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Viewing cable 06TOKYO1449, JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 03/20/06

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Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
06TOKYO1449 2006-03-20 00:32 2011-08-25 00:00 UNCLASSIFIED Embassy Tokyo
VZCZCXRO4387
PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH
DE RUEHKO #1449/01 0790032
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 200032Z MAR 06
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9923
INFO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEHAAA/THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEAWJA/USDOJ WASHDC PRIORITY
RULSDMK/USDOT WASHDC PRIORITY
RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC//J5//
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI
RHHMHBA/COMPACFLT PEARL HARBOR HI
RHMFIUU/HQ PACAF HICKAM AFB HI//CC/PA//
RHMFIUU/COMUSJAPAN YOKOTA AB JA//J5/JO21//
RUYNAAC/COMNAVFORJAPAN YOKOSUKA JA
RUAYJAA/COMPATWING ONE KAMI SEYA JA
RUEHNH/AMCONSUL NAHA 7836
RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 5206
RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 8349
RUEHNAG/AMCONSUL NAGOYA 5228
RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO 6391
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 1213
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 7400
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 9364
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 10 TOKYO 001449 
 
SIPDIS 
 
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: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 03/20/06 
 
 
Index: 
 
1)   Top headlines 
2)   Prime Minister's daily schedule 
 
Beef issue: 
3)   Ambassador Schieffer in speech warns of possible "trade war" 
  if US beef import ban is prolonged 
4)   Foreign Minister Aso, Secretary Rice discuss US beef import 
issue while attending trilateral talks in Sidney 
5)   Japan will soon send a team of BSE experts to the US in 
effort to speed up restart of US beef shipments 
6)   US replies to Japan's questions on beef violation issue will 
be announced tomorrow 
 
Defense and security issues: 
7)   Ambassador Schieffer in speech urges Japan to make positive 
  international contributions in military sphere 
8)   Possibility growing of minor revisions in the Futenma 
relocation plan to respond to local concerns 
9)   Ruling camp taking lead in pushing for revision of Futenma 
relocation plan 
10)  Prime Minister Koizumi to ask for reduced cost burden for 
Japan in relocating Marines to Guam 
11)  Koizumi still negative about making changes in the 
government's plan to relocate Futenma base 
12)  Cost of relocating US Marines from Okinawa to Guam to be 
picked up by financing from JBIC 
13)  Area of Sagami Depot to be jointly used by USFJ, SDF troops 
14)  Japan asks US to pay 75% of total 47 million yen 
compensation for US military helicopter's crash into Okinawa 
campus 
15)  US sailor on trial admits murder of Yokosuka woman 
16)  Koizumi at defense academy graduation expresses concern 
about China's and DPRK's military buildups 
 
Strategic dialogue in Sidney: 
17)  US, Japan, Australia hold strategic dialogue in Sidney, 
  agree to cooperate on Iran nuke issue, and discuss GSDF pullout 
  from Iraq 
18)  Strategic dialogue: Decision on GSDF withdrawal from Iraq 
put off 
19)  Hardliner Foreign Minister Aso, softliner METI Minister 
Nikai clash over policy toward E. China gas field issus 
 
Articles: 
 
1) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
Asahi Shimbun survey of 100 companies: More than 50% plan to 
increase hiring of new college graduates for the first time in 
nine years, mainly in engineering field 
 
Mainichi: 
Japan defeats South Korea in World Baseball Classic Semifinals 
 
Yomiuri: 
Earthquake-proof measures at elementary and middle schools; 
Government to release survey results by municipality, starting 
next month 
 
 
TOKYO 00001449  002 OF 010 
 
 
Nihon Keizai: 
Equipment manufacturers plan to increase capital investment 
 
Sankei: 
Global-scale M&As picking up speed, especially in energy, 
telecommunications 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
Harassment by bosses at one in six companies, according to survey 
by Tokyo Metropolitan Government: Merit-based pay system to 
blame? 
 
2) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, March 19 
 
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full) 
March 20, 2006 
 
09:43 
Met at National Defense Academy with Defense Agency chief Nukaga 
and Academy President Nishihara. 
 
10:03 
Attended the NDA's graduation ceremony. 
 
12:48 
Returned to his official residence. 
 
13:53 
Met with LDP Policy Research Council Chairman Nakagawa. 
 
