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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 13 TOKYO 001733 
 
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 07/30/09 
 
Index: 
1) Top headlines 
2) Editorials 
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule  (Nikkei) 
 
Defense and security affairs: 
4) House of Representatives official tells Ambassador Fujisaki that 
it hopeless for Japan to expect to introduce the F-22 since the 
aircraft will not be exported  (Tokyo Shimbun) 
5) Government's advisory panel on security affairs comes down in 
favor of Japan using the right to collective self-defense, easing 
the three weapons-export rules  (Sankei) 
6) Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in its manifesto will promise to 
reinterpret Constitution to allow use of right of collective 
self-defense  (Sankei) 
 
Democratic Party of Japan's (DPJ) dilemma: 
7) DPJ President Hatoyama says Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) 
refueling mission will not be extended, reflecting pull from Social 
Democratic Party (SDP)  (Tokyo Shimbun) 
8) Hatoyama indicates he will propose an alternate plan to the MSDF 
Indian Ocean mission that will be ended  (Sankei) 
9) DPJ trying to preserve coalition with SDP by backtracking on MSDF 
mission in the Indian Ocean  (Nikkei) 
10) DPJ now wavering in its "pragmatic" security line, giving the 
LDP new material to attack it in the election campaign  (Nikkei) 
11) In interview, SDP head Fukushima says her party is against any 
overseas dispatch by the Self-Defense Forces  (Mainichi) 
 
12) U.S., China end strategic dialogue, marking the start of a G-2 
arrangement, but Japan remains concerned about being left behind 
(Mainichi) 
 
Japan and human rights issues: 
13) World Uighur Congress head Kadeer speaks out on human rights in 
China during visit to Japan  (Yomiuri)    11 
14) Chinese government very unhappy about Kadeer's visit to Japan 
(Yomiuri) 
 
15) Japan, Iraq negotiating to allow Japanese companies oil 
development rights in Iraq  (Nikkei) 
 
16) Government panel proposes lowering legal age in Japan to 18 
(Nikkei) 
 
17) New law to revive indigenous Ainu culture in the works 
(Nikkei) 
Articles: 
 
1) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
Election based on manifestos in full swing: Battle to win over child 
rearing generation; LDP pledges compete with the DPJ 
 
Mainichi: 
Legislative Council report: 18 years old to be legal age, Diet to 
determine timing of legal revisions 
 
Yomiuri: 
Legislative Council recommends 18 years old to be legal age, on 
condition of lowering voting age, etc. 
 
TOKYO 00001733  002 OF 013 
 
 
 
Nikkei: 
Value of "incentive points" given out for shopping reach 1 trillion 
yen level; increasing interchangeability 
 
Sankei: 
Panel on security, defense recommends exercise of right of 
collective self-defense, relaxing three arms export principles 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
GSDF proposal for first reorganization since inception: New Ground 
Defense Command to be created; unified command for regional army 
corps 
 
Akahata: 
Medical fees: No cost on patients is the norm; 30 PERCENT  share 
abnormal in the world 
 
2) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) U.S.-China strategic dialogue: Closely watch historic turning 
point 
(2) Peace of mind and cost: Consider this as a set with 
decentralization of power 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) U.S.-China strategic dialogue: Engage in cooperation 
contributing to peace 
(2) Refusal to allow use of venue: Significance of guaranteeing 
freedom of assembly 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) Legislative Council report: 18 years old is legal age in most 
countries in the world 
(2) U.S.-China strategic dialogue: How will the G-2 proceed in the 
new era? 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) Create the conditions for making 18 years old legal age 
(2) U.S., China played up G-2, but... 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Verdict on Teachers' Union assembly: Freedom of speech is 
guaranteed for all 
(2) Uighur issue: UN should conduct on-site investigation 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) New era in U.S.-China relations: Japan put to test on sending 
out its message 
(2) Rugby world cup: How to take advantage of first world cup in 
Asia 
 
Akahata: 
Drastic review of nursing care assessment: Implement drastic change 
from policy of spending curb 
 
30 Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, July 29 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
 
