DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 02/12/10

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 07 TOKYO 000293 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 02/12/10 INDEX: (1) Cabinet adopts written reply saying U.S. has no obligation to defend disputed Takeshima (Sankei) (2) Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirano, DM Kitazawa negative on Tinian as Futenma relocation site (Mainichi) (3) Omura municipal assembly adopts unanimous resolution against Futenma relocation (Yomiuri) (4) Commentary: Disarray in Japan-U.S. alliance casts shadow over Asia, Oceania (Sankei) (5) Appointment of Edano as administrative reform minister: Will political dynamics in DPJ change? (Nikkei) (6) Private-sector economic diplomacy attaches importance to Asia (Nikkei) ARTICLES: (1) Cabinet adopts written reply saying U.S. has no obligation to defend disputed Takeshima SANKEI ONLINE (Full) 13:25, February 12, 2010 At a cabinet meeting on the morning of Feb. 12, the government adopted a written reply stating that under the present situation, the U.S. has no obligation to defend Takeshima (Tokdo in Korean) under the Japan-U.S. security treaty. House of Councillors member Akiko Kamei (People's New Party) submitted a written query asking: "Does the illegal occupation by force of Takeshima amount to 'an armed attack on Japan' (under the Japan-U.S. security treaty)?" The written reply points out: "At present, Takeshima is not under Japan's effective administration," and explains that the U.S. only has the obligation to defend "territories under Japanese administration subject to an armed attack." (2) Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirano, DM Kitazawa negative on Tinian as Futenma relocation site MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) Evening, February 12, 2010 Ai Yokota, Yasushi Sengoku At a news conference on the morning of Feb. 12, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi Hirano commented on the new proposal by the Social Democratic Party and the People's New Party to relocate the U.S. forces' Futenma Air Station (in Ginowan City, Okinawa) to Tinian in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. He said: "This proposal suddenly emerged as an option to be discussed. I have no idea what the basis is of saying this is a good plan," indicating a cautious stance. Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa also stated on the same day: "With the Prime Minister's strong desire to reach a solution by May, it will be very difficult if new issues emerge, including the Tinian proposal." He also expressed his reservations about the geographical location of Tinian, saying it would not be possible to maintain the U.S. forces' deterrence there. (3) Omura municipal assembly adopts unanimous resolution against TOKYO 00000293 002 OF 007 Futenma relocation YOMIURI ONLINE (Full) 13:28, February 12, 2010 In connection with the issue of the relocation of the U.S. forces' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa, the Omura city assembly in Nagasaki Prefecture convened an ad hoc session on Feb. 12 and passed a unanimous resolution opposing Futenma's relocation to the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Omura base. Even with regard to temporary stopovers of U.S. Marine helicopters for exercises, Mayor Takashi Matsumoto indicated, "We are absolutely opposed to conducting exercises here as well." The resolution reads: "Even though the national government has not decided officially on (Omura) as a candidate relocation site, we are clarifying our position of refusing to accept the relocation in order to dispel the anxiety of the citizens." So far, Matsumoto had indicated that with regard to temporary stopovers, he would "listen to the citizens' opinions if there is a formal request from the government." He has now declared his absolute rejection of any such proposal. (4) Commentary: Disarray in Japan-U.S. alliance casts shadow over Asia, Oceania SANKEI (Top play, page 2) (Full) February 12, 2010 Isao Yamamoto in Taipei, Hiroyuki Miyano in Singapore, and Keiko Mizunuma in Seoul Asia and Oceania have begun to voice concern about the disarray in the Japan-U.S. alliance under the Yukio Hatoyama administration triggered by the issue of the relocation of the U.S. forces' Futenma Air Station (in Ginowan City, Okinawa). This is because this region keenly feels North Korea's threat, and even more strongly, China's rise. The gloom prevailing over this region reflects the significant role played by the Japan-U.S. alliance in checking North Korea and China and in bringing about regional stability, a perspective that is often absent from the Japanese consciousness. South Korea's isolation The Republic of Korea (ROK),which is in confrontation with North Korea, has rather serious concerns about the disarray in the Japan-U.S. relationship. Professor Kim Ho Sop of Chung-Ang University wrote in a column in the Munhwa Ilbo: "The weakening of the Japan-U.S. alliance means the destabilization of the foundation of security that has been established in Northeast Asia since the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950." He pointed out: "With the weakening of the Japan-U.S. alliance and closer relations between Japan and China, the ROK's foreign policy should move in the direction of reconfirming the strengthening of the U.S.-ROK alliance," thus expressing his anxiety about closer Japan-China ties resulting in the ROK's isolation. Professor Yun Dok Min of the ROK's Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security took a more dispassionate view. Citing the TOKYO 00000293 003 OF 007 deterioration of relations with the U.S. under the previous Roh Moo Hyun administration as example, Yun said: "Ultimately, the foundation of the U.S.-ROK alliance was not affected, so there will also be no fundamental change in the Japan-U.S. relationship." He, however, expressed apprehension, saying "The security of Japan, the U.S., and the ROK is linked. If the Japan-U.S. relationship is destabilized, solidarity among the three countries in security will also be weakened." Director Jin Chang-soo of the Japan Center of the ROK's Sejong Institute said: "The issue of U.S. military bases in Okinawa is not only an issue for Japan. It is an issue that affects the security of East Asia. A good Japan-U.S. relationship is very important for the neighboring countries. Instability in the Japan-U.S. alliance will make countries in this region anxious. We hope for a solution as soon as possible." China's unification offensive In the case of Taiwan, the threat, of course, comes from China. This has remained unchanged even under the Ma Ying-jeou administration, which has worked hard to improve relations with China. Taiwan is exposed to China's unification offensive. It can even be said that Japan-U.S.