TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS

UNCLAS TOKYO 000586 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.-CHINA RELATIONS AND NORTH KOREA ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Front-page items on Tuesday morning included a plan by Prime Minister Aso to instruct the GOJ and the ruling coalition to draft a supplementary budget for fiscal 2009 after the G20 financial summit in April. ¶2. "China Should Stop Dangerous Actions" The conservative Sankei editorialized (3/17): "Chinese vessels' harassment of a U.S. Navy ship in the South China Sea is making waves in the international community. China's unusually tough position of protecting its maritime interests lies behind the move... China should exercise restraint... We are deeply concerned about China's move that ignored international rules... There is a view that China tested the Obama administration by taking such a move... However, no excuse for its harassment and threat would be accepted by the global community." ¶3. "North Korea's 'Satellite' Launch Should Not Be Allowed" The business-oriented Nikkei stated in an editorial (3/17): "North Korea notified that it will launch a 'satellite' sometime between April4 and 8. The rocket will fly over Japan. Although North Korea insists that the purpose of the launch is the peaceful use of space, the act that will heighten the international tension and threaten Japan's security should not be permitted... The projectile is said to be capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. In addition to its attempt to boost national prestige, it is clear that North Korea is trying to gain the advantage in its bilateral talks with the U.S. by attracting the Obama administration's attention and provoking the international community. The U.S., Japan, and South Korea have repeatedly warned North Korea that a launch, even if it is a satellite, would violate the 2006 UN Security Council resolution calling for a halt to all activities related to ballistic missile programs. Their action is reasonable. The U.S., Japan, and South Korea should work with China and Russia to apply further pressure on North Korea and strongly urge Pyongyang to exercise restraint." ZUMWALT