DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 04/27/09

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 07 TOKYO 000964 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 04/27/09 INDEX: (1) Government considering introducing early warning satellite to break away from its dependence on U.S. in MD operation (Sankei) (2) China sticks to IT information disclosure system, with aim of fostering domestic businesses; Plans to unveil details next month (Nikkei) (3) Japan, Russia to agree on four economy-related treaties on occasion of Premier Putin's visit to Japan next month (Nikkei) (4) Foreign visitors down 22 PERCENT in March due to yen's appreciation (Nikkei) (5) TOP HEADLINES (6) EDITORIALS (7) Prime Minister's schedule, January 5 (Nikkei) ARTICLES: (1) Government considering introducing early warning satellite to break away from its dependence on U.S. in MD operation SANKEI (Top play) (Abridged slightly) April 25, 2009 Yasuto Tanaka In the wake of the launch of a long-range ballistic missile launch by North Korea (on April 5),the government and the ruling parties have begun considering introducing a geo-stationary early-warning satellite that can monitor missile launches and other events in specific areas. An early warning satellite is indispensable for a missile defense (MD) system. Japan now relies on U.S. early-warning satellites. A decision has been made to incorporate the study of sensors and the like in a basic space plan to be determined in late May. Given the situation, the government will earnestly consider (the introduction of an early-warning satellite) in the process of revising the National Defense Program Guidelines and the Midterm Defense Buildup Program (for fiscal 2010-2014). Some are cautious about introducing an early-warning satellite which will require a huge development cost. Many twists and turns are expected before a final decision is made. Defense minister holds a positive view Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada in a press conference on April 24 expressed a positive view about the introduction of an early-warning satellite, saying: "We are going to discuss it in the process of reviewing the National Defense Program Guidelines and other programs. We won't be able to launch it immediately, and it will cost a lot of money. We will have to consider a lot of factors, including its cost effectiveness." Military satellites can be roughly grouped into early-warning satellites and reconnaissance satellites (information-gathering satellites). An early-warning satellite is located 36,000 km above the Earth in a fixed position and monitors a region covering up to one third of the globe. The U.S. Air Force's DSP satellites use TOKYO 00000964 002 OF 007 infrared sensors that can instantly detect heat from ballistic missile plumes against the earth's background. In contrast, reconnaissance satellites orbit 350 - 1,400 above the Earth to take high-resolution satellite images and collect data. Japan has three reconnaissance satellites. The U.S. Air Force's spy satellites have a resolution of 10 cm, whereas Japan's satellites have a resolution of 1 m, which is lower than the commercial satellites' resolution of 60 cm. Japan must increase its satellite radar performance. In the MD system, early warning satellites are designed to instantaneously detect a missile launch, Aegis-equipped vessels and ground-based radars are to determine the missile's trajectory based on the information and intercept it. The U.S. Air Force's current satellite early warning system (SEWS) consists of five DSP satellites which cover generally all the Earth's surface. The April 5 North Korean missile launch was first detected by one of them. A launched North Korean satellite can land in Japan in seven to 10 minutes. Every second counts for information on a missile launch. There are vocal calls in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) for an early introduction of an early-warning satellite, with former Defense Agency Deputy Director General Hiroshi Imazu saying: "Should Japan continue relying on the United States in obtaining vital information?" Enormous development cost In the government, there are negative opinions as well. The North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) ballistic analysis system to analyze radar data is the heart of the MD system. Without an analyzer, operation of an early-warning satellite is not possible. Further, the U.S. Air Force has invested 630 billion yen in a nine-year period in a project to develop and manufacture the next-generation satellite. If Japan is to develop a satellite independently, the cost might run higher. The development of ballistic analysis software would increase the cost even more. As such, there are more calls in the Defense Ministry for the introduction of high-performance reconnaissance satellites than for the development of an early-warning satellite. Possessing the weather satellite Himawari, a geostationary infrared sensor satellite, Japan has basic know how on the operation of an early-warning satellite. There is a projection that the development of a satellite will take Japan four years and accrue a cost of 100 billion yen. Politically and diplomatically, the introduction of an early-warning satellite carries substantial significance. Such ideas as increasing the functions of the next-generation