-Taiwan security cooperation has become much more important for the purpose of Taiwan maintaining its status quo of de facto independence. China's fierce reaction to the Obama administration's announcement of sale of weapons to Taiwan has aggravated the Taiwanese's sense of alarm toward China. According to a survey by Taiwan's CommonWealth magazine last December, in terms of China-Taiwan relations, a great majority of respondents opted either for "maintenance of status quo" (78 percent) or "immediate independence" (11 percent). Only 2 percent favored "immediate unification." In light of such public opinions, President Ma Ying-jeou has also stressed Taiwan's autonomy. In an interview with the Japanese media in late 2009, he also said: "East Asia, including Taiwan, owes its stability to the Japan-U.S. security treaty." He expressed serious concern at the deterioration of Japan-U.S. relations. Such concerns are shared across political party lines. Aurthur Shu-fan Ding, researcher at the Institute of International Relations of the National Chengchi University, argued: "China's rapid military expansion and its policy toward Taiwan have remained completely unchanged. The relaxation of tensions on both sides of the Taiwan Strait (China and Taiwan) will not last for long. They may possibly face off again. The Japan-U.S. alliance is of great significance for maintaining the security of Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region." Northern giant The pro-independence forces in Taiwan have an even stronger sense of crisis. Lo Chih-cheng, director of the new "Taiwan Thinktank" of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party, expressed the following opinion: "Japan-U.S.-Taiwan cooperation that has continued for 20 years under the Li Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian administrations is now being shaken by the Ma Ying-jeou administration's policy of close relations with China and distancing itself from Japan and the U.S. The balance of power in Asia and the Pacific is also beginning to change with the Hatoyama administration's policy of closer relations with China and equidistant diplomacy toward the U.S. and TOKYO 00000293 004 OF 007 China. China is taking advantage of this situation to divide Japan, the U.S., Taiwan, and the ROK. We should renew our unity." In Southeast Asia and Oceania, China is seen as the "northern giant" due to its expansion of its political and economic influence in the region. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong notes that "the U.S.'s presence in Asia and the Pacific is indispensable" for maintaining balance with this giant. Nations in this region hope for an early solution to the Futenma relocation issue so that the Japanese and U.S. governments will not damage the alliance relationship over this issue, thus resulting in adverse effects on regional security. Professor Desmond Ball of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre of the Australian National University said: "Australia has serious concerns about the expansion of China's military capability in the West Pacific." In its national defense white paper last year, the Rudd administration of Australia pointed out China's growing military presence in the region, indicating that Australia will also upgrade its naval power. Ball said that, "U.S. military capability not only neutralizes China's military capability, but also plays the role of stabilizing the region," indicating that U.S. military presence is also important for maintaining the military balance in the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. Even in the Philippines, which rejected a treaty to maintain U.S. military bases in the early 1990s, a reassessment of the role of the U.S. forces is taking place. Renato de Castro, chairman of the International Studies Department, De La Salle University, observed that, "The power of our neighbor (China) has made the U.S.'s presence particularly important." Listen to the voices of the leaders Experts from many countries agree that "the Futenma relocation issue has a considerable impact on overall U.S. strategy in Asia." (Ian Storey, fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore). Associate Professor (of political science) Bridget Welsh of Singapore Management University believes that in the event the U.S. withdraws practically all its forces from Japan, "other Asian countries will probably take in those troops, if only to minimize the shock." Welsh offered the following advice on the Hatoyama administration's handling of the Futenma issue: "Japan is a U.S. ally, and that's why there have been expectations for it to play a security role in Southeast Asia. If it ceases to be a U.S. ally, Japan will not be respected by the countries in the region and will be treated with contempt. Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama should not treat the Futenma issue as a bilateral problem. He should listen to the voices of the leaders in this region." (5) Appointment of Edano as administrative reform minister: Will political dynamics in DPJ change? NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) February 10, 2010 TOKYO 00000293 005 OF 007 Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's appointment of Yukio Edano, who is critical of Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa, might change the political dynamics in the DPJ. Edano belongs to Maehara group Edano was elected to the Diet for the first time on the now defunct Japan New Party's ticket. He was involved in the formation of the DPJ in 1996. In the DPJ, he belongs to the Ryounkai group led by Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Minister Seiji Maehara. State Minister for National Strategy Yoshito Sengoku and House of Representatives Financial Affairs Committee Chairman Koichiro Genba are also members of the Maehara-led group. Edano and Maehara, as well as Ozawa, were members of the ruling parties