TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - IDEA OF "EAST ASIAN COMMUNITY"

UNCLAS TOKYO 002350 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 - IDEA OF "EAST ASIAN COMMUNITY" ¶1. LEAD STORIES: There were no papers published on Tuesday morning because of a press holiday. Television news stories on Tuesday morning included North Korea's apparent firing on Monday of short-range missiles. ¶2. "Study of East Asian Community to Begin" The liberal Asahi editorialized (10/11): "... The leaders of Japan, China, and South Korea decided to share Prime Minister Hatoyama's idea of creating an 'East Asia Community' as a common long-term goal... The biggest issue is how to deal with the U.S. in the envisaged framework... There cannot be a community that conflicts with the U.S. Prime Minister Hatoyama said during his meeting with the Chinese and South Korean leaders that Japan has depended on the U.S. too much. He needs to explain to both domestic and international audiences real intentions behind his remarks." ¶3. "Big Picture of East Asian Community Should Be Presented" The liberal Mainichi stated in an editorial (10/11): "... It is certain that the U.S. is concerned that it might be excluded from the Asian market. Prime Minister Hatoyama reportedly said that Japan has depended on the U.S. too much. He should not forget about the U.S.'s concern that Japan might be becoming anti-American. In order to avoid provoking unnecessary negative reaction, Hatoyama should present a specific and complete picture of his idea of an 'East Asian Community.'" ¶4. "Keep U.S.-Japan Alliance as Basis of Foreign Policy" The moderate Yomiuri argued in an editorial (10/11): "We wonder whether Hatoyama's foreign policy is seen as an effort to leave the U.S. behind and instead build stronger ties with Asian nations... The U.S.-Japan alliance should remain the cornerstone of Japan's foreign policy. Hatoyama should repeatedly stress this point to avoid any misunderstanding." ¶5. "Japan, China, South Korea Discuss East Asian Community" The business-oriented Nikkei editorialized (10/11): "... Although the move by Japan, China, and South Korea to seek a common regional community together has significance, there is an issue of how to deal with the U.S... Japan's alliance with the U.S. is critically important for its security. Japan will not be able to carry out its foreign policy in Asia if it fails to strengthen its relations with the U.S." ROOS