3) US Ambassador Schieffer in speech expresses concern about 
possibility of "trade war" over US beef import issue 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
March 18, 2006 
 
US Ambassador to Japan Schieffer, in a speech at a Tokyo hotel 
before the Asian Affairs Research Council (chaired for former 
ambassador to the US Nobuo Matsunaga) on March 17, expressed 
strong hope that US beef imports now banned would be restarted 
soon. He stated: "It is conceivable that the issue could have an 
ill effect on US-Japan relations. If it is not resolved in the 
near future, I am greatly concerned that the US Congress might 
lose its patience, leading to a trade war." 
 
The Ambassador said, "It is extremely regrettable, but we are at 
a loss on what to do," indicating that he thought sufficient 
measures are being taken to prevent a reoccurrence. He revealed 
the US intention to accept surprise inspections by the Japanese 
government. 
 
However, on the issue of vertical columns having been found in a 
shipment of beef to Japan, he rebutted the majority view in Japan 
that this was a structural problem in the US' inspection system, 
saying, "The system if functioning properly. The meat that 
violated the agreement never reached consumers." He stressed the 
safety of the meat itself: "Though it was a violation for the 
meat to be attached to the bone, if the bones were removed and 
the meat eaten, there would be no danger." 
 
 
TOKYO 00001449  003 OF 010 
 
 
4) US beef: Japan, US exchange principle arguments; Foreign 
Minister Aso denies antagonism 
 
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full) 
March 19, 2006 
 
In a Japan-US strategic dialogue, US Secretary of State Rice and 
Foreign Minister Aso acrimoniously discussed the underlying 
principles of the total embargo of US beef adopted because of the 
BSE issue. 
 
If the import ban on US beef becomes protracted, US Congress and 
industrial organizations are bound to increase pressure. It was, 
therefore, imperative for Rice, who is responsible for diplomacy 
toward Japan, to call on Japan to deal with the issue at a formal 
setting. 
 
At the same time, the Japanese government has faced harsh 
criticism at home that it succumbed to US pressure when it lifted 
the ban last December, so it is unable to easily assent to the US 
request this time. Aso told Rice, "We must not forget the peace 
of mind and safety of Japanese consumer." 
 
Commenting on the atmosphere when Rice brought up the beef import 
issue, Aso on the evening of Mar. 18, told reporters traveling 
with him, "She spoke very politely." To a question about whether 
she harshly urged an import resumption, Aso denied any antagonism 
between the two countries, saying, "She was not like that at 
all." 
 
5) Japan-US vice foreign ministerial meeting: US to dispatch beef 
expert to Japan with eye on early resumption of exports 
 
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full) 
Evening, March 18, 2006 
 
Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi, now visiting the US, met 
with Under Secretary of State Burns. They discussed bilateral 
relations, including the BSE issue, and the international 
situation for about an hour. Regarding a resumption of US beef 
exports to Japan, Burns said: "We are becoming very frustrated. 
We want Japan to resume US beef imports quickly." He then 
revealed a plan to dispatch a beef expert to Japan shortly. 
 
Futenma relocation: Asked to persuade residents of local 
communities 
 
Japan imposed a second ban on imports of US beef in January, when 
the inclusion of vertebral columns was found in a US beef 
shipment. In addition, a third case of BSE was confirmed in the 
US on Mar. 13. Japan has requested that the US answer questions 
the Japanese side asked regarding the US inspection report. A 
forthcoming meeting between Japanese and US experts will be the 
first step toward a resumption of beef trade. 
 
Regarding the USFJ realignment issue, Burns told Yachi, "We want 
Japan to persuade residents of local communities as soon as 
possible for a settlement of the issue." He thus urged Yachi 
quickly undergo coordination with local communities, including 
Nago, where Futenma functions are to be relocated. 
 
Yachi explained the Japanese government's approach ahead of the 
 
TOKYO 00001449  004 OF 010 
 
 
end-of-the-month deadline. 
 
Concerning Iran's nuclear development, Yachi noted, "It is 
important to settle the issue in a peaceful manner through 
repeated discussions at the UN Security Council." While pointing 
out the significance of diplomatic efforts, Burns indicated a 
stance of aiming for an early settlement, saying, "Seventeen 
resolutions were submitted on Iraq over a period of 17 years, and 
we cannot handle the Iranian issue at this pace." 
 
