TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - G20 SUMMIT

UNCLAS TOKYO 000755 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 - G20 SUMMIT ¶1. LEAD STORIES: All Friday morning papers gave top play to the joint statement issued on Thursday by G20 leaders. ¶2. "G20 Summit Demonstrates Determination to Overcome Crisis" The business-oriented Nikkei editorialized (4/3): "... It is historically important that G20 nations, which manage 90 percent of the world economy, have reached an agreement that looks at the management of the post-crisis global economy. What is needed next is swift and steady action by each nation." ¶3. "G20 to Play Pivotal Role for World Economy" The liberal Tokyo Shimbun's editorial said (4/3): "G20 nations need to be united to coordinate their policy, as they are expected to play a pivotal role in the world economy... G20 states, which manage 90 percent of the world GDP, are held responsible not only for their own economies but also for the global economy." ¶4. "G20 to Be Tested" The liberal Asahi commented (4/3): "G20 nations expressed their resolve to reconstruct the world economy at their summit meeting in London. Differences over where to place emphasis were sealed for the time being. However, anxiety remains as to whether the member states will be able to continue their fiscal spending. The success of their efforts would determine whether the G20 will be established as a framework to deal with global issues." ¶5. "Difference Remains between U.S. and Europe over Additional Spending" The moderate Yomiuri wrote (4/3): "The G20 financial summit agreed to promote fiscal spending and tighten restrictions on financial institutions in order to boost the world economy and prevent a worldwide financial crisis from recurring. However, a blueprint for stabilizing the global economy was not drawn up, given the difference between the U.S. and Europe over the need for additional spending and specific measures to control operations of financial institutions." ¶6. "Sense of Crisis Shared while Differences Are Sealed" The conservative Sankei wrote from London (4/3): "The G20 summit shared the sense of crisis that there is no room to discuss differences in prescriptions when they face the present worldwide crisis. The summit also left the impression that the presence of emerging nations has increased while the U.S.-led international financial system has reached a turning point." ZUMWALT