JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 09/23/09

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E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 09/23/09 Index: 1) Top headlines 2) Editorials 3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei) Hatoyama Diplomacy in NY 4) Hatoyama pledges to reduce greenhouse gases by 25 PERCENT ; Offers aid to developing nations (Yomiuri) 5) Gist of PM Hatoyama's UN speech (Nikkei) 6) Hatoyama proposes East Asia Community to Chinese President Hu (Nikkei) 7) Gist of Japanese-Chinese summit meeting (Yomiuri) Okada Diplomacy in NY 8) Japanese and U.S. foreign ministers agree to strengthen alliance (Nikkei) 9) In meeting with Okada Clinton expresses de facto acceptance of termination of refueling mission (Mainichi) 10) Gist of Japan-U.S. foreign ministers' meeting (Yomiuri) 11) Japan and U.S. foreign ministers agree to further discuss realignment of U.S. forces in Japan (Asahi) 12) U.S.-Japan foreign ministers early on take up challenges (Sankei) 13) Japanese, U.S., and Australian foreign ministers agree on resolving Iran nuclear issue through dialogue (Tokyo Shimbun) Foreign Relations 14) Assistant Sec. of State Campbell: "Secret nuclear accord a Japanese domestic matter" (Nikkei) Articles: 1) TOP HEADLINES Asahi, Mainichi, Yomiuri, Nikkei, Sankei, Tokyo Shimbun & Akahata: Hatoyama pledges in UN speech to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25 PERCENT , support developing countries in tackling global warming 2) EDITORIALS Asahi: (1) Start of Hatoyama diplomacy: Look at big picture when addressing sticky issues (2) Decentralization: Make efforts to build affluent society giving priority to residents Mainichi: (1) Japan-China summit: Establish relationship of trust with spirit of "fraternity" (2) Policy of cancelling Yamba Dam project: Make it "symbol" of correction of anachronism Yomiuri: (1) Japan-China summit: "Fraternity" alone will not move diplomacy forward (2) New Internet age: Giant IT firms struggling for hegemony Nikkei: (1) New government should formulate proper growth strategy Sankei: (1) Japan-China summit: Presentation of undeveloped concept of an TOKYO 00002216 002 OF 009 East Asia Community regrettable (2) Japan-U.S. foreign ministerial: Take action first to build relationship of trust Tokyo Shimbun: (1) Strengthening Japan-U.S. relations key to influencing China (2) Toll-free highway plan: The government must answer simple questions Akahata: (1) Spread of new strain of flu: Take every possible countermeasure 3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) Prime Minister's schedule, September 21 NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 23, 2009 Evening Arrived at Kennedy International Airport in New York via government plane. Met with Chinese President Hu Jintao at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Stayed overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel. Prime Minister's schedule, September 22 NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 23, 2009 Morning Delivered speech at high-level meeting on climate change hosted by the UN (climate change summit). 4) Premier makes his diplomatic debut: Pledges 25 percent emissions cut to world in UN speech; Also pledges assistance to developing countries YOMIURI (Top Play) (Excerpts) September 23, 2009 On the evening of Sept. 21 (the morning of Sept. 22, Japan time), Prime Minister Hatoyama arrived in New York for his first overseas trip since taking office as prime minister. He met with Chinese President Hu Jintao right away at a hotel in the city on the same evening. He launched his diplomatic activities with a speech given at the opening ceremony of the high-level meeting on climate change hosted by the UN (climate change summit),which has brought together the leaders of more than 100 countries. Toshimitsu Maya, Yuji Yoshisugi, New York Prime Minister Hatoyama on the morning of Sept. 21 (the night of Sept. 22, Japan time) delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the high-level meeting on climate change hosted by the UN (climate change summit) held at the UN Headquarters. During the speech he announced Japan's new mid-term goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent in comparison with the 1990 level by 2020. He also revealed his plan to look into setting up a tax to pay for steps against global warming, which is to be levied on CO2 emitters in proportion to the amount of emissions, to achieve that end. Gist of Prime Minister Hatoyama's speech TOKYO 00002216 003 OF 009 Q Japan will aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent in comparison with the 1990 level by 2020. Q The commitment of Japan to the world is premised on agreement on ambitious targets by all the major countries. Q Japan is prepared to proactively extend financial and technological support to developing and island nations. Q Proposal to the international community of a "Hatoyama initiative" designed to support developing countries. 5) Gist of PM Hatoyama's speech at UN climate change summit on September 22 NIKKEI (Page 3) (Full) September 23, 2009 As the prime minister of Japan following the change of administration, I will seek to join with the leaders of other countries in addressing current and future global climate change with due consideration for the warnings of science. The advanced countries need to take the lead in efforts to reduce emissions. Japan should also be actively involved in setting long-term reduction targets. As for the mid-term target, we will, in accordance with the standards urged by science, aim for a 25 percent reduction from the 1990 level by 2020. As we pledged in the manifesto for the recent House of Representatives election, we will mobilize all available policy tools, including the introduction of a domestic emission trading system and consideration of a global warming tax, to deliver on this pledge. However, climate change cannot be halted by Japan alone setting a high-reduction target. Our pledge to the international community is premised upon an agreement between all