On North Korea's nuclear ambitions, the two agreed that it is 
desirable for Pyongyang to return to the six-party talks at an 
early date. 
 
Yachi's visit to the US is part of the Japan-US strategic 
dialogue. He met with Burns on March 16, as well. He also met 
with Under Secretary of Defense Edelman and Assistant to the 
President Crouch (Deputy National Security Advisor). Commenting 
on Japan's dispatch of Self-Defense Forces to Iraq, Edelman said: 
"We highly appreciate the dispatch. We want Japan to continue to 
contribute to the reconstruction of Iraq." 
 
6) Agriculture Ministry possibly make public today US replies on 
backbones-containing veal shipment 
 
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 3) (Full) 
March 20, 2006 
 
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry (MAFF) indicated 
yesterday that it has received replies from the US government to 
its questions on the US report on the ineligible shipment to 
Japan of veal products containing backbones, a BSE risk material. 
MAFF and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry 
intend to speed up the translation and analysis of the US replies 
with a view to making public the US reply today. The US 
government is expected to send experts to Japan shortly to brief 
Japan on preventive measures and other efforts to seek Japan's 
understanding. 
 
But following the discovery of backbones in a US beef shipment to 
Hong Kong, distrust of US beef is growing in Japan. MAFF and 
other offices are closely analyzing the US replies to determine 
if they can dissolve questions in Japan. They will determine 
comprehensively if, among other things, the US replies can 
convince the Japanese public about the safety of US beef. 
 
7) US Ambassador Schieffer urges Japan to make positive military 
contributions 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
March 18, 2006 
 
In a speech on March 17 in Tokyo, US Ambassador to Japan 
Schieffer positioned Japan and the United States as "equal 
partners," and he urged Japan to make even more positive 
contributions to stabilizing the international community. On the 
question of how Japan should become involved, the ambassador 
suggested contributions in the military sphere, remarking: "The 
US spends close to 4% of its GDP on defense, or 10 times what 
Japan's spends on defense. Japan keeps its defense spending in 
fact at about 1% of GDP, something that the American people find 
hard to understand."  He urged Japan to take an even larger share 
 
TOKYO 00001449  005 OF 010 
 
 
of the burden. 
 
On the issues of sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands and the 
issue of gas-field development in the E. China Sea, he showed 
understanding toward Japan's ownership claim to the isles as 
Japanese territory. He took the stance of hoping that a peaceful 
resolution could be made though talks between Japan and China. 
 
8) Futenma relocation site to be slightly adjusted; Government, 
ruling camp considering changing angle of runway; Local 
governments express some understanding 
 
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Full) 
March 18, 2006 
 
The government and ruling parties on March 17 have begun to 
consider the possibility of making a slight revision in the plan 
to relocate the US Marines Corps' Futenma Air Station (Ginowan 
City) in Okinawa Prefecture to the coastal portion of Camp Schwab 
(Nago City), premised on the agreement of local governments and 
communities. While the main elements of the coastal plan will be 
maintained, the direction of the runway will be changed and the 
facility slightly moved toward the ocean. This should ease the 
noise and other factors that would impact on the neighboring 
residential area, so local authorities are expressing a modicum 
of understanding. The government until now rejected any revision 
of the coastal plan, but now it judges that obtaining the 
cooperation of the local community would be indispensable to 
bringing about the relocation of Futenma Air Station, it decided 
to seek a breakthrough in the situation. 
 
Nago City on March 8 announced that if there was a modification 
of the relocation site to a spot in between the coastal plan and 
the original plan for the offing of Henoko District, it would 
respond to consultations with the government. In case the 
relocation site is moved toward the ocean, the government is 
negative about a large-scale revision of the plan, judging that 
it would be difficult to avoid affecting the environment or to 
counter moves to block the construction work. 
 
However, with the US urging the Japanese government to reach an 
understanding quickly with local governments, Defense Agency 
Director General Nukaga , former Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) 
Vice President Taku Yamasaki, and others have been informally 
coordinating with local authorities the possibility of a minor 
revision of the relocation site, such as moving the direction of 
the runway in a way that leaves a good part still on Camp 
Schwab's land. 
 