under the Morihiro Hosokawa cabinet, but they later took different political paths after the Hosokawa cabinet was dissolved. Along with the DPJ group called Kaseikai, which is led by Senior Vice Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda, the Maehara group has been regarded as a DPJ force that distances itself from Ozawa. Kozo Watanabe, former Lower House vice speaker, has called Edano, Maehara, Sengoku, Noda, Genba, Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada, (and Lower House Environment Committee Chairman Shinji Tarutoko) the "seven magistrates" with expectation, comparing them to the seven magistrates of the former Takeshita faction in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The DPJ's seven magistrates have their own reasons for distancing themselves from Ozawa. They have referred at each juncture to Ozawa's responsibility for a violation of the Political Funds Control Law (by his former and present secretaries). Edano supported Okada in the DPJ presidential election last May conducted after Ozawa had stepped down from the party's presidential post due to the arrest and indictment of his first state-paid secretary over having received illegal donations from Nishimatsu Construction Company. Ozawa, however, backed then Secretary General Hatoyama, diametrically opposing Okada. With Edano assuming a portfolio, the Hatoyama cabinet now has three Maehara group members, even though the groups distancing themselves from Ozawa are a minority in the DPJ. DPJ Upper House members support Ozawa Meanwhile, Ozawa has received full support from the DPJ group comprising former labor union members, including Upper House DPJ Chairman Azuma Koshiishi, who also serves as deputy secretary general, and DPJ Upper House Secretary General Yoshimitsu Takashima, who concurrently serves as senior vice secretary general. Ozawa has also obtained support from Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Kenji Yamaoka and Lower House Steering Committee Chairman Takeaki Matsumoto, who serve pivotal roles in managing Diet affairs. There are many situations where the Social Democratic Party and People's New Party, the DPJ's coalition partners, rely on Ozawa. Ozawa has chosen Goshi Hosono, a member of the Maehara group, as the chair of the Organization Committee, and let him handle the core operation of the secretary general's office. He also has an influence over many of the 143 lawmakers, who won their Diet seats for the first time in last year's Lower House election. The Hatoyama group includes Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi Hirano, TOKYO 00000293 006 OF 007 Environment Minister Sakihito Ozawa, and other members. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Naoto Kan has kept an equal distance from Hatoyama and Ozawa in a well-balanced manner. DPJ members are carefully watching whether Edano's appointment will change the political dynamics in the Hatoyama administration. (6) Private-sector economic diplomacy attaches importance to Asia NIKKEI (Page 3) (Abridged) February 12, 2010 Major business groups in Japan, including Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation),are moving to strengthen cooperation with companies in other parts of Asia. Keidanren is set to host the first-ever business summit for the region on March 15 in which top executives from major corporations will discuss cooperation in such fields as the development of infrastructure and the promotion of trade. The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry will also send a mission to China in late March to seek cooperation with small and mid-size firms in that country. Those events are intended to give impetus to the development of Asia by promoting private-sector economic diplomacy focused on the region. Keidanren plans to bring together business groups from 11 countries and regions, including China and India, for the first-ever business summit in Asia to be held in Tokyo in March. Top corporate executives from those countries/regions are expected to discuss such matters as trade, investment, the development of infrastructure, financial cooperation, the environment, and energy, and to issue a joint statement. Keidanren thinks that for the further growth of Asia, it is indispensable for the region to grow into an end-user market, in addition to playing a role as the world's factory. To that end, the group hopes to share with Asian business leaders its view that promoting free trade and innovation is essential. Asia is expected to create huge demand for the construction of infrastructure in the future. The meeting plans to confirm the policy of improving such key infrastructure as transportation, power, telecommunications, and water resources, with an eye on India, the Mekong basin, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The participants will exchange views on specific measures to improve infrastructure, such as a scheme to use public funds. Keidanren intends to propose that an Asian business summit be held regularly with the aim of stepping up cooperation with business circles in other Asian countries. The reason is that economic cooperation is indispensable for the survival of Japan, whose economic growth heavily relies on foreign demand, according to Keidanren Chairman Fujio Mitarai. Sumitomo Chemical Co. Chairman Hiromasa Yonekura, who will replace Mitarai in May, also takes the stance of attaching importance to Asia, maintaining that the development of Asia will help accelerate the growth of Japan and the entire world. Meanwhile, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Tadashi Okamura plans to visit Beijing and Shanghai on March 21-26 along with the leaders of regional chambers of commerce. It will be the TOKYO 00000293 007 OF 007 group's first economic mission to China in 17 years. Plans call for a meeting with some 200 business managers from the two countries. The group will consider sending its mission to India and other countries in the future. The Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai) also plans to host a meeting in Tokyo in October with business leaders from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to identify demand in the region. The group will inform the government and other bodies of the meeting's conclusions and urge the government to draw up specific measures that will allow Japan to tap into Asia's growth. ROOS