TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - SECRETARY RICE'S VISIT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 000527 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 - SECRETARY RICE'S VISIT TO TOKYO, AND NORTH KOREA'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Most Thursday morning papers gave top play to the admission by Vice Defense Minister Masuda that top MSDF Staff Council officials questioned the chief navigator of the destroyer involved in last week's fatal collision with a trawler without prior approval from the Japan Coast Guard. ¶2. "Time Ripe for Renewing Trilateral Coordination" The conservative Sankei editorialized (2/28): "It is hoped that the U.S.-Japan foreign ministerial yesterday forged a sufficient consensus on not just the reconstruction of bilateral relations through specific measures but also on enhanced coordination among the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, all of whom share similar values. While close coordination among the three is indispensable for dealing with North Korea and promoting regional security in Northeast Asia, such coordination suffered a major setback under former ROK President Roh, due to his conciliatory approach toward North Korea. It is high time to reconstruct trilateral coordination.... Secretary of State Rice reiterated the U.S. position of calling on North Korea to provide a complete and accurate declaration of its plutonium, uranium enrichment, and nuclear proliferation. However, she should be reminded that easily delisting the DPRK as a state sponsor of terrorism would inflict serious damage on the relationship of trust between the U.S. and Japan." ¶3. "Constant Efforts Reinforce U.S.-Japan Alliance" The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri argued in an editorial (2/28): "Close dialogue and constant efforts are imperative to maintain the U.S.-Japan alliance. Secretary of State Rice's visit to Tokyo is an example SIPDIS of such efforts.... Before coming to Japan, the Secretary requested during a ministerial with her SIPDIS Chinese counterpart in Beijing that China use every means of influence it has over North Korea. As Japan strives to establish a mutually beneficial strategic relationship with China, it also needs to intensify pressure on Beijing. Pressing China, which is rapidly becoming a superpower, into taking responsible actions as a member of the international community is a strategic agenda item for the U.S.-Japan alliance." ¶4. "DPRK Should Swiftly Move into Nuclear-Free New World" The liberal Mainichi opined (2/28): "During a speech in January, U.S. Special Envoy for Human Rights in North Korea Jay Lefkowitz referred to the need to review U.S. policy on the DPRK in view of Pyongyang's delay in denuclearization. While Secretary Rice dismissed the call, saying that Lefkowitz is not familiar with the status of the six-party talks, such disarray within the administration makes us nervous. We wonder whether the U.S. is fully aware of Japan's position, with Tokyo facing a direct threat from North Korea's missiles and nuclear program. Through her meetings with top Japanese officials on Wednesday, Secretary Rice was reminded of Japan's concern. The SIPDIS Bush administration is expected to take advantage of the historic concert in Pyongyang by the New York Philharmonic to demonstrate its strong resolve to denuclearize North Korea while President Bush is still in office." TOKYO 00000527 002 OF 002 SCHIEFFER