DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 04/06/09

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 10 TOKYO 000780 SIPDIS DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA; WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST DIVISION; TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN, DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR; CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA. E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 04/06/09 INDEX: (1) North Korea launches missile - part 1: Comprehensive negotiations backed by pressure (Yomiuri) (2) Seiron (argument) column: Time for missile defense system to be tested (Sankei) (3) DPJ to conduct opinion survey on April 18-19 (Sankei) (4) Nishimatsu conveyed to Nikai office desire to win contracts in Haneda, Kansai airport projects (Mainichi) (5) Commentary: U.S. minesweeper forcibly enters Ishigaki port for "goodwill"; Taiwan crisis also in mind; U.S. consul general sticks to port call within his term (Ryukyu Shimpo) (6) Fluoroscope column: Visit to Ishigaki Port by U.S. naval vessels; U.S. side demonstrates provocative attitude; Citizens concerned about U.S. military accumulating achievements (Ryukyu Shimpo) (7) Japan might be pressed to endlessly bear costs for U.S. Marines transferred from Okinawa to Guam, including even activity costs (Akahata) (8) Editorial: Can new U.S. strategy serve as a turning point for stability of Afghanistan? (Nikkei) ARTICLES: (1) North Korea launches missile - part 1: Comprehensive negotiations backed by pressure YOMIURI (Page 6) (Full) April 6, 2009 Hitoshi Tanaka North Korea has launched a ballistic missile under cover of a communications satellite. The major goal is to maintain the Kim Jong Il regime. Though North Korea is a reclusive state, it is fully aware of the ferocity of the U.S. It is presumably trying to secure a deterrent capability against the U.S. by showing off its technical capability to launch a missile that can reach that country. In reality, however, there is a huge gap between the U.S. and North Korea in terms of military capabilities. Therefore, North Korea's launch of a missile appears to have little meaning as a deterrent against the U.S. However, there is a possibility of that nation using it as a diplomatic card. The North's missile launch is probably also aimed at tightening the domestic front, as well as to boost national prestige. Kim Jong Il's health problem has long been reported. There is little doubt but that the country's domestic economy is in bad shape. The launch was presumably also meant to show to a domestic audience that North Korea is a major country able to launch an artificial satellite or a long-rage ballistic missile as the culmination of its science and technology capability. TOKYO 00000780 002 OF 010 Whether that nation actually launched an artificial satellite or not will determine the future course of international discussions on the issue. If it was actually an artificial satellite that was launched, China and Russia will likely oppose the idea of adopting a resolution against the nation at the UN Security Council (UNSC), citing that an extreme response should be avoided, because the nation had undergone necessary procedures needed for the launch in advance. If it was not an artificial satellite, the basis for their opposition would be weakened. Japan should pursue talks in a bid to send a strong message that the launch is in violation of the UNSC resolution. However, it is impossible to prejudge the outcome of the talks. What is most important is the collaboration and unity of the international community. If the views of various countries are split, that is exactly what Pyongyang wants to see. The six-party talks to discuss North Korea's nuclear are important as a framework for neighboring countries to unite with one another. The U.S. is calling for the resumption of the six-party talks. Japan shares the same stance. The missile launch yesterday is regrettable. However, (the international community) should search for a path toward talks with North Korea at some point. It is necessary for Japan to think about purpose when conducting diplomacy. There is always a specific goal to achieve in diplomacy. Diplomacy does not rest on a process alone. There are cases that require tough sanctions. However, that is not enough to conduct diplomacy. Settling pending issues between Japan and North Korea, such as the nuclear, abduction and missile issues in a comprehensive manner will serve the best interests of our nation. Such is also the objective of diplomacy. What is needed for Japan-North Korea relations are not just talks but negotiations. It is necessary to press ahead with comprehensive negotiations, backed by national power, including pressure. The Pyongyang Declaration between Japan and North Korea issued in September 2002 incorporated a freeze on missile launches. It is important for Japan to seek negotiations and point out that the missile launch yesterday is in violation (of the UN resolution). North Korea is undoubtedly a threat to Japan's security. Japan has revised its security system in tandem with North Korea's moves. Following the first nuclear crisis between 1993 and 1994, Japan and U.S. revised their defense cooperation guidelines. A missile defense system was introduced after the launch of a ballistic missile in ¶1998. As a result, Japan came to possess intelligence satellites. It is imperative for Japan to further strengthen its defense system. Diplomatic negotiations are only possible with deterrent capability and strong Japan-U.S. ties. Hitoshi Tanaka: Senior fellow at the Japan Center for International Exchange. Former Foreign Ministry bureau director general and deputy foreign minister. His works include "Strength of Diplomacy." 