TOKYO 00001733  003 OF 013 
 
 
July 30, 2009 
 
09:10 Left Haneda Airport on ASDF U-4 multi-purpose support 
aircraft. 
10:34 Arrived at Ube Airport in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Afterward met 
Gov. Nii. 
11:40 Observed area near National Highway 262 in Hofu City. 
12:28 Observed Life Care Takasago, a special nursing home, and 
offered flowers. 
14:52 Left Ube Airport on ASDF U-4 multi-purpose support aircraft. 
15:17 Arrived at Fukuoka Airport. Afterward met Fukuoka Governor Aso 
and others. 
16:21 Observed collapsed Kyushu Transversal Expressway in Onojo 
City, and offered flowers. 
17:04 Met Fukuoka Governor Aso, Nakagawa Mayor Takesue and others at 
Nakagawa Town Hall 
18:42 Left Fukuoka Airport on U-4 multi-purpose support aircraft. 
20:06 Arrived at Haneda Airport. 
20:35 Returned to his official residential quarters. 
 
4) F-22 introduction hopeless 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Full) 
July 30, 2009 
 
Nakahiro Iwata, Washington 
 
John Murtha, a Democrat legislator who chairs the U.S. House of 
Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, told Japan's 
Ambassador to the United States Ichiro Fujisaki in person that it 
would be difficult to export the F-22, a state-of-the-art fighter 
jet as a candidate for Japan's follow-on mainstay fighter, U.S. 
Congress sources revealed on July 28. Japan's introduction of the 
F-22 is now hopeless. 
 
The Senate recently approved a bill for the National Defense 
Authorization Act of 2010 after eliminating a budget slot of 1.75 
billion dollars earmarked for the purchase of seven additional F-22 
jets in conformity with President Obama's initiative to reform 
defense spending. 
 
Meanwhile, the House is expected to approve a defense appropriations 
bill today, incorporating a budget slot of 369 million dollars for 
procuring 12 F-22s. However, the White House Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) released a statement on July 28, saying Obama would 
veto the bill if it is approved as is. 
 
Murtha has so far been positive about budgeting additional F-22 
fighter planes. In response to such moves in the U.S. Congress, 
however, he came up with a modified bill switching from spending on 
the procurement of F-22s to spending on repair and maintenance 
services for F-22 jets that are already deployed. 
 
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Murtha reiterated that it would be 
difficult to export F-22s since the defense appropriations bill 
includes a clause that prohibits F-22 exports. Murtha is believed to 
have conveyed a similar view directly to Fujisaki. 
 
5) Government panel drafts recommendation for exercise of right of 
collective self-defense; Relaxation of three arms export principles 
 
SANKEI (Top play) (Full) 
 
TOKYO 00001733  004 OF 013 
 
 
July 30, 2009 
 
The draft of a report compiled by the government's Council on 
Security and Defense Capabilities (chaired by Tokyo Electric Company 
chairman Tsunehisa Katsumata) in preparation for the revision of the 
"National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG)," which sets the basic 
policy for building Japan's defense capability, was revealed on July 
¶29. The draft report recommends changing the constitutional 
interpretation to allow the exercise of the right of collective 
self-defense and to authorize the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to 
engage in operations such as "protecting U.S. ships in the open 
seas," which are currently banned based on the government's legal 
interpretation. The report also proposes relaxing the three 
principles on arms exports, which prohibit the export of weapons to 
foreign countries, in order to facilitate participation in the 
international joint development of fighters and other equipment. 
 
The Council will submit its report to Prime Minister Taro Aso on 
August 4, and this document will serve as the basis of discussion 
for the NDPG's revision toward the end of this year. However, if the 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), reported to be leading in the 
forthcoming House of Representatives election, takes over the reins 
of government, confusion will be inevitable in the discussions on 
NDPG revision. 
 
The manifesto (campaign pledges) published recently by the DPJ makes 
no mention of the right of collective self-defense, and the party's 
"Policy Index 2009" says that the exercise of the right of 
self-defense "will not be bound by the theoretical discussions on 
individual or collective right of self-defense" and will be based on 
the "principle of exclusive defense." 
 
