TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - TIBET

UNCLAS TOKYO 000908 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 - TIBET ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Top stories on Thursday morning included a government simulation of the movement of evacuees in the event of a major earthquake in the Tokyo area. ¶2. "International Criticism of China Is Natural" The liberal Asahi editorialized (4/3): "...Although the Beijing Olympics is just around the corner, criticism of China is growing among foreign nations.... We are frustrated with Chinese authorities' failure to provide credible information about the recent unrest in Tibet. The Chinese government has been maintaining that the Dalai Lama plotted the strife. Beijing seems to be trying to put down the protests with force while limiting information about the unrest. The recent events in Tibet may remind some people of the Tiananmen incident in 1989. China has greater power today compared to 19 years ago. On top of its economic strength, the nation has won the international confidence needed to host the Olympics. Foreign nations may have granted China this honor in the hope that it will be transformed into a nation that respects human rights. The recent turmoil in Tibet could disappoint such expectations. It is only natural for the global community to criticize China." ¶3. "China Should Hold Dialogue with Dalai Lama" The business-oriented Nikkei's editorial said: "Following the start of the torch relay in China, an increasing number of nations are casting a critical eye toward China's hosting of the Olympics. This is because the Chinese government has been dealing with the recent unrest in Tibet in a high-handed manner.... The Chinese government blames the Dalai Lama, saying that the unrest in Tibet is an organized conspiracy plotted by him.... The Chinese government should not conceal information about the situation in Tibet but instead should open the area for foreign inspectors.... The U.S. and European nations have urged Beijing to talk with the Dalai Lama.... The Dalai Lama is not seeking independence. What he is calling for is 'high-level autonomy' for Tibet.... The Chinese government should show the same 'generosity' to the Dalai Lama as it has displayed to a group of independence-seekers in Taiwan." SCHIEFFER