weather satellite to allow it to serve as an early warning-satellite and making the communications satellites multifunctional are also being mentioned. (2) China sticks to IT information disclosure system, with aim of fostering domestic businesses; Plans to unveil details next month NIKKEI (Page 3) (Excerpts) April 25, 2009 By Shunsuke Tabeta in Beijing TOKYO 00000964 003 OF 007 The Chinese government will lay out in detail by May the system it plans to introduce to force foreign manufacturers to disclose security-related data about their information-technology (IT) products. The governments of Japan, the U.S., and European countries raised strong objections to China's decision, on the grounds that their manufacturers' intellectual property might be passed on to Chinese competitors. But the Chinese government, which is eager to become an IT power, only renewed its resolve to introduce the system. The new requirement might deal a serious blow to companies of Japan, the U.S., and European countries, depending on which products are subject to the new rule. The Chinese government plans to add 13 IT security products to the list of items that must be approved under the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) program, its own safety standard. China plans to include on the list software essential for the security of computer systems and equipment, such as operating systems for IC chips and network-monitoring systems. Japanese, U.S. and European companies are strong in producing IT security products. If they fail to obtain approval from China, they will become unable to sell their products in that country. China announced in January 2008 that it would introduce the new system in May 2009. But in the face of negative reactions from Japan, the U.S. and Europe, it stated in a meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) this March its decision to postpone the move. However, it has notified the Japanese government of a plan to unveil the details of the system, including implementation rules by May. China explains that the aim of the new requirement is to enhance information security. China is facing an increasing number of cybercrimes. In addition, information related to the Chinese Communist Party and government tends to spread beyond their scrutiny. The government is stepping up efforts to monitor online information under the pretext of public security. A Chinese government source said: "By introducing the system, the government actually aims at fostering the nation's IT industry." The Chinese IT industry grew 12.8 PERCENT to 770 billion yuan, or approximately 11 trillion yen, in 2008. But many Chinese companies make hardware products, a business that yield small profit margins, so the government hopes to have domestic manufacturers make a shift to establishing information networks using advanced software. The initial purpose of the CCC program is to check the safety of the materials used to make such products as home appliances. If IT security products are added to the list, firms might be required to disclose source codes. An executive of a Japanese manufacturer grumbled: "Our know-how could be leaked to Chinese firms. (The Chinese government) might be aiming to nurture rivals (to foreign firms)." A member of the Chinese government panel that manages the CCC program said on the 24th. "There will be no changes in our policy of adding IT security products and our plan of postponing the introduction of the system for the time being." The Chinese government is expected to make a final decision upon analyzing other countries' responses. (3) Japan, Russia to agree on four economy-related treaties on TOKYO 00000964 004 OF 007 occasion of Premier Putin's visit to Japan next month NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) April 26, 2009 Coinciding with a visit to Japan by Russian Premier Vladimir Putin in May, the governments of Japan and Russia will conclude four treaties and agreements on such economic areas as nuclear energy development. The aim is to pave the way for promoting talks on the dispute over Russia-held islands off Hokkaido, the biggest bilateral issue. The territorial dispute will likely be concretely discussed in a summit meeting between Prime Minister Taro Aso and President Dmitry Medvedev slated for July. Whether the upcoming summit can find a path resolving the dispute is unknown. Putin's Japan visit in May was formally decided during the Aso-Medvedev summit in February in Sakhalin, Russian Far East. Final coordination is now underway with an eye to Putin coming to Tokyo around April 12 and a meeting between Aso and Putin. Putin will visit for the first time after stepping down from the presidential post. He will meet with Aso for the first time, as well. On the occasion of Putin's visit, the two governments are expected to conclude four treaties (including agreements) regarding the economy and business, areas where there is much demand. Of the four treaties, Tokyo and Moscow have had difficulties particularly in talks to conclude a nuclear-energy agreement. If such a nuclear pact is signed, it would be easier for Japan and Russia to carry out technical cooperation in the nuclear energy area, including uranium enrichment and the processing of spent nuclear fuel. A pact to ease visa procedures and a customs-duty mutual assistance agreement are aimed to activate