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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 07 TOKYO 005298 
 
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:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 11/20/07 
 
Index: 
 
(1) Japan-ASEAN reach settlement on EPA to be put into effect next 
fall: Tariff on flat-screen TV to be abolished over 10 years 
(Asahi) 
 
(2) ASEAN summit: ASEAN looking forward to new Fukuda Doctrine 
(Sankei) 
 
(3) Editorial: One step toward realization of concept of East Asia 
Community (Asahi) 
 
(4) Female victim rate lower than US rate: US Embassy officer 
(Okinawa Times) 
 
(5) Foreign residents worried about how fingerprint data will be 
used (Asahi) 
 
(6) TOP HEADLINES 
 
(7) EDITORIALS 
 
(8) Prime Minister's schedule, November 19 (Nikkei) 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) Japan-ASEAN reach settlement on EPA to be put into effect next 
fall: Tariff on flat-screen TV to be abolished over 10 years 
 
ASAHI (Page 10) (Full) 
November 20, 2007 
 
Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at an 
economic ministerial meeting yesterday reached an agreement to sign 
an economic partnership agreement (EPA) featuring trade 
liberalization. The agreement is expected to be put into effect next 
fall. This is Japan's first EPA with a regional association, which 
will bring about a wide-area economic bloc since ASEAN countries 
have a total population of about 550 million. 
 
Japan's trade with ASEAN in 2006 reached approximately 156.3 billion 
dollars or approximately 17.2 trillion yen, accounting for about 13 
PERCENT  of the nation's entire trade amount. According to the 
envisaged EPA, Japan will immediately abolish tariffs on more than 
90 PERCENT  of imports from ASEAN, and ASEAN will scrap tariffs on 
more than 85 PERCENT  of imports from Japan over 10-18 years. For 
instance, tariffs on flat-screen TV will be scrapped in seven ASEAN 
member nations within 10 years, which would make it easier for 
Japanese companies to manufacture products based on the division of 
labor. 
 
In the East Asia region, moves to sign EPAs and free trade 
agreements (FTA) are gathering momentum with focus on ASEAN. 
Individual agreements between ASEAN, and countries like Japan, 
China, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand, will be put 
into effect next year. 
 
Japan has advocated an East Asia EPA (ASEAN plus Japan, China and 
South Korea, plus Australia and New Zealand) putting together all 
those EPAS. The result of studies on its proposal will likely be 
reported at the East Asia summit next year along with an ASEAN plus 
3 (Japan, China and South Korea) EPA advocated by China. Discussions 
 
TOKYO 00005298  002 OF 007 
 
 
on the future image of an East Asia economic bloc will thus move 
into full swing. The East Asia EPA initiative is also aimed at 
softening China's influence. 
 
However, it is noteworthy that ASEAN has not necessarily been 
positive toward the idea of signing an EPA. Since its members have 
different levels of the economies and different religions and 
cultures, it lacks cooperativeness like the EU has. The EPA talks 
with ASEAN have followed a thorny path with member nations' 
motivated by the desire to keep tariffs high in order to give 
priority to inviting investors to their own countries instead of 
within the region. 
 
ASEAN member nations expect Japan to liberalize its agricultural 
market, invest in their countries and transfer technology to them. 
Japan's ability to construct a cooperative system involving the 
private sector will be put to the test. 
 
"It is almost impossible for Doha Round to reach a settlement within 
the year," says METI minister during WTO talks 
 
Singapore, Yusuke Murayama 
 
Commenting on the possibility of the multilateral trade negotiations 
at the World Trade Organization (WTO) reaching a settlement within 
the year, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Amari during a press 
conference yesterday evening said, "It is almost impossible by any 
stretch of the imagination." He also indicated an outlook that a 
ministerial meeting, a premise for reaching an agreement, will be 
delayed until immediately after the World Economic Forum Annual 
Plenary Session (Davos Conference) to be held in Switzerland in late 
January next year. 
 