Some local government officials have informed the government that 
"even if the revisions are minor, if they reflect consideration 
to the local community, we can give think positively about 
accepting the plan." Yamasaki on March 17 after meeting with 
senior officials of the town and city council representing the 
northern part of Okinawa Prefecture, stated, "With the 
government's plan as the base, I would like to ask that something 
be done, " bringing up the possibility of a slight revision in 
the plan. 
 
Currently, under the coastal plan, fixed wing and helicopters are 
expected to fly over 10 civilian houses that are situated in the 
flight route south of the runway. The government and ruling camp 
 
TOKYO 00001449  006 OF 010 
 
 
have been considering moving the direction of the runway so that 
the flight route will not pass over the 10 homes. The current 
thinking is to only shift the runway some dozens of meters toward 
the ocean side. 
 
9) LDP leaning toward modifying Futenma relocation plan 
 
ASAHI (Page 1) (Abridged) 
March 20, 2006 
 
The government will not change its basic course of action 
regarding the planned relocation of the US Marine Corps' Futenma 
Air Station in the city of Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, to the 
island prefecture's northern coastal city of Nago in the 
realignment of US forces in Japan, Hidenao Nakagawa, chief of the 
ruling Liberal Democratic Party's policy board, said on an NHK TV 
program yesterday. "But," Nakagawa added, "the government may 
have to do something in the process of coordinating with local 
governments and in the process of making sincere efforts." Later 
in the day, Nakagawa met with Prime Minister Koizumi at his 
official residence. In the meeting, Koizumi and Nakagawa 
concurred on the necessity of local consent to the Futenma 
relocation plan. This is the first time that Nakagawa has hinted 
at the likelihood of modifying the relocation plan. The LDP is 
now leaning toward modifying the plan. 
 
Meanwhile, Taku Yamasaki, chair of the LDP's security affairs 
panel, has visited Okinawa time and again to continue local 
coordination. "The US government is flexible," one of the LDP's 
executives said yesterday evening. "It's not impossible to make 
some modifications," the executive added. 
 
Nago City is ready to talk with the government if it modifies the 
current Futenma relocation plan and builds a sea-based facility 
off the city's Cape Henoko. The focus is on how far the 
government will proceed with local coordination. 
 
10) Prime Minister Koizumi plans to ask US to reduce Japan's 
burden of US Marines relocation 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) 
March 18, 2006 
 
The House of Councillors Budget Committee held on March 17 
intensive deliberations on foreign and defense issues at the 
presence of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and relevant cabinet 
ministers. 
 
Koizumi revealed his intention to ask the US administration to 
reduce Japan's burden of the costs for transfer of US Marines to 
Guam as part of the realignment of US forces in Japan. He stated, 
"The US has told us its view, but Japan has its own one." 
 
Defense Agency Director General Fukushiro Nukaga, meanwhile, 
clarified that his agency is now looking into various ways of 
shouldering the relocation costs, pointing out one method that 
Japan first would shoulder part of the US side's burden and the 
US then later would repay it to Japan. 
 
Regarding the leakage of Self-Defense Forces' information, 
Koizumi categorically said, "They are slackening off. We will 
deal with them severely in order to prevent a recurrence." 
 
TOKYO 00001449  007 OF 010 
 
 
 
11) Prime Minister Koizumi: "No intention of revising" US Marine 
Futenma relocation plan 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) 
March 18, 2006 
 
Asked by reporters about the plan to relocate the US Marine 
Futenma Air Station to the coast of Camp Schwab (Nago City in 
Okinawa Prefecture), Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi responded 
on the night of March 17: "We have been making efforts to obtain 
an agreement from (the local community) on the current 
government's plan. I have no intention of (adjusting it). 
 
With this regard, Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe indicated in 
a press conference the same day that the government intends to 
get the understanding of the local government before the end of 
March. He stated: 
 
"We will do our best to obtain an agreement (between the 
governments of Japan and the United States) basically before the 
end of March, as well as the understanding of the local 
government." 
 
12) Okinawa US Marines relocation cost: Government plans to 
extend loans to the US through JBIC to limit use of tax money 
 
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full) 
March 18, 2006 
 
The government yesterday began earnestly searching for ways to 
pay for the planned relocation of US Marines from Okinawa to 
Guam. In order to limit the use of tax money, the government is 
planning to finance a large portion of the costs with loans 
through the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The 
government also envisages making some changes to the JBIC Law, 
which basically applies to aid to developing countries. 
 