the flow of people and goods between the two countries. A mutual assistance pact on criminal investigations would smooth investigative cooperation regarding international crime. Business circles have strongly called for the conclusion of those treaties, citing that they are indispensable for strengthening bilateral relations. Japan and Russia will conclude those treaties because Moscow has called for expanding bilateral cooperation, including technical cooperation on energy development, with Tokyo. The Japanese government has a strategy of paving the way for resolving the issue of the Northern Territories by presenting concrete results in strengthening bilateral ties. Aso and Medvedev agreed in their summit in February to pursue a "creative and unconventional approach" in resolving the territorial dispute. This month, Shotaro Yachi, currently government representative and former administrative vice foreign minister, suggested in an interview by the Mainichi Shimbun resolving the issue with the return of 3.5 islands, which include the Kunashiri Island, the Habomai islet group and part of the Etorofu Island of the four islands now held by Russia. All eyes are now focused on how Russia will act. The Foreign Ministry's position, however, is that Aso and Medvedev will discuss the issue on the sidelines of the annual G-8 summit in July in Italy, and that the Russian leader will present a reply to Aso during their next meeting. Many government officials are of the view that since Putin has strong influence over Medvedev, chances are strong that he will convey to the Japanese government some sort TOKYO 00000964 005 OF 007 of the message from Moscow. (4) Foreign visitors down 22 PERCENT in March due to yen's appreciation NIKKEI (Page 4) (Full) April 25, 2009 The number of foreigners who visited Japan in March dropped 22.2 PERCENT from the same month the year before to 568,900, marking the eighth consecutive monthly decline, according to preliminary data released on April 24 by the Japan National Tourism Agency. Affecting the tally for March were the global economic slowdown and a large number of canceled flights into Narita Airport stemming from a plane crash. In the month, 42.2 PERCENT fewer South Koreans, 21.5 PERCENT less Taiwanese and 21.1 PERCENT fewer Americans visited Japan. The strong yen was also blamed. The only notable increase was seen in the number of visitors from China, which jumped 11.3 PERCENT to 101,100. Flush with stock market gains, affluent Chinese are eager to travel, and promotional campaigns highlighting cherry blossoms helped drum up interest in Japan. (5) TOP HEADLINES Asahi, Mainichi, Yomiuri, Sankei, and Tokyo Shimbun Swine flu sparks global panic; WHO declares emergency; Eight infected in New York; Infection suspected in Europe, Middle East and New Zealand Nikkei: Rate of national pension payment falls to 62 PERCENT in FY 2008, lowest-ever Akahata: JCP's second workplace seminar ends (6) EDITORIALS Asahi: (1) Put an end to limited tender system (2) Advanced research fund essential for solid foundation Mainichi: (1) People must be alert against swine flu (2) Review of city planning must follow the decision to allow three persons to ride a bicycle Yomiuri: (1) Nation must prepare for swine flu pandemic (2) Google book search library and print culture Nikkei: (1) Swine flu pandemic requires swift international cooperation (2) Action essential for economic recovery Sankei: (1) Northern Territories issue: Prime minister must uphold return of four islands TOKYO 00000964 006 OF 007 (2) Swine influenza: Correct information essential for calm response Tokyo Shimbun: (1) G-7 fails to pave way for growth (2) Nagoya mayoral election: Victory of individual overshadow political parties Akahata: (1) Postal discount system for handicapped people abused (09042702st) Back to Top (7) Prime Minister's schedule, January 5 NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) April 25, 2009 Spent the morning at his official residence. 14:06 Called at the Imperial Palace to sign a note to express gratitude for the participation of the Emperor and Empress in the "Green" Ceremony. 14:27 Attended a Tokyo general assembly of a trilateral committee of experts from Japan, the U.S., and Europe at the Hotel Okura. 14:54 Arrived at his official residence. 15:54 Enjoyed shopping with his family at the clothing store "KAPITAL LEGS" in Ebisu. 16:30 Dined with his family at the restaurant "The Terrace" in the Westin Hotel Tokyo. 17:07 Returned to the clothing store in Ebisu. 17:33 Arrived at his official residence. 19:27 Attended a dinner party of a conference of cabinet ministers from oil producer and consumer countries at the Hotel New Otani. 20:01 Dined at the steakhouse "Makoto" in Nihonbashi with his family. 21:41 Returned to his official residence. NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) April 26, 2009 TOKYO 00000964 007 OF 007 10:04 Met crisis management officer Ito at his official residence. 10:24 Took a walk around his official residence. 13:17 Boarded the Japan Coast Guard's patrol ship Yashima at Harumi Pier for an inspection parade, with Vice Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Kano and JCG Commandant Iwasaki. 17:04 Arrived at Harumi Pier. 17:35 Had his hair cut at a barbershop in the Hotel Pacific Tokyo in Takanawa. 19:16 Returned to his official residence. ZUMWALT