TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - GM's RECONSTRUCTION AND CHINA'S GAS

UNCLAS TOKYO 001619 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 - GM's RECONSTRUCTION AND CHINA'S GAS FIELD DEVELOPMENT ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Most Thursday morning papers gave top play to moves within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to urge Prime Minister Aso to hold a party presidential election ahead of the next general election. ¶2. "New GM to Depart from Nationalization?" The moderate Yomiuri wrote in an editorial (7/16): "After declaring bankruptcy, General Motors made a fresh start as a new nationalized company. Although the company is hoping for early reconstruction, it is likely to face a number of difficulties. This will also be a crucial period for President Obama, who is eager to support GM. The American public has a harsh view of the government's rescue of GM. If the reconstruction does not proceed smoothly, distrust of the administration could grow." ¶3. "Japan Should Call for Sufficient Explanation on Gas Field Development by China" The conservative Sankei editorialized (7/16): "Following the recent finding that Chinese vessels are working in the Shirakaba gas field (known as Chunxiao in Chinese) in the East China Sea despite the bilateral agreement to jointly develop the site, Foreign Minister Nakasone called on China to clarify [the situation].... It makes sense that Nakasone conveyed his serious concern to China and called on Beijing not to take actions that would undermine the nation's credibility. However, these measures are not sufficient.... Japan should urge China to provide more precise and convincing explanations." ZUMWALT