the advanced nations on ambitions targets. With regard to the market for domestic emission trading, we will promote exchange of information on the systems being contemplated by other countries and hold discussions, bearing in mind the impact on international competitiveness and linkage with other countries. Government funding of capital and technology transfers to developing countries is crucial. We believe that the following principles should apply in assistance to developing countries: (1) The public and private sectors in the developed countries should make additional financial contributions; (2) rules should be established for measuring the effect of aid; (3) innovative mechanisms should be implemented in a predictable manner; and (4) aid should also ensure the protection of intellectual property rights. I would like to present the above to the international community as the "Hatoyama Initiative." We would like to make every effort toward establishing a fair and effective undertaking and work for the success of COP15 in Copenhagen through the process of putting this initiative into effect. 6) Prime minister proposes East Asia Community NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full) September 23, 2009 Naoya Yoshino, New York TOKYO 00002216 004 OF 009 Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama on the evening of Sept. 21 (the morning of Sept. 22, Japan time) met with Chinese President Hu Jintao in New York for the first time since taking office as prime minister. During the meeting he proposed an East Asia Community initiative. Both leaders agreed to press ahead with working-level talks to sign an agreement for the joint development of gas fields in the East China Sea. They also vowed to work together toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The East Asia Community that the prime minister envisions is an initiative that takes into consideration a framework of regional economic cooperation for the free movement of people, goods and money, and security. It symbolizes the prime minister's stance of attaching importance to Asia. He proposed to his Chinese counterpart, "I would like Japan and China build trust that goes beyond the differences between the two countries and establish the initiative based on that." The East Asia Community Intuitive was incorporated in the Democratic Party of Japan's election manifesto, but it was considered to be anti-American. Coordination of views with the U.S. and other countries will be indispensable for the materialization of the Initiative. Regarding the issue of the Japanese view of wartime history, the prime minister said that he would follow the precedent of the Murayama statement of 1995, in which Japan offered an apology for its colonial rule and invasion of China. The president responded by saying, "I highly appreciate that." Hatoyama urged Hu that both countries should begin working toward signing an agreement for the joint development of the gas fields. Hu indicated his stance of paving the way for launching the activity, saying, "I would like to build trust through working-level talks." 7) Gist of Japan-China summit YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) September 23, 2009 (Japan-China relations) Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama: I would like to make the two countries' strategic and mutually beneficial relationship more substantial. Chinese President Hu Jintao: The Japan-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships. I want to propose (1) an increase in visits by high-level officials of the two countries, (2) the strengthening and developing of economic and trade cooperation, (3) improvement in the public perceptions (of each country),(4) promotion of cooperation on Asian and internal issues, and (5) resolution of differences in views in an appropriate manner. Hatoyama: I want to build a relationship of trust between Japan and China and on the basis of that relationship to create an East Asian community. I will adhere to the 1995 Murayama statement. Hu: Cooperation between Japan and China is important for the Asian region. I highly value your position of observing the Murayama statement. TOKYO 00002216 005 OF 009 (Gas exploration in the East China Sea) Hatoyama: I would like to transform the troubled waters of the East China Sea into a sea of fraternity. Hu: The agreement (on joint development by Japan and China) made last year is significant. I propose the launch of working-level meetings in the near future. (North Korean issue) Hatoyama: I cannot allow North Korea to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. The Japanese people hold strong views on the abduction issue. Hu: China has urged (North Korea) to improve relations with Japan, including the abduction issue. (Global warming issue) Hu: I welcome your positive attitude. China, too, will make efforts for the success of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework of Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 8) Okada, Clinton agree to strengthen alliance NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full) September 23, 2009 Naoya Yoshino, New York Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada met with U.S. Secretary of State Clinton in New York on the evening of Sept. 21 (early on the morning of Sept. 22, Japan time) and agreed to strengthen the bilateral alliance between Japan and the United States. In addition, they also discussed issues related to the planned realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, including the relocation of Futenma airfield in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture. On this issue, Okada proposed reviewing the realignment plan. Clinton clarified the U.S. government's basic understanding, taking the position that U.S. forces in Japan should be realigned as planned. They agreed to discuss the realignment issue between the two countries. "Our alliance is a cornerstone of the United States' diplomacy," Clinton said at the beginning of the meeting." She added, "I'd like to make efforts to deepen and strengthen