For this reason, there is an opinion in the party that "revision of 
the NDPG by year-end should be deferred because if the debate is 
started in the party, no consensus will be reached, and this will 
give rise to turmoil in the steering of the administration." (senior 
DPJ official) Even if revision takes place, the recommendations of 
the Council may not be followed. 
 
The draft report recommends changing the constitutional 
interpretation relating to the following: (1) counterattack when 
U.S. naval vessels are attacked while sailing alongside SDF vessels; 
(2) interception of ballistic missiles targeting the U.S.; (3) use 
of weapons for counterattack in response to an attack on troops of 
other countries while engaged in UN peacekeeping operations (PKO); 
and (4) rear support for multinational forces on a common mission. 
All the above operations can be made possible by a statement from 
the prime minister or other officials in the Diet that changes the 
government's interpretation. 
 
The report proposes changing the constitutional interpretation 
banning the exercise of the right of collective self-defense to 
allow protection of U.S. vessels and interception of ballistic 
missiles targeting the U.S. from the standpoint of maintaining and 
reinforcing the Japan-U.S. alliance. As for (3) and (4), which have 
so far been prohibited due to the possibility of "use of force," the 
Council calls for allowing them in order to expand the SDF's 
participation in PKO. 
 
Furthermore, in light of North Korea's launching of ballistic 
missiles in April, the Council asks the government to develop early 
warning satellites for detecting missile launches based on heat 
 
TOKYO 00001733  005 OF 013 
 
 
source. Its report also recommends reinforcing the functions of 
Japan's Security Council and a review of the "Basic Policy for 
National Defense," which has not been revised since it was first 
formulated in 1957. 
 
With regard to defense capability, the Council calls for a shift 
from a "multifunctional and flexible" defense capability under the 
current NDPG to a "multi-tiered and collaborative" defense 
capability. Specifically, it recommends shifting from emphasis on 
preparedness for national defense to emphasis on the Japan-U.S. 
alliance and defense cooperation with the United Nations and 
multinational collaboration. 
 
Based on the above thinking, the draft report also touches on the 
need to relax the rules on the use of weapons on PKO missions, in 
order to be able to cooperate with other countries, and the need to 
legislate a regular law to authorize the dispatch of the SDF at any 
time. 
 
6) LDP vows in policy platform to reconsider interpretation of 
Constitution to enable SDF's interception of missile targeting U.S. 
 
SANKEI (Page 3) (Slightly abridged) 
July 30, 2009 
 
The Liberal Democratic Party unveiled the full text of its yet-to-be 
officially announced policy platform (manifesto) for the upcoming 
House of Representatives election yesterday. The party pledges to 
look into altering the government's interpretation of the 
Constitution to enable the Self-Defense Force (SDF) to intercept a 
ballistic missile targeting the U.S. from North Korea or other 
countries. The manifesto also assumes the possibility of the SDF 
assisting missile intercepts by the U.S. military. 
 
Prime Minister Taro Aso will officially announce the manifesto 
tomorrow. Its buzzword is "the ability to take responsibility for 
protecting Japan," listing 68 items in the areas of security, 
vitality, and responsibility. 
 
The prime minister instructed the responsible officials to specify 
the reconsideration of the government's interpretation. The 
manifesto vows to reconsider the current government's interpretation 
to allow the SDF to use the right to collective self-defense in 
certain cases, based on the stance of prioritizing the Japan-U.S. 
alliance, which is closely linked to national security. 
 
As for employment measures, the manifesto includes a plan to give 
job training for one million persons over the next three years. The 
party pledges to prepare a program to enable those aged 70 to still 
be in active service, including measures to give education and 
training to people in their 50s to facilitate them to get jobs after 
the retirement age and to establish a senior expert database. 
 
The manifesto also lays out detailed plans to introduce free 
education for preschool children. The party vows to phase out fees 
for children attending kindergartens, day nurseries or the 
authorized children's centers over three years from fiscal 2010. 
 
Regarding drastic reform of the tax system, including a consumption 
tax hike, the party promises to work out necessary legal measures by 
fiscal 2011 and to carry them out immediately after the economy 
turns around. 
 