(2) ASEAN summit: ASEAN looking forward to new Fukuda Doctrine 
 
SANKEI (Page 7) (Full) 
November 20, 2007 
 
Kinya Fujimoto, Singapore 
 
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has initiated a 
series of events for its summit meeting, holding an informal dinner 
party in Singapore. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda will attend the East 
Asia summit tomorrow. It has been 30 years since the late Prime 
Minister Takeo Fukuda, the father of Yasuo, advocated the so-called 
Fukuda Doctrine, in which he articulated Japan's foreign policy 
toward Southeast Asia. Among ASEAN member countries, the Fukuda 
Doctrine has been highly appreciated, citing that it became the 
foundation for them to build a relationship of trust with Japan. 
There is a view calling for a second Fukuda doctrine that would meet 
the needs of the new era. 
 
The Straits Time, a Singaporean daily newspaper, stated in a 
commentary on Nov. 16 that Prime Minister Fukuda's foreign policy 
toward Asia, would be similar to that of his father Takeo, who was 
regarded as a friend of Asia, in particular ASEAN. All ASEAN member 
countries are welcoming Fukuda's first official visit to Singapore. 
 
The Fukuda Doctrine, which was asserted by the late Japanese prime 
minister in 1977 in Manila, included three principles for Japan's 
Southeast Asia foreign policy: 1) Japan would never become a 
military power and would contribute to Southeast Asian and world 
 
TOKYO 00005298  003 OF 007 
 
 
peace; 2) Japan would build up relationship of mutual confidence and 
trust with Southeast Asian countries; and 3) Japan on equal footing 
would contribute to peace and prosperity of South East Asian 
countries. 
 
The Fukuda Doctrine was meant to repair the bad image that Japan 
then held in Asia. 
In 1974, then Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka faced anti-Japanese 
crowds in Bangkok and Jakarta who were defiantly against Japanese 
companies' unilateral investment in Southeast Asia. 
 
Former Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan, in a symposium held in 
Singapore this month commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 
Fukuda Doctrine, stated: "Up to that time, Japan conducted its 
foreign policy only for the sake of its economy." He gave a positive 
assessment of the Fukuda Doctrine, saying: 
 
"Because successive cabinets in Japan since 1977 have continued the 
Fukuda Doctrine, Japan and Southeast Asian countries have been able 
to share economic and commercial interests, bringing stability to 
the region." 
 
As concrete achievements, he mentioned Japan's contribution to 
bringing peace to Cambodia and to resolving the East Timor dispute. 
 
There are also skeptical views. Singapore's Vice Foreign Minister 
Andrew Tong threw doubt on whether an equal relationship was 
realized, saying: "Japan's 'checkbook diplomacy' (after the Fukuda 
Doctrine) has created erroneous thinking among Japanese elites (that 
Japan only gives aid)" 
 
University of Wisconsin Prof. Jian Wei, who hails from China, 
pointed out: "The Fukuda Doctrine can also be interpreted as Japan 
having made a political decision to return from the West to Asia." 
As long as Japan continues its "US-centered diplomatic strategy," 
actions by Japan and ASEAN will be constrained and the "Fukuda 
Doctrine would not be fully implemented," he said. 
 
Surin, a former foreign minister in Thailand who will become ASEAN 
secretary general next January, stated: 
 
SIPDIS 
 
"Although peace and prosperity were achieved in Southeast Asia as a 
whole, there are now such new issues as the gap between rich and 
poor, human rights, and human security." 
 
Former ASEAN Secretary General Seberino (TN: phonetic) said: 
"Although the Fukuda Doctrine is not outdated, a re-definition is 
necessary." 
 
In Indonesia in 2004 after he stepped down as chief cabinet 
secretary, Prime Minister Fukuda commented on the doctrine: "Since 
 
SIPDIS 
it is little bit old, we should look into one that has new 
expressions and policies replacing the old ones." 
 
(3) Editorial: One step toward realization of concept of East Asia 
Community 
 
ASAHI (Page 3) (Full) 
November 20, 2007 
 
Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 
finalized negotiation on concluding an economic partnership 
 
TOKYO 00005298  004 OF 007 
 
 
agreement (EPA) yesterday. From a long-term standpoint, this 
agreement is significant, because the concept of an East Asia 
Community, which had just been viewed as an account of a dream, has 
been turned into a future goal. 
 