our alliance in order to pursue our common values." Okada responded, "We'd like to make our alliance sustainable for the next 30 to 50 years." Okada also brought up the planned relocation of Futenma airfield in Okinawa Prefecture. "The Democratic Party of Japan has questions about it," Okada said. He added, "My government will study specific measures." Clinton indicated that the basic policy would be to translate the current plan into action. However, she also told Okada that the United States was prepared to discuss the matter. Concerning Afghan reconstruction assistance, Okada insisted on Japan's role in the area of civilian assistance as an alternative for Japan to take on after discontinuing the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean. "It's also necessary to provide job training to people who used to be Taliban members," TOKYO 00002216 006 OF 009 Okada said. 9) U.S. accepts Japan's plan to end refueling mission; Japanese, U.S. foreign ministers agree to strengthen bilateral alliance MAINICHI (Page 1) (Full) September 23, 2009 Takenori Noguchi, New York Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada held talks in New York with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for about 45 minutes on the afternoon of Sept. 21 (the morning of Sept. 22, Japan time). Clinton categorically said that the United States' alliance with Japan is a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. In response, Okada said that he wants to build a Japan-U.S. alliance sustainable for the next 30 to 50 years. The two leaders reaffirmed a policy direction to continue reinforcing the bilateral alliance. At the outset of the meeting, Clinton expressed a stance to effectively accept (the new Japanese government's decision) to terminate the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean by saying to the press corps, "The relationship between Japan and the United States is so broad and so deep that there isn't any one issue that defines it." The Okada-Clinton meeting took place ahead of the Sept. 23 talks between Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and President Barack Obama. About Japan's support for Afghanistan as an alternative to the refueling mission, Okada said, "Japan wants to play an active role in the civilian sector." Clinton welcomed Okada's statement, saying, "We highly appreciate Japan's assistance to police officers (in Afghanistan)." The two leaders also agreed on the importance of reconstruction assistance for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Referring to the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, Okada said, "There are some issues the Democratic Party of Japan has not supported." Okada conveyed a plan to hold fresh discussions on the matter after indirectly touching on the question of relocating the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station (in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture) outside the prefecture. Clinton simply replied: "The basic idea is to realize the current plan and that is important. We would like to continue discussing security issues with Japan." Clinton also indicated that the U.S. government will continue addressing the issue of (Japanese nationals) abducted by North Korea. "There will be no talks on normalizing diplomatic ties between Japan and North Korea unless the nuclear, missile, and abduction issues are settled," Okada said. Okada stopped short of referring to a plan to investigate the alleged Japan-U.S. secret pact on the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japan. 10) Gist of foreign ministerial talks between Okada, Clinton YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) September 23, 2009 (Japan-U.S. alliance) Secretary of State Clinton: The Japan-U.S. alliance is a cornerstone of Washington's foreign policy and is indispensable to the security and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. I hope we will further develop and strengthen the historically strong bonds of our partnership. TOKYO 00002216 007 OF 009 Foreign Minister Okada: I want to establish a deeper bilateral relationship sustainable for the next 30 to 50 years (Assistance to Afghanistan) Clinton and Okada agreed on the view that the task of reconstructing and stabilizing Afghanistan and Pakistan is a top priority challenge that will affect our efforts to eliminate terrorism and maintain global stability. Okada: Japan would like to consider the Afghanistan issue its own problem and play a proactive role in public welfare and other areas. (U.S. force realignment) Okada: The government will work out specific measures to deal with such issues as U.S. military bases and the realignment of U.S. forces in Okinawa. I hope that the two countries will jointly address these issues in close cooperation. Clinton: It is fundamental and important for the two countries to implement the current plans agreed on between them. We should discuss issues that will affect national security and the Japan-U.S. alliance. (Climate change) Clinton and Okada shared the view that climate change is an urgent key issue and that it is necessary for Japan and the U.S. to take the initiative in international discussions on this issue. 