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UNCLAS TOKYO 001633 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR I/RF, PA/PR/FPC/W, IIP/G/EA, EAP/PD, R/MR, 
EAP/J, EAP/P, PM; 
USTR FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; 
TREASURY FOR OASIA/IMI; 
SECDEF FOR OASD/PA; 
CP BUTLER OKINAWA FOR AREA FIELD OFFICE; 
PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO JA
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - CHINESE PREMIER WEN'S VISIT TO 
JAPAN - TOKYO 
 
 
LEAD STORIES: Most Friday morning papers gave top play to 
the passage Thursday by a Lower House committee of a bill 
that sets procedures to amend the Constitution. 
 
¶1. "Wen Jiabao's Speech: Visible Change in China's 
Stance" The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri stated 
(4/13): "Chinese Premier Wen's speech before the Diet 
clearly demonstrated a change in Beijing's attitude 
toward Japan. Two points are worth noting. First is the 
issue of history. He stated: 'Japan's government and 
leaders have many times in the past expressed their 
attitude toward historical issues, admitted publicly 
(that the nation conducted) a war of aggression, and 
expressed their deep remorse and apologies to the 
countries that were victimized.... The Chinese government 
and people very much appreciate this.' The second point 
is that he lauded Japan's official development assistance 
to China, saying that 'the Chinese government and people 
will never forget' the support they received from the 
Japanese government and people for China's 'reform and 
modernization.'... His speech was broadcast live in 
China, prompting us to wonder if it was intended to 
correct excessively anti-Japanese education and tamp down 
anti-Japanese sentiment at home." 
 
¶2. "Welcoming Wen's Appreciation for Japan" The liberal 
Asahi editorialized (4/13): "...Chinese Premier Wen spoke 
before the Diet Tuesday, and his speech was broadcast 
live to the people of both countries.... That he clearly 
praised Japan's past apologies regarding WWII is an 
epochal development that we welcome.... His remarks were 
likely intended to let the peoples of both countries know 
that the Chinese government hopes to put an end to the 
lasting animosity and controversy surrounding Japan's 
invasion of China and apologies.... Wen also essentially 
expressed gratitude for the assistance that Japan has 
provided to China over the years. It is certain that this 
is the first that many in China have ever heard of the 
matter. Clearly, behind this expression of appreciation 
... lies the fact that Beijing urgently needs to ensure 
Japanese cooperation in order to address its serious 
environmental problems and lack of natural resources. 
Nevertheless, this change of attitude from just being 
critical of Japan to being ready to express due 
appreciation is significant." 
 
¶3. "Iceberg Still Lies Ahead" The liberal Tokyo Shimbun 
wrote (4/13): "...The joint press release issued after 
the Wen-Abe summit was rather brief in referring to the 
two nations' foremost concerns: North Korea's abductions 
of Japanese citizens and Taiwanese independence. On the 
abductions, it merely stated that the issue was a 
humanitarian concern for the Japanese. Last month at a 
press conference in Beijing, Wen expressed 'sympathy and 
understanding for the fact that Japanese people have been 
abducted.' These words were not included in the joint 
statement, however, as Japan strongly opposed a Chinese 
request that the statement make clear Tokyo's opposition 
to independence for Taiwan.... This kind of diplomatic 
bargaining is commonplace, but the abductions are a 
purely humanitarian issue and should not be treated as 
bargaining chip." 
 
DONOVAN