TOKYO 00001733  006 OF 013 
 
 
 
The manifesto further proposes introducing the social security 
numbering and card system in fiscal 2011 and also resolving the 
pension record-keeping fiasco by the end of next year. In addition, 
it pledges to enact a basic law on the doshusei system, in which 
prefectures are reorganized into larger administrative blocs, at an 
early date and introduce the system by 2017. Further, the LDP 
proposes reducing the number of House of Representatives members by 
more than 10 PERCENT  in the general election that eventually 
follows the next one. Although its draft included measures to 
establish a system to protect human rights, such as granting local 
suffrage to foreign residents and legislation to protect human 
rights, but the final version excludes these measures, giving 
consideration to cautious views in the party. 
 
7) DPJ leader Hatoyama: MSDF's refueling mission to be terminated; 
DPJ comes up with new policy, sandwiched between SDP and U.S. 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) 
July 30, 2009 
 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama announced 
yesterday a policy of not extending the New Antiterrorism Special 
Measures Law, which will expire next January and withdrawing a 
Maritime Self-Defense unit, which has been carrying out its 
refueling mission in the Indian Ocean. The DPJ is torn between the 
demands of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) -- with which the DPJ 
is expected to form a coalition if it assumes the reins of 
government in the upcoming House of Representatives election -- 
which wants the immediate withdrawal of the MSDF personnel, and the 
United States, which expects Japan to continue its refueling 
mission. As result, the DPJ has come up with this new policy. 
 
When the DPJ was under President Ichiro Ozawa, it asserted that the 
refueling mission should be terminated immediately, citing the 
operation as "unconstitutional." In consideration of relations 
between Tokyo and Washington, Hatoyama, however, had shifted this 
policy to a pragmatic policy line of continuing the mission even 
after his party takes the political helm. 
 
The DPJ had avoided referring to its response after the expiration 
of the law, thinking that it would not be wise to reveal its 
decision before holding consultations with the United States. 
 
It was the first time for Hatoyama to reveal the party's decision to 
withdraw the MSDF troops from the Indian Ocean. He has conveyed this 
to SDP Chairperson Mizuho Fukushima. The DPJ made this decision with 
an eye on consultations on a coalition government with the SDP after 
the general election. 
 
However, the DPJ's policy of terminating the MSDF's refueling 
mission might create a rift between Tokyo and Washington. In an 
attempt to persuade the United States, the DPJ intends to discussion 
alternative measures that Japan will provide Afghanistan. 
 
It seems however that DPJ Deputy President Naoto Kan did not know 
about Hatoyama's statement. Referring at a press conference 
yesterday to the refueling mission, he said: "We will discuss the 
issue by next January and reach a conclusion." This exposed that a 
consensus had not yet been reached even among DPJ executives. 
 
The DPJ's manifesto (campaign pledges for the next general 
 
TOKYO 00001733  007 OF 013 
 
 
election), revealed on July 27, did not stipulate the MSDF's 
refueling mission. The DPJ appears to have been motivated by a 
desire to have a freehand so that it would be able to flexibly 
respond to the calls of the SDP and the United States. 
 
But the DPJ's policy switch instead has given the impression that 
the party is disorganized. 
 
8) Hatoyama to "discuss alternative plan" for Indian Ocean mission 
 
SANKEI (Page 2) (Abridged) 
July 30, 2009 
 
If the Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto) takes the reins of 
government in the forthcoming general election for the House of 
Representatives, Japan will discontinue the Maritime Self-Defense 
Force's ongoing refueling activities in the Indian Ocean and recall 
the MSDF next January when the renewed antiterror special measures 
law is due to expire, DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama told reporters 
yesterday on a campaign stop at the town of Kikuyo in Kumamoto 
Prefecture. In addition, Hatoyama also clarified that the DPJ would 
formulate an alternative plan prior to the law's expiration after 
consulting with the United States. 
 
"Our position is not to extend" the new antiterror special measures 
law beyond its expiration next January, Hatoyama said, adding: 
"During that time, in the process of establishing a relationship of 
mutual trust with U.S. President Obama, we will find a solid 
solution." 
 