11) Japanese, U.S. foreign ministers agree to discuss U.S. force realignment in future ASAHI (Page 1) (Full) September 23, 2009 Kei Ukai, New York Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada held his first talks with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in New York on Sept. 21. The two leaders confirmed the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance. They also agreed that the two countries will discuss in the future the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, which Okada regards as his top priority for his first 100 days in office. "The Democratic Party of Japan has some questions. We want to discuss the matter after examining it concretely," Okada said about the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, including Futenma Air Station in Okinawa, according to a Japanese source. A U.S. source quoted Clinton as replying, "There is an existing plan, but we would be glad to respond to any questions the Japanese government has." Okada said that Clinton's stance was not obstinate. Clinton indicated that the effects of the Hatoyama administration's policy not to simply extend the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean would be limited, saying, "The relationship between the United States and Japan is so broad and so deep that there isn't any one issue that defines it." Okada told Clinton that the Japanese TOKYO 00002216 008 OF 009 government is considering offering civilian aid to Afghanistan. "There will be no normalization talks unless the abduction, nuclear, and missile issues are settled properly," Okada also said regarding the North Korean issue. Clinton promised that the United States will support the Japanese government regarding the abduction issue. Okada did not bring up the issue of purported Japan-U.S. secret pacts, according to an informed source. 12) Japan faces tough issues at first meeting between FM Okada, Secretary of State Clinton SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) September 23, 2009 Ken Kasahara At his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada indicated his intention to deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance, but he is already facing such tough issues as U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) realignment and alternative contributions to replace the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean in case of its discontinuation. During the meeting Okada was expected to mention the "secret nuclear agreement" allowing U.S. ships carrying nuclear arms to call at Japanese ports. However, he gave priority to enhancing the relationship of trust between the two countries and refrained from touching on this issue because, according to a source familiar with Japan-U.S. relations, "the U.S. has already made its documents public. Whether documents exist in Japan is a Japanese internal issue." Okada has presented a "100-day plan" according to which he will work on the following three issues in the first 100 days of the administration: (1) USFJ realignment, including the relocation of the Futenma Air Station; (2) aid to Afghanistan and Pakistan; and (3) climate change. The plan demonstrates great enthusiasm for rebuilding the Japan-U.S. relationship. After charting a direction for policy based on this plan, he intends to work on redefining of the Japan-U.S. security alliance in the 300 days until the House of Councillors election next summer. The success of this effort depends on the realignment of U.S. military bases and the question of the refueling mission. Okada and Clinton confirmed at their meeting that discussions on issues related to the realignment of U.S. bases will continue, but Japan has yet to clarify its position. Proposals to merge the Futenma base with the U.S. Air Force's Kadena Air Base or to revise the plan to build a Futenma replacement facility off the coast of Camp Schwab are under review in the government and the ruling parties. If the Futenma facility is to be moved out of Okinawa, the government will face many difficult issues including the employment of Japanese base workers and negotiations with a local government willing to host the new facility. On the other hand, if the Hatoyama administration ends the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean, the U.S. is certain to demand alternative contributions. The government plans to draw up proposals for these, such as providing vocational training, agricultural instruction, and other civilian aid measures, before President TOKYO 00002216 009 OF 009 Barack Obama's visit to Japan in November. Okada believes that the withdrawal of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) (from the Indian Ocean) will not be a problem because "the U.S. has not actually asked for an expanding commitment of SDF troops to Afghanistan." However, it is unclear how the Obama administration will assess this. Instead of rebuilding the Japan-U.S. relationship, there is even the possibility that the relationship may deteriorate. 13) Japan, U.S., Australia concur on dialogue-based solution to Iran nuclear issue TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) September 23, 2009 Jiji, New York Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada held a strategic meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Clinton and Australian Foreign Minister Smith in New York on the evening of Sept. 21 (on the morning of Sept. 22, Japan time). During the meeting, the three discussed the issue of Iran's nuclear development programs and agreed on the importance of aiming for a solution to the issue through dialogue in line with the Obama administration's policy. In addition, they confirmed a course of action to put stronger pressure on Iran, taking the position that Iran should be well aware of the issue and make serious efforts to resolve it. On the issue of North Korea's nuclear and missile development programs, Okada and his U.S. and Australian counterparts confirmed that their governments will call on United Nations members to strictly implement U.N. Security Council resolutions that incorporate cargo inspections of North Korean and other foreign ships heading to and from North Korea. 14) Secret deal is Japanese domestic issue: Campbell NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 23, 2009 Kaku Oishi, New York When asked by reporters at a press conference on Sept. 21 whether the Hatoyama administration would disclose the alleged secret agreement on nuclear introduction between Japan and the United States, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State (for East Asian and Pacific affairs) Kurt Campbell said, "It is up to the Japanese government to decide how the issue is handled. It is a domestic issue for Japan." Pointing out that the United States has already disclosed the documents on the pact, he stated, "It is part of the diplomacy between Japan and the United States in the Cold War era. ROOS