An EPA includes such sectors as service trade and investment in a 
free trade agreement (FTA) designed to reduce or abolish tariffs. 
 
Japan has so far concluded FTAs separately with six countries of the 
10-nation ASEAN, but the latest one covers the entire region. 
 
China and South Korea have already struck free-trade deals with 
ASEAN. As a result of Japan joining them, a trilateral economic zone 
will be established, centered around ASEAN. In addition, if Japan 
signs FTAs with China and South Korea, and if China and South Korea 
also concludes an FTA, the framework for the concept of an East Asia 
Community will be completed. 
 
Of course, it will not be easy to reach the goal. FTA talks between 
Japan and South Korea have been suspended over the past three years, 
blocked by such pending issues as Japan's closed rice market and 
past military aggression. Japan and China have yet to start even 
negotiations. 
 
Encouraged by the agreement with ASEAN, Japan should move in a 
positive manner. Countries in East Asia have put their economies on 
the development track and have served as an engine to pull along the 
global economy. If they strengthen coordination to establish an 
economic community, results significant for each nation should be 
produced. 
 
Tariffs on about 90 PERCENT  of imports in terms of value will be 
gradually repealed after the agreement takes effect. For instance, 
in case Japan exports liquid crystal panels to Malaysia to make TV 
sets there and then exports the products to the Philippines, no 
tariff will be imposed on imports in the entire process. 
 
In the agreement between Japan and ASEAN, however, there are 
insufficient parts. Japan has put aside rice and dairy products from 
the application of the accord in order to protect domestic farmers. 
Thailand and Vietnam have excluded automobiles. Japan has a 
responsibility to enhance cooperation by opening up its market on 
its own initiative. 
 
Meanwhile, it is also essential to push ahead with ongoing global 
trade talks under the World Trade Organization (WO). But the talks 
have been stalled as the interests of 150 participant countries are 
involved in a complicated way. Japan will have to pour its energies 
in both WTO talks and FTA negotiations. 
 
ASEAN has marked the 40th anniversary of its establishment. The 
association has steadily taken one step after another toward 
establishing a common market. Upon successfully dealing with the 
financial crunch in Asia 10 years ago, the countries have sparked 
their economies back to life. We feel deeply moved by the fact that 
ASEAN has reached the stage of moving toward establishing a 
community. 
 
In the summit today, ASEAN will adopt a charter that will base the 
establishment of a community. Japan should also be indirectly 
involved in the process of establishing a community modeled after 
the European Union (EU) so that progress will be made in the 
 
TOKYO 00005298  005 OF 007 
 
 
process. 
 
(4) Female victim rate lower than US rate: US Embassy officer 
 
OKINAWA TIMES (Page 27) (Full) 
November 20, 2007 
 
TOKYO-A group of women, including Hiroko Takahashi, a 
co-representative of the Ai Josei Kaigi (I Women's Council), 
formerly the Nihon Fujin Kaigi (Japan Women's Council), and Nobuko 
Karimata, a member of Okinawa Prefecture's assembly, who chairs the 
council's Okinawa prefectural headquarters, called at the US Embassy 
in Japan yesterday and met Security Policy Division Director Raymond 
Greene at the embassy to protest a recent spate of incidents in 
which Japanese women were raped, killed, or injured by US servicemen 
in Japan. 
 
According to Karimata and others, Greene indicated his view, saying 
the rate of similar incidents in Japan is "lower than that in a 
certain state of the United States." Those representatives from the 
council were strongly repulsed by this remark. One of them said, "If 
there is even a single victim, it is still a problem." Another said, 
"In sexual violence cases, there are also so many victims who cannot 
report their cases to police and find themselves helpless." 
 
In Okinawa, a US serviceman's son committed a rape resulting in 
bodily injury. Moreover, a group of Iwakuni-based US Marines 
allegedly gang-raped a Japanese woman. Referring to these cases, the 
council representatives pointed out that there were a number of 
incidents caused by US servicemen. 
 
