DEPUTY SECRETARY MEETS WITH JAPANESE FOREIGN

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 002314 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/05/2019 TAGS: PGOV PINR PREL SENV MARR KGHG JA SUBJECT: DEPUTY SECRETARY MEETS WITH JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER Classified By: CHARGE D'AFFAIRES, a.i. JAMES P. ZUMWALT, REASONS 1.4(B) AND (D). ¶1. (C) Summary: Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada met with Deputy Secretary Steinberg 1 October and said that during his initial 100 days as Minister he planned to focus on U.S-Japan relations, including force realignment and U.S. bases in Okinawa; reconstruction assistance for Afghanistan and Pakistan; and climate change policy. The Deputy Secretary emphasized that Japan and the United States should consult closely on all of these issues, adding that bilateral discussions on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament were essential to achieving an agreed approach to the President's vision of a nuclear-free world while ensuring vital security relationships. End Summary. -------------- U.S.-Japan Relations -------------- ¶2. (C) Emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance, Okada said it was important to "resolve several problems" in the relationship, pointing to U.S. military bases in Okinawa and realignment initiatives. He said it was important for the U.S. and Japan to move forward on these issues on a "basis of trust." The Deputy Secretary emphasized discussions on changes to the force structure in Okinawa had a long history and were driven by social, political, economic, and geopolitical factors. The U.S. appreciates the DPJ's desire to make a careful, deliberate review of past decisions in order to better understand the current situation, the Deputy Secretary noted. He stressed, however, that in public fora it was important for the U.S. and Japan to project an image of working together to strengthen the Alliance, and added that the October 2009 visit of Defense Secretary Gates would be a good opportunity to continue dialogue on these issues. -------------- Afghanistan-Pakistan -------------- ¶3. (C) Turning to the security situation in South Asia, Okada said Japan needed to develop a "complete plan" for assistance in Afghanistan reconstruction and noted the DPJ would be evaluating options where Japan could best contribute. Expressing appreciation for Japan's commitment to bring about positive change in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Deputy Secretary emphasized it was important to develop a comprehensive approach to both countries. In addition to fighting the war on terrorism, the international community must help the Afghan and Pakistani governments show their citizens that their government can be responsive to basic needs. He added that Japan's willingness to work on development issues will send a strong signal of global consensus on building strong, stable governments in the region. -------------- Climate Change -------------- ¶4. (C) On climate change and global warming, Okada stressed it was important for the U.S. and Japan to address these issues immediately, given the December 2009 Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (COP15). The Deputy Secretary said climate change was a very important issue for the President, who wants the United States to play a leadership role. The President appreciates Japan's ambitious climate change agenda, the Deputy Secretary said, and this makes Japan a valuable partner for the United States. Japan and the United States must work together in order for COP15 to succeed and must also encourage developing countries to work with us. The Deputy Secretary said the President's visit to Japan will be a good opportunity to highlight U.S.-Japan cooperation on green technologies. -------------- Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament -------------- ¶5. (C) Noting it was not on Okada's first 100 days agenda, the Deputy Secretary said that, along with climate change, nuclear disarmament was central to the President's foreign policy agenda. The President laid out a long-term vision in his Prague speech and outlined the short- and medium-term steps toward realizing that vision. We have made progress with Russia in negotiating a START follow-on treaty, the Deputy Secretary said, adding that the President has also reaffirmed his commitment to obtaining Congressional ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The Deputy Secretary said the President was also planning on hosting a nuclear security summit in Washington in spring ¶2010. ¶6. (C) The Deputy Secretary noted, however, that in moving forward on this agenda there was an important need to address the challenges posed by the nuclear programs in North Korea and Iran. He emphasized that Japan's leadership on these matters was essential. Okada said nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament were important. Japan's greatest national security concern comes from a nuclear-armed North Korea and any instability in Iran could have strong negative impact on Japan's energy security. Unless the international community resolves these two issues, it will be impossible to realize the President's vision of a nuclear free world. -------------- Meeting Participants -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Japan: -------------- Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada Deputy Vice Minister for Policy Koro Bessho North American Affairs Bureau Director General Kazuyoshi Umemoto Executive Assistant to the Foreign Minister Hiroshi Ishikawa United States: -------------- Deputy Secretary Steinberg Ambassador Roos Ambassador Kim Ambassador DeTrani PDAS Donovan NSC Mr. Russel PDASD Mitchell RADM Leidig DCM Zumwalt Special Assistant Park ¶8. (U) The Deputy Secretary has cleared this message. ZUMWALT