Bureau-director-level foreign and defense officials of Japan and 
the US are scheduled to resume talks in Tokyo on March 23-24. In 
the previous talks, the US indicated that the relocation would 
cost 10 billion dollars, or 1.18 trillion yen, asking Japan to 
pay 75%, or 880 billion yen, of the total cost. Japan, estimating 
the total cost at 8 billion dollars, or 940 billion yen, intends 
to directly contribute 40% and lend the US the remaining 60%. 
 
Japan and the US remain far apart in their views. But in the 
upcoming talks, Japan intends to clarify its intention to limit 
direct contributions by conveying its plan to the US to amend 
legislation to accommodate the US with loans. 
 
The JBIC Law classifies loans into three categories: exports, 
imports, and finance of investment. The law is not applicable to 
loans to the US for the planned Marines relocation to Guam. For 
industrialized countries, loans are limited to JBIC-invested 
joint ventures. The JBIC is scheduled to be merged into a new 
organ in fiscal 2008. With the merger, the yen-loan department 
will be centralized in the Japan International Cooperation 
Agency. 
 
13) Japan, US to share 37 hectares at Sagami Depot 
 
 
TOKYO 00001449  008 OF 010 
 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
March 18, 2006 
 
The Defense Facilities Administration Agency yesterday informed 
Kanagawa Prefecture, Sagamihara City, and Zama City of agreements 
reached between Japan and the United States in their recent 
intergovernmental talks held in Hawaii over the realignment of US 
forces in Japan. When it comes to the US Army's Sagami Depot in 
Sagamihara covering an area of about 214 hectares, the United 
States will return the 15-hectare site of housing for US military 
and their families at open-air storage covering about 52 hectares 
on the depot's west side. In addition, the remaining space of 
about 37 hectares will be shared by Sagamihara City, the Ground 
Self-Defense Force, and the US Army. This will make it possible 
to extend a railway and a prefectural road to Sagamihara Station 
on the JR Yokohama Line as requested by local communities. 
 
14) Gov't pays 47-million-yen damages for US military helo crash, 
asks US to pay 75% 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
March 18, 2006 
 
The government adopted a parliamentary statement in a cabinet 
meeting yesterday, recounting that it has paid damages totaling 
47 million yen for 70 cases by the end of this February in 
connection with the crash of a US military helicopter at the 
campus of Okinawa International University in August 2004. The 
statement was prepared for a question from Kantoku Teruya, a 
House of Representatives member with the opposition Social 
Democratic Party (SDP or Shaminto). 
 
According to the statement, Okinawa International University 
sustained damage in 22 cases, including buildings and vehicles. 
The government has paid damages amounting to about 32 million yen 
for 16 cases. There were 55 other cases to be compensated for the 
damage caused to houses, vehicles, and other properties near the 
university. In those cases, the government has paid about 15 
million yen for 54 cases. 
 
The Japanese government has asked the US government to pay 75% of 
the total damages under the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement 
(SOFA) and has been receiving repayments. The SOFA treaty 
stipulates bilateral burden sharing for Japan at 25% and the 
United States at 75% to compensate damage that is entirely 
attributable to the United States. 
 
15) Yokosuka murder case: US sailor admits charges in first 
hearing; Lawyer does not deny willful negligence 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 27) (Abridged slightly) 
March 18, 2006 
 
The Yokohama District Court held yesterday its first hearing for 
William Reese, a 21-year-old crewmember of the USS Kitty Hawk 
based at the US Navy Yokosuka Base, in connection with a murder- 
robbery case involving Yoshie Sato, a 56-year-old part-time 
worker of Yokosuka City. In the hearing trial, Reese admitted 
charges, answering, "That is correct." 
 
The hearing opened with a prosecutor's statement that Reese had 
assaulted Sato as she cried out loud in resistance when he tried 
 
TOKYO 00001449  009 OF 010 
 
 
to rob Sato of her bag. The prosecutor also maintained that the 
sailor had spent the stolen money at adult entertainment 
establishments and other places. 
 
Reese pleaded guilty, saying, "Although I did not intend to kill 
the woman, I did kill her." Reese's lawyer said: "I understand 
that he did not have any premeditated intent, but I do not deny 
his willful negligence (from the fact that he continued 
assaulting her knowing that she might die). I will not contend 
the charges." 
 