62 years old. (2) Seiron (argument) column: Time for missile defense system to be tested SANKEI (Page 7) (Full) TOKYO 00000780 003 OF 010 April 1, 2009 By Toshiyuki Shikata, professor at Teikyo University Politicians often use the expressions " public thinking (kokumin no mesen de)" and "the thinking of the average people (seikatsusha no mesen de)." We feel the arrogance of politicians in those expressions, which seems somewhat odd. Politicians are bound to always serve the nation and the people, as well as to implement policies with a broad perspective for the future. Therefore, it is only natural for them to give consideration to what the public is thinking. But I do not want them to say things that are better left unsaid. In reference to political donation scandals, politicians who say that politics should be carried out based on consideration of public thinking and that things should be put back into the hands of people are suspicious. The opposite meaning of the public thinking is state thinking, which is absolutely necessary. No matter how hard individuals, corporations, and local governments work, there are issues that they cannot be resolved on their own. That's why national politics exists. It is needless to say that the Constitution is the basis of national politics. The Constitution stipulates that all of the people shall have the right to maintain minimum standards of health and cultural life. To ensure this right, there are national economic, fiscal and financial policies, including the improving of the safety net to protect the compulsory education system, the insurance and annuity system, and the situation of the socially weak. Apart from fundamentalist and autocratic states, in democracies it is possible to correct, review and make concessions on social and economic policies. They can be converged over a short period. However, such is not applicable to diplomacy and national defense that are the heart of the national politics. Short-term and stopgap measures do not work when foreign and national defense affairs are concerned. Unlike economic measures, it is difficult to correct and revise foreign and national defense policies. A ballistic missile launching by North Korea has become a major issue. Japan has an option to intercept the missile, to bring the issue to the UN Security Council, as well as to step up its economic sanctions against the North. This is because Japan made a strategic decision to have the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) possess an anti-ballistic missile system and worked at it for a long time. It is a good example that foreign and defense policies related to national security require a long-term and strategic response. If mistakes are made in the timing and direction, they cannot be corrected. The improvement of the defense-oriented equipment system -- under which the SDF would shoot down a missile by a missile -- requires high-level skills, huge costs and a long period of time. This is the result of such many efforts as crafting a strategy of dealing with envisaged threats, developing technologies, acquiring equipment, bringing up SDF personnel, training troops, and revising (Article 82-2 of the SDF Law). At present, the SDF's anti-ballistic missile system has yet to be TOKYO 00000780 004 OF 010 completed. However, Japan has now the option of intercepting missiles because the nation came up with the strategy early on of improving the system. Without accumulated efforts, Japan would not have had any means to respond to a ballistic missile threat. Japan has had no other choice but to rely on everything from the United States, even if the people feel intimidated, harboring a sense of helplessness and self-defeat. An effort for improving the missile defense system is different from one to recover the economic and financial systems which take two to several years. We now understand from the dispatch of Maritime Self-Defense Force personnel off Somalia that foreign policy and national defense are the two sides of the same coin. In consideration of the fact about 2,000 vessels affiliated with Japan pass through the Gulf of Aden, the security of waters around this area is our country's vital interest. It has been crystal clear since last year that in order to maintain the security of this region, Japan should participate in international activities. However, the government greatly delayed in coming up with an anti-piracy bill because