The DPJ has stressed that Japan will not withdraw the MSDF at once 
even after taking the reins of government. This was out of 
consideration for the Untied States and countries whose naval 
vessels have been refueled by the MSDF. However, the DPJ had 
continued to oppose extending the special measures law, under which 
the MSDF has been refueling U.S. and other foreign naval vessels in 
the Indian Ocean. The DPJ was therefore criticized for deviating 
from previous statements. This seems to be why Hatoyama chose to 
withdraw the MSDF upon the law's expiration as a compromise plan 
between the option of continuing the refueling mission and the 
option of withdrawing the MSDF at once. 
 
The DPJ, however, used to criticize the MSDF's Indian Ocean dispatch 
per se as "unconstitutional," in the words of former DPJ President 
Ichiro Ozawa. If the DPJ sees it as unconstitutional, its cabinet 
should withdraw the MSDF as soon as possible after the general 
election. It is unclear as to why the DPJ plans to continue the 
refueling mission for the time being. 
 
9) Interview with SDP President Mizuho Fukushima: 
 
MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full) 
July 30, 2009 
 
-- What pledges are you going to emphasize in the election 
campaign? 
 
With the "reconstruction of livelihoods" as our slogan, we will 
stress the need to improve the job market and people's livelihoods, 
and reconstruct local communities. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) 
has pointed out that the direction of the Koizumi administration's 
structural reform was wrong. The government of the Liberal 
 
TOKYO 00001733  008 OF 013 
 
 
Democratic Party (LDP) and the New Komeito undermined the quality of 
people's lives. What the people are seeking is a social democratic 
society, in which welfare services are valued and people can live in 
harmony. Many people have asked me with tears in their eyes to 
change politics without fail. It is unprecedented that so many 
people have made such a plea. It is now time for the SDP to play a 
key role. 
 
-- A coalition government led by the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) 
is likely to be established. What approach are you going to take? 
 
We will clearly advocate social democracy. The DPJ said before that 
the Koizumi structural reform is too lenient. A real policy switch 
will be realized for the first time when the SDP achieves a victory. 
Although the DPJ had been reluctant to revise the Worker Dispatch 
Law, as a result of our persuasion, the SDP, the DPJ and the 
People's New Party (PNP) submitted a bill amending the law. The SDP 
is the source of policy change and the basis of solidarity in the 
Diet. I want people to think about whether the DPJ will be able to 
reconstruct people's lives if the party wins an overwhelming 
victory. I want to underscore that everything should be entrusted to 
the SDP because the LDP is hopeless and the DPJ is dangerous. We 
also want to emphasize: "Those who want to protect Article 9 of the 
Constitution should support the SDP." 
 
-- Are you going to join a coalition government with the DPJ? 
 
First, we must win the election. Coalition talks will come after the 
election. Under the government of the LDP, the SDP and the New Party 
Sakigake, there were such positive results as no progress on 
constitutional reform and on the issue of dispatch of the Self 
Defense Force overseas, but it was no good to mix up our party's 
policies and the coalition's. If we form a coalition, we will have 
to clarify such points as the purpose of our joining the coalition; 
unacceptable policies; policies that must be translated into action 
without fail. 
 
-- What are your conditions to start negotiations on a coalition? 
 
Although I cannot say definitely, we absolutely oppose the dispatch 
of Self-Defense Force (SDF) troops overseas. It is important to 
maintain the three nonnuclear principles. (The SDP's and the DPJ's) 
opposition to the bill amending the new antiterrorism special 
measures law also has great significance. 
 
-- What policy differences will you stress between your party and 
the Japanese Communist Party (JCP)? 
 
The SDP is capable of playing a key role in a specific and realistic 
way in the new political scene. We are in a very good position to 
hold a casting vote. Since the JCP will not join a coalition, its 
position is quite different from ours. 
 
-- How many seats are you aiming to win? 
 
We aim to get more than 10 seats. We are cooperating with the DPJ 
and the PNP for the coming election more closely than in the 
previous election campaign. We will make utmost efforts to be 
victorious in single-seat constituencies. In 11 proportional 
representation blocs across the nation, we would like to win one 
seat, at least. 
 
