DG SAIKI ON CHINA, KOREAN PENINSULA ISSUES

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 000168 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/26/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV CH KN KS JA SUBJECT: DG SAIKI ON CHINA, KOREAN PENINSULA ISSUES TOKYO 00000168 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires, a.i., James P. Zumwalt per 1.4 (b/d) Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) MOFA Asia DG Saiki told Charge January 26 that his government welcomes the Obama Administration's emerging Asia lineup, as well as some of the recent high-level statements on Japan and the U.S.-Japan relationship. Saiki looks forward to the opportunity to meet with his new counterpart to discuss the full range of issues before us, including the DPRK, China and Burma. He also expressed his hope for a high-level statement that the United States remains committed to DPRK denuclearization (as opposed to just nonproliferation) and noted that the abductees families appear very interested in a meeting with either the President or Secretary. Saiki said his government is favorably disposed towards a U.S.-Japan-China summit, and that there should be a way to address the ROK's concerns in this area. End Summary. New Asia Lineup -------------- ¶2. (C) During a January 26 meeting with the Charge, MOFA Asia DG Akitaka Saiki expressed his and his government's broad satisfaction with the Obama Administration's emerging Asia lineup and some of the things new U.S. officials are saying about Japan. "We have read Secretary Clinton's testimony very closely, and are very pleased with what she said about Japan and the bilateral relationship," Saiki said. With the new Asia team, the Japanese Government senses a great deal of continuity in U.S.-Japan relations. ¶3. (C) Furthermore, much of the Japanese concern about "Japan passing" might have been misplaced, Saiki noted. He added that during a recent meeting with a high-level Chinese think-tanker, his Chinese counterpart expressed concern about the possible tough line the Obama Administration -- specifically Secretary Clinton -- would take with the PRC. That said, the Japanese welcome improved U.S.-China relations and understand that they do not come at the expense of the U.S.-Japan relations, which are strong because of the alliance and common values, Saiki said. ¶4. (C) Saiki looks forward to developing a relationship with his new counterpart in EAP and will welcome an early opportunity -- either in Washington or Tokyo -- to discuss the full range of issues of mutual interest, including the DPRK, Burma and China. (Separately, MOFA Northeast Asia Director Shigeo Yamada indicated to Embassy Tokyo that at some point soon he may be sent to Washington to touch base with new NSC Director Russel.) DPRK -------------- ¶5. (C) Saiki drew attention to the concern among some in his government that, towards the end of the Bush Administration, there seemed to be more of a focus on nonproliferation rather than DPRK denuclearization. A high-level statement that the United States remains committed to denuclearization, and that this is a core goal of the Six Party Talks, would be welcome here, he added. ¶6. (C) Saiki also noted that there appears to be a growing expectation on the part of the abductees families for an early meeting either with the President or Secretary to underline the continued U.S. commitment to addressing the abductions issue. President Bush's own meeting with abductee Megumi Yokota's mother had been extremely useful in this regard, Saiki observed. Japan-ROK Relations -------------- ¶7. (C) Japan's relationship with South Korea is much better under Lee Myung-bak, and the perception in Japan is that Lee's focus on economic and non-controversial issues is spot-on, Saiki continued. However, there is the danger that the year 2010 -- the 100th anniversary of the annexation of Korea -- will bring with it a downturn in relations, and the United States can play a positive role by encouraging both Japan and the ROK to continue to improve their bilateral ties. TOKYO 00000168 002.2 OF 002 U.S.-Japan-China Summit -------------- ¶8. (C) Returning to the issue of China, Saiki noted that the Japanese Government is favorably disposed to a U.S.-Japan-China summit. "There is surely a way to deal with the ROK's concerns in this area," he said. Just because South Korea is uncomfortable does not mean that the three most important powers in Asia should not get together to discuss common issues, Saiki noted. ¶9. (C) Turning to Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai, Saiki noted that although he is "thoughtful, with good ideas," he is handicapped by his inability to speak Japanese. Furthermore, he lacks the gregariousness of his predecessor, Wang Yi, and as a result Cui is not well regarded in the Diet, Saiki said. ZUMWALT