it was busy with dealing with the economic crisis. In the waters off Somalia, naval ships from about 20 countries have carried out anti-piracy operations. Japan, however, finally dispatched two destroyers there. The destroyers are conducting operations for now under the maritime policing action provision in the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) Law, which allows the SDF to protect only Japan-related ships. Japan as an independent state is a coward. I urge the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) not to take the anti-piracy measures bill, which has been submitted to the Diet, as a hostage because of the political situation. If the DPJ tries to delay the enactment of the bill by presenting an unrealistic revision bill and counterproposals, it will never be able to take over the reins of government. Establishing a clear law as quickly as possible so that the commander of the dispatched unit will not be confused is real civil control and political responsibility. There are parties that have called for dispatching Japan Coast Guard ships, not sending SDF destroyers. If Japan wants to dispatch JCG ships, related bills including measures to strengthen the JCG's functions and capabilities needed to be presented. Japanese politicians and people should recognize that both the missile defense system and anti-piracy measures in waters off Somalia are important national policy directly linked to Japan's security, not to international contributions. Unless Japan can share risks with the international community, it should not consider becoming a permanent UNSC member. (3) DPJ to conduct opinion survey on April 18-19 SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) April 4, 2009 Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Ichiro Ozawa decided on TOKYO 00000780 005 OF 010 April 3 that the DPJ would carry out an opinion poll on its own on April 18-19 regarding a general election for the House of Representatives. Ozawa conveyed the decision to Lower House member Katsumasa Suzuki in their meeting in Tokyo. Referring to Vice President Seiji Maehara's proposal for the holding of an open discussion based on the results of the planned poll, DPJ Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama said: "I want party members to trust me and the party head (concerning the analysis of the situation)," taking a negative stance toward the proposal. Hatoyama stated in a strong voice: "If all the party members are allowed to see the outcomes of the poll, the contents would be leaked to outside the party through the media. Should candidates come to know the results, some candidates would slacken their efforts, and some would abandon their hopes. I cannot imagine that the outcome of the poll would be open to the public." Referring in the taping of a TBS program on April 3 to the question of whether Ozawa should remain in his party post or quit, Hirohisa Fujii, a supreme advisor to the DPJ, said: "He will make an appropriate decision on his own." He indicated that he would keep a close watch on what response Ozawa would take. Pointing out that Ozawa has said that winning the next Lower House election is everything, Fujii stated: "Ozawa is the only person who can reform the government bureaucracy of Kasumigaseki. I want him to consider reforming Kasumigaseki from various perspectives." (4) Nishimatsu conveyed to Nikai office desire to win contracts in Haneda, Kansai airport projects MAINICHI (Top Play) (Excerpts) April 4, 2009 Nishimatsu Construction Co. started in 1999 conveying to Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Toshihiro Nikai's political group its desire to receive orders in projects related to Kansai International Airport and Haneda Airport in exchange for its providing political donations to the Nikai group, according to Nishimatsu sources. During this period, Nishimatsu had been paying the rent of about 24 million yen on an office used by Kansai Shinpu-kai, a political organization linked to Nikai. The second-tier general contractor had allegedly provided Nikai's political group with funds, with the aim of winning contracts in large-scale projects. The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's special investigation squad reportedly will start final talks with a higher-level government office possibly early next week. According to Nishimatsu sources, the company was desperate to receive orders in a project to construct the 4th runway (2,500 meters) at Haneda Airport and for the second-phase construction of a second parallel runway (4,000 meters) and related facilities at Kansai International Airport. The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry made an official announcement in December 2001 on the project for a new runway at Haneda Airport, which is estimated to be worth approximately 598.5 billion yen, including designing costs. Only a joint venture (JV) composed of 15 companies including Kashima Corp. TOKYO 00000780 006 OF 010 and Nishimatsu participated in the tender, and the JV won the contract without competition. Nishimatsu received orders worth about 20.9 billion yen. The