 
TOKYO 00001733  009 OF 013 
 
 
10) DPJ wavering in its new pragmatic policy line as President 
Hatoyama decides not to extend refueling operations 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
July 30, 2009 
 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama on July 29 
revealed his policy intention of not extending the refueling 
operations being carried out by the Maritime Self-Defense Force 
(MSDF) in the Indian Ocean. He has apparently given consideration to 
the Social Democratic Party (SDP), with which the DPJ will form a 
coalition after assuming the reins of government. The party's 
manifesto (campaign pledges), released recently, has incurred 
criticism both from the ruling and opposition parties because it 
left room for an extension of the MSDF's refueling operations by 
refraining from touching on the issue. One can say that the DPJ, 
which is being rocked by criticism of its manifesto, has revealed 
its weakness by going on the defense. 
 
SDP President Mizuho Fukushima called Hatoyama on his cell phone. 
Hatoyama, who was then in Kyushu, told her, "I have no intention of 
extending (the MSDF refueling operations, which are to end in 
January next year)." 
 
The DPJ along with the SDP have been taking a position of opposing 
the refueling operations. However, Hatoyama on the 17th told 
reporters: "Diplomatic continuity is necessary. It is reckless to 
stop the operations all at once." Concerning the possibility of 
extending the operations after the expiration, Secretary General 
Katsuya Okada at a press conference on the 24th also told reporters, 
"There is a possibility of approving the extension, after making 
necessary revisions." 
 
The statements of the two DPJ leaders were taken as implying such an 
extension to the continuation of the operation was possible for the 
time being. A senior DPJ official explained: "The DPJ has opposed 
extending the operations. However, we have never called for an 
immediate pullout." 
 
However, the SDP is dismayed at the DPJ's pragmatic approach. 
Fukushima repeatedly said, "We cannot overlook the DPJ's fuzziness." 
Gaps and discord between the DPJ and other opposition parties are 
the most open to attacks by the ruling parties, which are suffering 
from setbacks. 
 
11) DPJ will not extend refueling mission, attentive to SDP to 
preserve coalition 
 
MAINICHI (Page 4) (Full) 
July 30, 2009 
 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama has 
clarified that the DPJ (if elected ruling party) would not extend 
the Maritime Self-Defense Force's current refueling activities in 
the Indian Ocean after next January's expiry of the new antiterror 
special measures law that allows the MSDF to conduct its mission. 
What lies behind this is consideration for the Social Democratic 
Party (SDP), with which the DPJ is expecting to form a coalition 
after the upcoming general election for the House of 
Representatives. However, the DPJ has yet to finalize its course of 
action to withdraw the MSDF after the law ends. This issue will 
remain a source for controversy. 
 
TOKYO 00001733  010 OF 013 
 
 
 
"DPJ President Hatoyama clearly said, 'We will not extend the 
antiterror special measures law.'" With this, SDP President Mizuho 
Fukushima unveiled an episode about a telephone conversation she had 
with Hatoyama on the morning of July 29. 
 
When the Diet was open in the fall of 2007, the DPJ and the SDP 
voted against a government-introduced bill extending the MSDF's 
refueling mission and suspended the MSDF's refueling mission for a 
while. This time, however, the DPJ chose a down-to-earth course of 
action to continue it for the time being. Fukushima had expressed 
concern. Even if the DPJ gains a single-party majority of the seats 
in the House of Representatives after the next general election, the 
DPJ alone cannot maintain a majority in the House of Councillors 
without the SDP's cooperation. Hatoyama is therefore believed to 
have tried to quiet it down. 
 
One DPJ member, who is familiar with relations with the United 
States, took this view: "For the United States, this issue is less 
important than the issue of revising the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces 
Agreement and thinking twice about the relocation site of the U.S. 
military's Futenma airfield." However, once Japan raises the issue 
of the MSDF's pullout, the United States will likely call on Japan 
to make additional contributions in Afghanistan. 
 
