TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - U.S.-CHINA DIALOGUE, IRAN, AND NORTH

UNCLAS TOKYO 001720 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.-CHINA DIALOGUE, IRAN, AND NORTH KOREA ¶1. LEAD STORIES: All Tuesday morning papers gave prominent top play to yesterday's release of the official DPJ policy manifesto for the August 30 general election. ¶2. "Economic and Strategic Dialogue Marks Launch of 'G2' System" The liberal Mainichi commented on Monday's commencement of U.S.-China strategic and economic dialogue in Washington (7/28): "The dialogue is designed to build a foundation for bilateral relations in the 21st century through 'sharing responsibility' for dealing with issues of global proportions. [This dialogue] seems to represent the effective launch of a 'G2' system.... Bilateral talks this time around are expected to be different from previous rounds in which the U.S. was inclined to criticize Chinese policies, such as the issue of revaluing the yuan." ¶3. "President Obama Keen to Enhance Relations with China" The liberal Asahi speculated (7/28): "The Obama administration has expanded the scope of bilateral dialogue to include discussions on security and diplomatic issues [in addition to economic items] for the first time. This reflects Washington's recognition that challenges in Asia, such as North Korean issues, cannot be dealt with effectively without enhanced direct dialogue between the U.S. and China." ¶4. "Khamenei's Authority Diminished" The liberal Asahi wrote from Tehran (7/28): "The Iranian political situation is in turmoil due to a deepening schism within the conservative camp. A rift has emerged between President and supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei over Ahmadinejad's appointment of one of his close associates as the most senior vice president. Khamenei's political authority has been damaged substantially and he is no longer able to play the role of 'arbitrator.'" ¶5. "North Korea Calls for Dialogue" Concerning recent DPRK overtures toward the U.S., the conservative Sankei stated from Seoul (7/28): "North Korea apparently hopes to persuade the U.S. to recognize it as a nuclear power through negotiations. It also aims to head off international pressure and concurrently obtain food and other economic aid by demonstrating its readiness for dialogue. However, it is questionable whether North Korea's conventional practice of gaining concessions through alternately adopting diplomatic brinkmanship and expressing willingness for dialogue will succeed as it did in the past." ZUMWALT