After the hearing, Sato's brother, Shuichi Sanada, 56 said 
angrily: "Reese does not seem to have any sense of guilt. The US 
Navy should teach its troops about the preciousness of human life 
and other basic values." 
 
16) Koizumi expresses concern over North Korean, Chinese military 
expansion 
 
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Full) 
March 20, 2006 
 
Prime Minister Koizumi pointed out at yesterday's graduation 
ceremony of the National Defense Academy in the city of Yokosuka, 
Kanagawa Prefecture. Referring to challenges facing the 
international community, Koizumi noted that some countries have 
been pushing for nontransparent military expansion in recent 
years. "Affected by the intentions of these countries, there has 
been a proliferation of technologies relating to weapons of mass 
destruction and ballistic missiles," Koizumi said. The premier 
avoided singling out any country in the remark. However, his 
remark can be taken as expressing concern over the military 
expansion of China and North Korea. 
 
Koizumi also indicated that he would expedite settlement of the 
ongoing intergovernmental consultations between Japan and the 
United States, underscoring the "critical significance" of the 
Japan-US security alliance for the security of not only Japan but 
also the Asia-Pacific region. 
 
17) Trilateral Strategic Dialogue among Japan, United States, and 
Australia: Cooperation on Iran's nuclear issue; Talks on the 
timing of withdrawal of GSDF troops from Iraq 
 
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 1) (Excerpt) 
Evening, March 18, 2006 
 
By Naoya Yoshino in Sidney 
 
Foreign Minister Taro Aso, visiting Australia, joined US 
Secretary of State Rice and Australian Foreign Minister Downer on 
 
SIPDIS 
March 17 to the first Trilateral Strategic Dialogue among the 
three countries. They later issued a joint statement that 
included a call on North Korea to return to the 6-party talks on 
that country's nuclear development program. They also hammered 
out a policy course toward Iran of urging that country to 
immediately halt its uranium-enrichment activities and to submit 
to inspections by the IAEA. 
 
The talks also covered the timing of withdrawal of Ground Self- 
Defense Force troops now operating in Samawah, Iraq. 
 
 
TOKYO 00001449  010 OF 010 
 
 
18) Japan, US, Australia agree to continue Iraq assistance; 
Government to postpone decision on GSDF withdrawal 
 
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 1) (Excerpt) 
March 19, 2006 
 
Naoya Yoshino, Sydney 
 
Foreign Minister Taro Aso, now visiting Australia, held his first 
strategic talks with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and 
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer on March 18 in which 
they agreed to continue their countries' assistance for Iraq's 
reconstruction for the time being. After the talks, Aso indicated 
to reporters that the government would postpone its decision on 
the withdrawal of Ground Self-Defense Force troops from Iraq, 
saying, "It is not appropriate to withdraw troops from Iraq while 
there still is no new government." 
 
19) Gap in views on China's gas exploration between Foreign 
Minister Aso, who takes hard-line stance, and METI Minister 
Nikai, who is cautious 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 9) (Full) 
March 20, 2006 
 
A gap in views between Foreign Minister Taro Aso and Economy, 
Trade and Industry Minister Toshihiro Nikai has now become clear 
over negotiations with China on gas exploration in the East China 
Sea, a pending bilateral issue. 
 
Asked about what Japan would do if China started exploration in 
the Shirakaba gas field at a House of Representatives Foreign 
Affairs Committee, Aso responded March 15, "Japan has to consider 
countermeasures at that stage." 
 
Nikai, however, at a cabinet meeting on March 17, said, "If we 
announce (countermeasures) in advance, the negotiations will not 
move ahead. Dealing with the matter through discussion is an 
positive view." He then expressed unhappiness with (Aso's 
statement), saying, "A senior Foreign Ministry official also 
takes part in the negotiating table (on the gas issue)." 
 
Nikai takes pride in resuming the bilateral talks on the gas 
exploration, which has been suspended in effect since last fall. 
The Foreign Ministry, however, is concerned that if Nikai, a pro- 
Chinese politician, takes the lead in the gas talks, China may 
twist Nikai round its finger. 
 
The Japan-China relationship has been cold due to Prime Minister 
Junichiro Koizumi's repeated visits to the controversial Tokyo's 
Yasukuni Shrine. Under such circumstances, a senior METI official 
commented, "A standoff between the Japanese ministers will 
benefit China as China would see it as discord in the cabinet." 
 
SCHIEFFER