12) U.S.-China Strategic Dialogue: G-2 system now in motion 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Excerpts) 
July 30, 2009 
 
Masaya Oikawa, Washington; Joji Matsuura Beijing 
 
The first round of the cabinet-level U.S.-China Strategic and 
Economic Dialogue ended on July 28. The Dialogue, which covered a 
wide range of topics from climate change to the North Korean nuclear 
issue, demonstrated new phase for U.S.-China relations for the 21st 
century, while offering a glimpse into a subtle change in the 
political dynamics between the two countries, as seen in the United 
States' occasional demonstration of its "consideration" for a 
"bullish" China. The Dialogue is an ambitious effort for the United 
States and China to proactively address issues that are usually 
handled by the G-8 or the G-20. How far the G-2 arrangement, 
composed of the United States and China, can achieve progress 
remains to be seen. 
 
Takashi Sudo 
 
The Japanese government is alarmed, suspecting that a closer 
U.S.-China relationship might end up creating a chance for the two 
countries alone to handle a variety of issues in Asia. Although 
there is a move among Japan, the United States and China to search 
for a framework to form a trilateral dialogue, it is a double-edged 
sword that might end up forcing Japan to blindly follow in the 
footsteps of the United States and China. As such, Japan remains 
unable to determine how to deal with it. 
 
The Japanese government basically thinks the U.S.-China relationship 
is still at the stage of searching for each other's intention, with 
a senior Foreign Ministry official saying, "The United States and 
China are essentially different." Tokyo wants to maintain the 
two-vs.-one paradigm of facing up to China based on the Japan-U.S. 
alliance. 
 
TOKYO 00001733  011 OF 013 
 
 
 
At the same time, coordination is underway to hold director 
general-level talks as early as this summer under the initiative of 
China. Japan, which wants to avoid matters being decided under the 
lead of the U.S. and China, is not necessarily eager for trilateral 
talks either. Tokyo is particularly on alert about Japan and the 
United States - two allies - sitting at the same table with China to 
discuss security affairs. 
 
If talks are actually held under a Japan-U.S.-China framework on the 
back of the deepening U.S.-China relationship, America's failure to 
clearly announce its support for Japan might give a chance for China 
to score diplomatic points by taking advantage of it. "Even an 
objective draw between Japan and China, Japan would lose diplomatic 
points," a senior Foreign Ministry official said. Japan wants to 
avoid the two-vs.-one paradigm becoming an equilateral triangle. 
 
At the same time, an outlook that China's national strength, 
including its economic power, will surpass that of Japan in the long 
run is on its way to reality. The senior Foreign Ministry official 
took this view, "We will have to continue making efforts to make 
China understand that closer ties with Japan will benefit it." 
 
13) WUC President Kadeer to seek right to national 
self-determination through dialogue with China 
 
YOMIURI (Page 7) (Excerpts) 
July 30, 2009 
 
Seita Higa 
 
Visiting President Rebiya Kadeer of the World Uighur Congress (WUC), 
an organization of Uighurs residing overseas, has asked Japan and 
the United Nations to send investigative teams. The reason is 
because she has strong distrust in the Han-led post-riot response, 
as seen in the tight control on information in the Xinjiang Uighur 
Autonomous Region. The president said, "At present, we have autonomy 
in form only." She revealed a plan to strongly seek the right to 
national self-determination through a dialogue with the Chinese 
government. 
 
"The death toll announced by China is a lie. We do not believe it at 
all." The president also said about the autonomous region's actual 
situation after the riots: "It is certain that over 10,000 Uighurs 
have been detained by authorities. Our people are in great danger." 
She played up the need for the international community to become 
swiftly involved in the Uighur issue. 
 
Kadeer also condemned the suppression of riots by Chinese 
authorities, saying, "There is information that they had stopped 
electricity during the dark hours and opened fire indiscriminately," 
adding, "I want the international community to pursue China's 
responsibility." 
 
