TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - U.S.-RUSSIA SUMMIT AND

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 000953 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 - U.S.-RUSSIA SUMMIT AND OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Top stories on Tuesday morning include the disruption of the Olympic torch relay in Paris by demonstrators opposing the Chinese crackdown in Tibet. ¶2. "Outstanding Issues Remain" The liberal Tokyo Shimbun editorialized (4/8): "The issue of MD deployment in Europe remains a serious obstacle to confidence-building between the U.S. and Russia. Additionally, as START I is to expire next year, it is imperative to sign a new accord on strategic weapons. In order to prevent a new arms race, it is important for the two countries to negotiate flexibly and sincerely.... The U.S. and Russia as nuclear superpowers hold the key to ensuring international peace and security. Without mutual cooperation, it will be almost impossible to resolve such issues as Iran's nuclear development." ¶3. "Possibility of New Cold War Remains" The conservative Sankei wrote in an editorial (4/8): "It was correct for President Bush to promise continued cooperation with Russia while remaining firm on NATO's eastward expansion and U.S. plans to deploy MD in Europe. In the post-Cold War era, countries should make their own decisions on which organizations they will belong to, and it has long been NATO's policy that Russia will not be given a veto. The U.S. and NATO must not compromise on these principles and should reinforce their unity in dealing with Russia in the future. From the standpoint of the U.S. and Europe, Russia is neither an enemy nor a reliable friend. Patience and coordination are required from the West. At the same time, Russia must reflect on how it is viewed by the rest of the world." ¶4. "Sarkozy's 'Change of Heart' Ignites Protest" The liberal Mainichi's Paris correspondent commented on the disruption of the Olympic torch relay (4/8): "French President Sarkozy's change in his approach toward China appears to have energized protestors against the Olympic torch relay in Paris. In sharp contrast to his predecessor Chirac, who called China a 'strategic partner,' Sarkozy appears to be distancing France from China. French citizens apparently consider the Sarkozy administration's policy toward China as backing for their own solidarity with Tibetans." ¶5. "China Afraid Protests Could Spark Nationalism at Home" The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri wrote from Beijing (4/8): "In view of the intense protests against the Olympic torch relay in Europe, the Chinese media have launched a counteroffensive stressing that the disruptions were orchestrated by a few 'Tibetan independence elements' and that the international community largely welcomes the relay. The Hu administration, in the face of growing anger among Chinese people to the demonstrations overseas, is hoping to ease the tension by tacitly allowing people to voice their frustrations online, while at the same time enhancing security measures to ensure order. Beijing appears to be determined to prevent nationalism from getting out of control." ¶6. "Solution Based on Olympic Spirit Needed" The conservative Sankei editorialized (4/8): "What the Olympics values most is human rights. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) should squarely face the fact TOKYO 00000953 002 OF 002 that Tibetans protested Beijing's human rights violations ahead of the Olympics and were killed or injured in response. Calling on the international community, including China, to peacefully resolve the dispute would be a nonpolitical act on the part of the IOC that would be in line with the Olympic spirit." SCHIEFFER