TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - CHINA AND NORTH KOREA

UNCLAS TOKYO 000516 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 - CHINA AND NORTH KOREA ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Most Friday morning papers continued to give prominent front-page play to the ongoing investigation by prosecutors of DPJ President Ozawa's aide for allegedly receiving illegal corporate contributions from a scandal-hit general contractor. ¶2. "Explanations on Surging Military Spending Should Be Provided" On this year's annual session of the People's National Congress in China, the conservative Sankei editorialized (3/6): "In his keynote speech, Premier Wen stressed peaceful development and played up coordination with the international community. However, China's rapid military buildup has stirred international concern. Beijing must offer a clear explanation why its defense expenditures have been constantly increasing at a faster pace than its economic growth, especially at a time when it needs to take a concerted approach with its neighbors." ¶3. "China Must Enhance Military Transparency" The business-oriented Nikkei asserted (3/6): "China's double-digit increase in military spending in 21 consecutive years makes its neighbors nervous. Given the lack of democracy in China, regional countries, including Japan, have no options but to have some doubts about the motives behind its robust defense spending.... Speculation is mounting that Beijing has initiated the construction of an aircraft carrier without explaining how to finance such a massive military program. China is called upon to swiftly increase transparency in defense spending." ¶4. "Stronger Encirclement Needed to Deter Missile Launch" The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri claimed in an editorial (3/6): "North Korea is pushing for nuclear development in the face of continued economic impoverishment. It is apparent that Pyongyang is preparing for a launch in order to develop a nuclear missile.... The U.S., Japan, and South Korea are set to enhance sanctions against the DPRK if it goes ahead with a launch. However, such measures would lack real teeth without the participation of China. It is necessary for regional powers to establish an enhanced international encirclement of North Korea by having China on their side." ZUMWALT