project was set in motion in March 2007, and the new runway is expected to be opened in October next year. The second-phase Kansai International Airport project was launched in July 1999. The total cost of orders issued for land reclamation is approximately 527 billion yen. Nishimatsu received some orders in connection with this project, too. (5) Commentary: U.S. minesweeper forcibly enters Ishigaki port for "goodwill"; Taiwan crisis also in mind; U.S. consul general sticks to port call within his term RYUKYU SHIMPO (Page 2) (Full) April 4, 2009 What lies behind the recent port call of a U.S. Navy minesweeper at the island of Ishigakijima is that the United States, with a Taiwan crisis and other contingencies in mind, wants to ensure refugee evacuation. The minesweeper's official port call there was for the purpose of promoting "friendship and goodwill," according to a U.S. military press release. However, the U.S. military is steadily gathering information needed for its use of ports. The U.S. Navy minesweeper that called at Ishigaki port had made a port call at the island of Yonagunijima in 2007, the first call of a U.S. warship at a commercial seaport since the reversion of Okinawa to Japan. This is the second case of a U.S. warship's port call since the return of Okinawa. There are many seaports in Okinawa Prefecture. But this time as well the U.S. military chose a port of the Yaeyama islands near the border. A U.S. warship once made a port call at Yonagunijima. At that time, the U.S. military had first sounded out Ishigakijima on its plan to make a port call there. However, Ishigakijima rejected the proposal. In July, U.S. Consul General in Okinawa Maher will become director for Japanese affairs (Japan Desk) at the U.S. Department of State. He seems to have stuck to the minesweeper's port call at Ishigakijima before that. The minesweeper is the USS Patriot. Its captain, Robert Shu, said: "The Navy's continual presence demonstrates our commitment to security arrangements in this region." This could be a military message to neighboring countries, meaning that the U.S. Navy will make its forward deployment possible at all times by making port calls. Maher says U.S. warships "need to make port calls to maintain stability, safety, and peace in the region." However, he does not specify how the port call at Ishigakijima will lead to maintaining peace. In fact, the U.S. military is going ahead with military actions while reiterating the concept of bilateral security arrangements between Japan and the United States. According to emergency and other relevant bills enacted in 2004, the U.S. military is to take precedence to use Japan's civilian seaports and airports during emergencies. Such an environment and actual port calls in Okinawa might have something to do with each other. Gov. Nakaima: It's unfavorable Concerning the recent entry of a U.S. Navy minesweeper into the port of Ishigaki in the face of local opposition, Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima said in Tokyo where he was visiting on an official trip: "I TOKYO 00000780 007 OF 010 wonder if military ships should be allowed to enter civilian ports during nonemergency times. Besides, it's unfavorable." He also expressed a feeling of discomfort the purpose of the minesweeper's port call, saying: "It was not in an emergency situation like taking refuge from a typhoon. It was for goodwill, not urgent." Minimum study for safety: captain Lt. Cmdr. Robert Shu, the captain of the USS Patriot, a U.S. Navy minesweeper that called at the port of Ishigaki, and Kevin Maher, U.S. consul general in Okinawa, met the press in the port after the minesweeper's arrival. Shu explained the preliminary study of ports visited, saying: "We are conducting a minimum study of safety as we do in other ports. None of the crew came here to check the port in advance. We secured information from open sources on the Internet." Asked if the Patriot called at Ishigaki in its readiness to meet a Taiwan crisis, Shu answered: "This is a normal port call and does not have any particular meaning." He also stressed the significance of displaying the U.S. naval presence, saying: "The Navy's continual presence shows our commitment to security arrangements in this region." Meanwhile, the mayor of Ishigaki City participated in a local rally against the minesweeper's entry into the port of Ishigaki and held a press conference against it. "We are aware of the mayor's position, but it is necessary to make port calls under the security arrangements. Asked about this, Maher said: "This is not rare at all in Japan, and there is no legal problem. There are people who are against the port call, but there are also people who welcome it." "It looks like a small number of people are reportedly against our visit here, but I understand that many other people welcome us," Shu said, indicating that many locals welcome the minesweeper's port call. The U.S. military has not disclosed such data as the minesweeper's weaponry. Asked about this, Shu only answered, "We will not do anything like hurting Ishigakijima people." (6) Fluoroscope column: Visit to Ishigaki Port by U.S. naval vessels; U.S. side demonstrates provocative attitude; Citizens concerned about U.S. military accumulating achievements RYUKYU SHIMPO (Page 3) (Full) April 6, 2009 Yuki Fukasawa The U.S. Navy's minesweepers Patriot and Guardian, which were at anchor in Ishigaki for the first time, left Ishigaki Port around noon April 5. The vessels made the port call in defiance of repeated oppositions by Ishigaki Mayor Nagateru Ohama and calls for restraint by Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima. Experiencing a rejection of its request to allow its naval vessels enter Ishigaki Port two years ago, the U.S. side was hell-bent to realize a port call this time around, and its attitude remained provocative even after the Patriot and Guardian entered the port. The vessels made the port call in the name of forging friendships with local communities and providing crew members with rest. Looking back at their port call, U.S. Consul General for Okinawa Kevin Maher described the event "a success," citing such actual achievements as exchanges with local people, fueling, and so on. "Port calls by U.S. naval vessels might become a TOKYO 00000780 008 OF 010 standard practice," a local resident said apprehensively. After mooring the minesweepers to the pier, Consul General Maher and others tried to visit the shopping district shortly before noon, but their path was blocked by local protesters. After being stranded there for about five hours, they, escorted by police officers, elbowed their way through the protestors. According to some concerned sources, when Consul General Maher struggled with some protesters, he cursed them, saying, "You idiots!" On the following day as well, there was a scene in which the U.S. diplomat, blocked by a human wall, shouted back at some local protesters. Request not accepted In a way, clashes with local residents resulted from the U.S. side's responses. On the day of the port call, the Ishigaki municipal government, the administrator of the port, asked U.S. persons concerned to use a certain gate to go in and out of the port. But witnessing the situation where someone could get hurt, a city official in charge asked Consul General Maher, who was staying at a city hotel, to stay away from the port. But he did not heed to the request. Worse yet, entering a port facility, he demonstrated the provocative attitude of making a U-turn before the human wall of local residents at the gate. When the consul general wrestled with the local protestors, the official in charge proposed that he leave the spot via another gate, but he insisted on forcing his way through the protesters. The U.S. side forcibly carried out the two naval vessels' call at Ishigaki Port after experiencing a rejection two year ago. Even after the vessels entered the port, the U.S. side continued to act provocatively occasionally, drawing fire from local residents. The U.S. side informed Japan in advance that the purpose of the port call was to provide crew members with rest and to promote friendship with locals. The U.S. side has gained more than that in terms of collecting information and making track records. Refueling to the two minesweepers began at 8 a.m. on April 4, day two of their stay at the port. Since there is no vessel-fueling station in Ishigaki Port, the vessels received fuel from tank trucks in the city. According to Ishigaki City Fire Headquarters, tank trucks are usually not allowed to provide fuel in the port. But the fire headquarters authorized a local operator's request and applied to the U.S. vessels the special standards under the Hazardous Materials Control Ordinance on the condition of setting up an oil fence to minimize damage in case of a disaster and an off-limits area. The U.S. Navy confirmed that refueling at Ishigaki Port was possible. List of restaurants Meanwhile, the U.S. side asked a waste-disposal company in the city to dispose of trash in the minesweepers within the city of Ishigaki, but the municipal government told the firm: "What's in the trash is unknown. Please deal with the matter in line with the wishes of the city." As a result, the trash was carried back into the vessels. Citizens welcoming the vessels' visit had surveyed the restaurants in Misakicho, and presented the U.S. side with a list of restaurants TOKYO 00000780 009 OF 010 open to U.S. service members. Parties and courtesy calls were planned for exchanges with crew members. Readiness to receive American crew members was also confirmed. "We fear most the possibility of the U.S. military accumulating real experiences," Yaeyama district labor union president Akihiko Ohama, 49, said anxiously. (7) Japan might be pressed to endlessly bear costs for U.S. Marines transferred from Okinawa to Guam, including even activity costs AKAHATA (Top Play) (Full) April 4, 2009 Japan has been asked to bear partial construction costs of new facilities in Guam for U.S. Marines to be transferred from Okinawa. In this transfer plan, Japan might have to foot even the bill for activities by Marines transferred to the U.S. territory, according to informed sources