(5) Foreign residents worried about how fingerprint data will be 
used 
 
ASAHI (Page 2) (Full) 
November 19, 2007 
 
An increasing number of countries have introduced stricter 
immigration checks. In Britain, applicants for visas are required to 
be fingerprinted. Japanese nationals have also been subject to this 
requirement since early this month. The European Union (EU) has 
introduced a similar system to Britain's. But there is no other 
country but Japan and the United States in which almost all visitors 
are subject to the requirement of fingerprinting. The Justice 
Ministry dispatched in September its officers to China, Taiwan, and 
South Korea, from which 60 PERCENT  of all foreign visitors to Japan 
come, to seek understanding of Japan's new system from their travel 
agencies and press companies. 
 
A sense of resistance is spreading among foreign residents in Japan. 
In the case of Japan, unlike the US, even foreigners married to 
Japanese, as well as those with permanent residency, will be subject 
to the requirement. Groups opposed to the new system have issued 
statements criticizing it as discriminatory, based on the 
preconceived notion that foreigners are terrorists. 
 
Collected fingerprints will be put into a database, and the data 
will also be used in criminal investigations. Some have voiced 
concern about the government's policy of strengthening the control 
of foreign residents in Japan, with one person grumbling: "I wonder 
how the government will use the data." 
 
 
TOKYO 00005298  006 OF 007 
 
 
North Korean and South Korean residents will be excluded from the 
application of the new system. Faced with strong objections, the 
government dropped the fingerprinting system under the Alien 
Registration Law in 2000. This experience is behind the decision to 
exclude Korean residents. The eldest son of the late Choi Chang Hwa, 
who launched a campaign against the fingerprinting system, said: "I 
am disappointed at the resumption of the system only seven years 
after it was ended. It is strange to require general permanent 
residents who have long been deep-seated in Japan to be 
fingerprinted. I will raise opposition." 
 
(6) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
Nukaga helped Yamagata construction firm take part in bidding for 
defense-related facilities through Moriya in 2000 
 
Mainichi: 
Fund pooled in US by ex-Yamada executive reached 1.1 billion yen 
 
Yomiuri: 
LDP, DPJ leaders to hold talks on Nov. 22 
 
Nikkei: 
Sumitomo Trust & Banking, Aozora Bank to form comprehensive 
operational ties 
 
Sankei: 
Kyuma vs. Moriya over CX engine procurement 
 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
Japan, ASEAN reach agreement on EPA 
 
Akahata: 
Nukaga wined and dined by Mitsubishi Group 
 
(7) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Japan-ASEAN EPA agreement: First step toward East Asia 
Community 
(2) Osaka mayoral election: Grand coalition fiasco does not affect 
election 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) Global warming report: Use scientific data for policy 
(2) Osaka mayoral election: New mayor must push forward with reform 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) How to eliminate Kasumigaseki's resistance toward 
decentralization 
(2) OPEC supports fight against global warming 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) Japan, ASEAN still unhappy with EPA accord 
(2) Reform of Osaka City administration indispensable 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Fiscal council's proposals: Ruling and opposition camps cannot 
ease up 
(2) We hope Kibo will make new chapter for Japan's space development 
 
TOKYO 00005298  007 OF 007 
 
 
 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) Finance Minister Nukaga's explanations do not make sense 
(2) Russia, US, China should join international effort to reduce 
CO2 
 
 
Akahata: 
(1) Proposals by fiscal system council: Don't prey on common people 
and rural areas 
 
(8) Prime Minister's schedule, November 19 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
November 20, 2007 
 
11:41 Entered his name in the register book to report his return 
home. 
11:59 Met with Vice Defense Minister Masuda at the Prime Minister's 
Official Residence (Kantei). 
12:24 Met with Deputy Foreign Minister Yabunaka, Asian and Oceanian 
Affairs Bureau Director General Sasae and Southeast and Southwest 
Asian Affairs Director General Atsumi. Deputy Chief Cabinet 
Secretary Iwaki was present. 
 
SIPDIS 
14:46 Arrived at the official residence. 
15:49 Left Haneda Airport on government plane to attend East Asia 
summit. 
Evening Arrived at Singapore International Airport. Stayed overnight 
at Four Seasons Hotel. 
 
SCHIEFFER