TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - BEIJING OLYMPICS AND

UNCLAS TOKYO 002178 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 - BEIJING OLYMPICS AND PRESIDENT BUSH'S ASIAN TOUR ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Most Friday morning papers led with the official GOJ acknowledgement of the probability that the Japanese economy is entering a recession. ¶2. "Festivities Reflect Difficulties Facing Neighbor" The liberal Asahi editorialized (8/8): "Its history of having been repeatedly invaded by Western powers and Japan since the Opium War left China with a sense of humiliation, a trauma that is said to still exist within the Chinese psyche. Hosting the Olympics may offer an opportunity for them to break free of this complex. China's nationalism occasionally results in the release of explosive energy.... How to control this energy is the most difficult task confronting the country." ¶3. "How to Balance Bilateral Coordination with Human Rights" On President Bush's visit to China, Washington- based columnist Komori of the conservative Sankei wrote from Beijing (8/8): "While in China, President Bush is likely to emphasize a bilateral relationship of cooperation. At the same time, he is also being pressed by a broad spectrum of U.S. political groups to clearly criticize Chinese authorities for their suppression of human rights, which is becoming more pronounced.... As he plans to attend a church service in China, the President will have no option but to speak not only on U.S. policy toward China but also on such subjects as religion and belief. As a result, he will inevitably use language critical of China. This will force him to strike a balance between tough words and his previous rhetoric about U.S.-China coordination." ¶4. "Human Rights Issues Remain in a Growing Asia" The business-oriented Nikkei editorialized (7/8): "In his closing remarks in Thursday's speech on Asia policy in Bangkok, President Bush stated that he has great confidence that Asia will continue to grow in opportunity, achievement, and influence. How will the international community address the issue of improving human rights, something that remains a challenge in Asia? The situations in China and Burma will serve as a test." SCHIEFFER