TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL

UNCLAS TOKYO 000201 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. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, GUANTANAMO, AND CHINESE NAVAL FORCE BUILDUP ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Top stories on Wednesday morning included the enactment on Tuesday of a second supplementary budget. ¶2. "New Environment Policy to Call for Change in U.S. Industries" The business-oriented Nikkei argued in an editorial (1/28): "President Obama revealed his plans to impose stricter vehicle emission standards equivalent to those in Japan and Europe. The President also plans to approve California's tighter regulations on vehicle emissions by altering the policy held by the Bush administration. The start of the Obama administration, which advocates environmental protection, may call for structural change in U.S. industries, including the auto business." ¶3. "Seriousness of New Administration Determined" The conservative Sankei stated in an editorial (1/28): "President Obama put forward a new policy on the environment, including stricter vehicle emission standards. This is the first step for the 'Green New Deal' initiative, which the President advocated in his campaign pledge... President Obama said that America is ready to lead in fight against climate change. Additional specific measures will be needed for the U.S. to play that role. The seriousness of the new administration is being determined." ¶4. "Dark Side of War on Terrorism to Disappear" The liberal Asahi editorialized (1/28): "A negative legacy of the war on terror will finally disappear. President Obama ordered to close the detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base within a year... We welcome the President's efforts to correct a mistake in the past... This is an important first step to restore the damaged trust in the U.S." ¶5. "What's The Purpose of China's Naval Force Buildup?" The moderate Yomiuri wrote in an editorial (1/28): "... The defense white paper issued by the Chinese government gave no answer to the question about Beijing's purpose of its continuing buildup of the naval force, including the construction of aircraft carriers... Not only Japan, but also India and Southeast Asian nations are interested in China's construction of aircraft carries. Beijing should give a clear explanation." ZUMWALT