At the same time, expressing concern about the intensifying 
confrontation between Han Chinese and the Uighurs, she asked for a 
dialogue with the Chinese government, saying, "Dialogue is the only 
way to dissolve the matter peacefully." 
14) Chinese government expresses "strong dissatisfaction" with WUC 
president's visit to Japan 
 
YOMIURI (Page 7) (Abridged) 
 
TOKYO 00001733  012 OF 013 
 
 
July 30, 2009 
 
Satoshi Saeki, Beijing 
 
Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Wu Dawei, calling in Japanese 
Ambassador to China Yuji Miyamoto, lodged a protest with Japan on 
July 29 about the fact that Tokyo allowed World Uighur Congress 
(WUC) President Rebiya Kadeer to visit Japan, while expressing 
China's "strong dissatisfaction" with the matter. Wu urged Japan to 
take an effective step immediately to stop Kadeer's anti-China 
activities in Japan. China is keeping a watchful eye on Kadeer's 
activities, regarding them as a move reflecting active movements of 
Uighur separatists in the international community. 
 
15) JAPEX aims to have access to Iraqi oil fields 
 
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full) 
July 30, 2009 
 
Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX), a leading oil and 
natural gas development company, has entered talks with the Iraqi 
government with the aim of securing a right to develop major oil 
fields in that nation. Iraq, which has the world's third largest 
crude oil reserves, has decided to fully introduce foreign capital 
for production expansion for the first time in about 40 years. Other 
Japanese companies, such as Nippon Oil Corporation, are also 
pursuing talks with Iraq. Japanese companies' moves to aim to 
advance into Iraq are accelerating. 
 
JAPEX will aim to develop the East Baghdad oil field located in a 
suburb of Baghdad. Since it has cooperated with the Iraqi government 
in terms of assessing oil fields and providing training to engineers 
since 2005, the company has judged that it would be relatively easy 
to commercialize the project. It is expected that the oil field will 
produce about 10 percent of Japan's daily domestic demand - 400,000 
barrels a day. JAPEX has proposed developing a mining area on the 
southern side of the oil field. 
 
JAPEX has proposed development costs and production goals in 
specific terms. The company plans to proceed with talks to discuss 
development terms with the Iraqi government. 
 
A consortium consisting of JAPEX, New Oil Corporation and JGC 
Corporation has already proposed the development of the Nasiriyah 
oil field in southern Iraq. It is expected that if Japanese 
companies win these projects, Japan could secure new profit sources. 
It would also contribute to Japan's energy security. 
 
16) Justice Ministry's subcommittee in final report: Lowering adult 
age to 18 appropriate 
 
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Excerpts) 
July 30, 2009 
 
The Civil Law Adult Age Subcommittee of the Legislative Council of 
the Justice Ministry, an advisory panel to the justice minister, 
yesterday compiled a final recommendation report in which the 
subcommittee proposes lowering the legal age of adulthood to 18 from 
the current 20, on condition that the voting age is also lowered to 
¶18. The report also points out that such legal measures as one to 
protect consumer will be necessary. It does not propose a time frame 
for revising the Civil Code, saying the decision should be entrusted 
 
TOKYO 00001733  013 OF 013 
 
 
to the Diet. 
 
The report proposes that the legal age for marriage should be set at 
18 both men and women, while the legal age for adopting a child 
should be kept the present 20. Currently, the legal age for marriage 
in Japan is 18 for men and 16 for women. 
 
The subcommittee had discussed a review of the legal age of 
adulthood, following the national referendum law which stipulates 
that the voting age is set at 18. The law calls for lowering the 
adult age and the voting age by May 2010 when it will take effect. 
The Legislative Council plans to submit the report soon to Justice 
Minister Eisuke Mori. 
 
17) Government advisory panel urges laws for reviving Ainu culture 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
July 30, 2009 
 
The government panel that studies Ainu polices, chaired by Koji 
Sato, professor emeritus at Kyoto University, yesterday submitted 
its report to Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura. The report 
urges the government to take concrete steps to improve the lives of 
indigenous Ainu people and promote their culture through new 
legislation. 
 
The report says that Ainu people are the original inhabitants of 
Hokkaido. It stipulates that the nation has a responsibility to give 
consideration to the restoration of Ainu culture, while indicating 
the fact that the government's modern culture policy seriously 
undermines Ainu culture. 
 
The government intends to set up a panel in the Cabinet Secretariat 
to promote Ainu policies. 
 
ZUMWALT