Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08TOKYO1655
2008-06-17 08:38:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Tokyo
Cable title:
JAPANESE GOVERNMENT SEEKS U.S. HELP IN CALMING
how-toVZCZCXRO1078 PP RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC DE RUEHKO #1655 1690838 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 170838Z JUN 08 FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5142 INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING PRIORITY 3954 RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA PRIORITY 8421 RUEHNH/AMCONSUL NAHA PRIORITY 0796 RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE PRIORITY 2128 RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO PRIORITY 9006 RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY RHMFISS/USFJ PRIORITY RUEHIN/AIT TAIPEI PRIORITY 7066
C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 001655
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/17/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL TW JP
SUBJECT: JAPANESE GOVERNMENT SEEKS U.S. HELP IN CALMING
DOWN TAIWANESE
Classified By: Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer for reasons 1.4 (b) and (
d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 001655
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/17/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL TW JP
SUBJECT: JAPANESE GOVERNMENT SEEKS U.S. HELP IN CALMING
DOWN TAIWANESE
Classified By: Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer for reasons 1.4 (b) and (
d).
1. (C) Summary: Japan is working hard to mitigate increased
tension with Taiwan following a June 10 fishing boat
collision between a Taiwan fishing boat and a Japanese coast
guard ship, but the Senkaku Islands indisputably belong to
Japan, MOFA told Embassy Tokyo. Even though the Japan Coast
Guard vessel accidentally sank the Taiwanese boat, both sides
were responsible for the mishap, our MOFA interlocutor
explained. Japan has apologized and is negotiating with
Taiwan to resolve the incident; but MOFA still holds that the
Taiwanese are to blame for escalating the matter. MOFA
passed a request that the United States urge Taiwan to "calm
down" to avoid heightening tension and worsening pubic
sentiment over the incident. Our MOFA contact also requested
that the United States publicly state that the Senkaku
Islands belong to Japan as indicated in the U.S.-Japan
Okinawa Reversion Treaty of 1972. End Summary.
2. (C) On June 10, a Japan Coast Guard vessel and a Taiwanese
fishing boat collided near the disputed Senkaku Islands.
Although no one was hurt, the Taiwanese fishing boat sank.
Japan has conducted an investigation into the collision and
concluded that both sides were responsible, MOFA China and
Mongolia Division Principal Deputy Director Endo told Embassy
Tokyo June 16. Japan has expressed sincere regret over the
accident, is continuing to negotiate with the Taiwan
authorities to resolve the situation, and is committed to
responding in a calm manner. The Taiwanese, however, have
escalated tension over the incident and the "Taiwan
authorities have lost control over their public," Endo said.
On June 16, nine vessels from the Taiwan coast guard
accompanied a Taiwanese commercial fishing boat into the
waters near the Senkaku Islands. This was an intrusion of
Japanese territorial waters, he explained. Japan "cannot
accept this intrusion but at the same time cannot respond
with force," Endo said.
3. (C) Endo argued that in light of historical fact and based
on international law, the Senkaku Islands are inherently
Japanese territory. Hence, there is no territorial dispute
to resolve. Furthermore, the U.S.-Japan Okinawa Reversion
Treaty of 1972 notes that the islands belong to Japan, and
Japan requests that the United States publicly state that
this is the case. Particularly when speaking with the press,
it is important for the United States to avoid suggesting
there is a dispute over the islands. "It will place Japan in
a very difficult position if the United States avoids
publicly taking a position on this issue," Endo added. Japan
requests that the United States show strong support for
Japan's position, he said.
4. (C) Japan is committed to dealing calmly with this matter,
Endo continued. Japan hopes that the United States will urge
Taiwan to react in a measured way and to refrain from
increasing tension over the issue. The United States and
Japan are responsible partners in maintaining peace and
stability in Asia, and Japan is committed to continuing this
partnership, he emphasized.
SCHIEFFER
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/17/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL TW JP
SUBJECT: JAPANESE GOVERNMENT SEEKS U.S. HELP IN CALMING
DOWN TAIWANESE
Classified By: Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer for reasons 1.4 (b) and (
d).
1. (C) Summary: Japan is working hard to mitigate increased
tension with Taiwan following a June 10 fishing boat
collision between a Taiwan fishing boat and a Japanese coast
guard ship, but the Senkaku Islands indisputably belong to
Japan, MOFA told Embassy Tokyo. Even though the Japan Coast
Guard vessel accidentally sank the Taiwanese boat, both sides
were responsible for the mishap, our MOFA interlocutor
explained. Japan has apologized and is negotiating with
Taiwan to resolve the incident; but MOFA still holds that the
Taiwanese are to blame for escalating the matter. MOFA
passed a request that the United States urge Taiwan to "calm
down" to avoid heightening tension and worsening pubic
sentiment over the incident. Our MOFA contact also requested
that the United States publicly state that the Senkaku
Islands belong to Japan as indicated in the U.S.-Japan
Okinawa Reversion Treaty of 1972. End Summary.
2. (C) On June 10, a Japan Coast Guard vessel and a Taiwanese
fishing boat collided near the disputed Senkaku Islands.
Although no one was hurt, the Taiwanese fishing boat sank.
Japan has conducted an investigation into the collision and
concluded that both sides were responsible, MOFA China and
Mongolia Division Principal Deputy Director Endo told Embassy
Tokyo June 16. Japan has expressed sincere regret over the
accident, is continuing to negotiate with the Taiwan
authorities to resolve the situation, and is committed to
responding in a calm manner. The Taiwanese, however, have
escalated tension over the incident and the "Taiwan
authorities have lost control over their public," Endo said.
On June 16, nine vessels from the Taiwan coast guard
accompanied a Taiwanese commercial fishing boat into the
waters near the Senkaku Islands. This was an intrusion of
Japanese territorial waters, he explained. Japan "cannot
accept this intrusion but at the same time cannot respond
with force," Endo said.
3. (C) Endo argued that in light of historical fact and based
on international law, the Senkaku Islands are inherently
Japanese territory. Hence, there is no territorial dispute
to resolve. Furthermore, the U.S.-Japan Okinawa Reversion
Treaty of 1972 notes that the islands belong to Japan, and
Japan requests that the United States publicly state that
this is the case. Particularly when speaking with the press,
it is important for the United States to avoid suggesting
there is a dispute over the islands. "It will place Japan in
a very difficult position if the United States avoids
publicly taking a position on this issue," Endo added. Japan
requests that the United States show strong support for
Japan's position, he said.
4. (C) Japan is committed to dealing calmly with this matter,
Endo continued. Japan hopes that the United States will urge
Taiwan to react in a measured way and to refrain from
increasing tension over the issue. The United States and
Japan are responsible partners in maintaining peace and
stability in Asia, and Japan is committed to continuing this
partnership, he emphasized.
SCHIEFFER