yesterday. Japanese Communist Party (JCP) member Akira Kasai questioned about this possibility during a meeting of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee in which the Japan-U.S. relocation accord was deliberated on. Kasai: "Japan-U.S. accord unacceptable" In reference to a statement made by the Defense Ministry on the breakdown of costs related to projects to construct facilities and infrastructure under the Guam relocation plan, Kasai pointed out that the statement included this passage: "Costs associated with the transfer of U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam and their activities are not included in the relocation plan worth 10.27 billion dollars (to be borne by both Japan and the U.S.)" Kasai questioned about the possibility of Japan paying even the costs for combat forces left behind in Okinawa to participate in training in Guam and for their activities. Nobushige Takamizawa, the Defense Ministry's Defense Policy Bureau director general, replied, without denying Japan's possible burden sharing in the future: "On expenses for transferring drills and other matters, we have made a specific judgment in each case." Kasai said: "Since the conclusion and the ratification of the Guam relocation accord is indisputably the gateway to Japan's unlimitedly expanded burden-sharing, the accord is totally unacceptable." Kasai also referred to the indication in the Defense Ministry's report on Japan's basic concept that if loans and funds rendered for U.S. military housing in Guam are not recovered over 50 years, the losses would be covered with tax money. He then criticized it: "Although nobody knows what the global situation would be 50 years from now, it is strange to offer (loans or funds) on the premise that such money will be surely paid back." Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone replied: "It certainly is difficult to predict the situation 50 years in the future." (8) Editorial: Can new U.S. strategy serve as a turning point for stability of Afghanistan? NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) April 2, 2009 The U.S. Obama administration has unveiled a new comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan combining military support with civilian aid to help bring stability to that country. A multilateral TOKYO 00000780 010 OF 010 cabinet-level meeting held in The Hague has supported the U.S.-led new policy. The international community has confirmed a policy course to work together toward a solution to the Afghan issue. The current situation in Afghanistan, a country dotted with bases of international terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and other forces that sympathize with it, is serving as a breeding ground for drugs farming poppies for drugs, is a source of great concern for global security. We hope to see the new U.S. strategy and the confirmed international cooperation will serve as a turning point for the improvement of the situation in Afghanistan. It has been seven and a half years since the United States launched a military intervention. Although over 60,000 troops have been stationed in Afghanistan centering on U.S. forces, the country's security has continued to deteriorate. With European countries remaining reluctant to send additional troops, it has become clear that it is difficult to rely solely on military power to bring stability to that country. The Obama administration's comprehensive strategy putting an emphasis on civilian assistance and diplomatic efforts is intended to facilitate stabilization on all fronts. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has advocated reconciliation with moderate Taliban, the Islamic fundamentalist group. What makes the Obama administration unique is that it seeks the stability of the region including Pakistan whose border with Afghanistan is dotted with Al-Qaeda bases. The Afghan presidential election set for August must be a short-term challenge. In the long run, nation-building must be pursued via restoring security by strengthening the police system in the country, developing industries, and improving the administration. The United States has announced that it would send an additional 17,000 troops to Afghanistan. The United States will also send an additional 4,000 troops to Afghanistan for nurturing its military and police officers. To Pakistan, the United States will extend 1.5 billion dollars in annual aid over the next five years. For the stability of Afghanistan, cooperation of its neighboring countries, such as China, Russia, India, and Iran, is essential. Sending its vice foreign minister to a cabinet-level meeting in The Hague, Iran, which takes an adversarial stance toward the United States, has also promised cooperation on antinarcotics measures. Japan is also expected to play a major role in economic reconstruction, agricultural development, and developing human resources for the administration and the police force. The Japanese government has already announced to extend an aid package worth 2 billion dollars. At this stage, Japan should consider additional contribution measures. ZUMWALT