to make greater contributions to the peace and development of the world" and added "I hope Japanese people will sense China's positive stance from what I just said." Boosting Economic Ties and Environmental Cooperation -------------------------- -------------------------- 4. (SBU) Japan and China agreed to boost economic and environmental cooperation and concluded multiple agreements outlining a range of joint projects. They agreed to promote mutually beneficial cooperation on trade, investment, information and communication technology, finance, food and product safety, intellectual property rights protection, agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries, tourism, water purification, and health-care. They also agreed to "strategically and effectively use the Japan-China High-Level Economic Dialogue" to promote common goals. 5. (SBU) Japan and China agreed to implement projects aimed at disposing of waste water in rural areas in China. The pilot projects will begin during the current Japanese fiscal year in Chongqing Municipality and Jiangsu Province and are aimed at reducing polluted wastewater from flowing into the Yangtze River. Japan will set up drainage disposal facilities, including water purification tanks, and will hold seminars on wastewater disposal techniques. 6. (SBU) Turning to climate change, Japan and China agreed to actively participate in building an effective post-2012 international framework on climate change based on the Bali Action Plan and the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities" under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Japan and China also released a widely-promoted statement on climate change in which China, for the first time, positively noted two key Japanese proposQ for a post-2012 climate treaty. In agreeing to participate actively in negotiating an agreement to succeed the Kyoto Protocol, China took note of Japan's proposal to cut worldwide greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050, and recognized the sectoral approach to emissions that TOKYO 00001267 002 OF 002 Japan has pushed as "an important method" to consider. The statement also said China would work "hand-in-hand" with Japan to forge an agreement based on the Bali Action Plan by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting at the end of 2009. Inching Toward Progress on East China Sea? -------------------------- 7. (C) Fukuda and Hu made positive remarks to the press indicating progress toward an agreement on the joint development of gas fields in the East China Sea but failed to announce substantive progress. Fukuda told the press "We confirmed the prospect for the solution of this long standing issue. We agree that we will work out the details and arrive at an agreement as early as possible. Chief Cabinet Secretary Machimura hinted that obstacles still remain when he told the press "The details still can't be made public. That is to say, we have yet to reach a complete agreement." An unnamed senior MOFA official told reports "Ultimately, the content of such an agreement will need to be made into a treaty. That will take at least a year." VFM Yabunaka confirmed to Deputy Secretary that the press was overstating the perceived success on this and that much work remains to be done. Human Rights Cast Cloud on Visit -------------------------- 8. (SBU) Fukuda and Hu agreed to resume human rights talks, including discussions on Tibet, to promote equality and mutual respect during talks on May 7. Japan and China began discussing human rights in 1997 but the talks had been suspended since January 2000. Former Prime Minster Abe, during a May 8 breakfast, urged Hu to increase efforts to resolve the Tibet issue peacefully and noted appreciation for China's efforts to continue dialogue with the Dalai Lama. 9. (C) Small protests over Tibet and the human rights situation in China marred the warm atmosphere. Approximately 100 people demonstrated at Hibiya ParkQr the restaurant where Hu and Fukuda died on May 7. A pro-Tibet group called "Save the Tibet Network" held a 1,300 person march from Shinjuku to Yoyogi Park, according to the press. Roughly 100 protesters also demonstrated at Waseda University hours before President Hu gave his speech there on May 8. DONOVAN |