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O 220140Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9516
INFO RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA IMMEDIATE 8927
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RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 TOKYO 000336 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR EAP/EP AND EAP/J 
 
E.O.12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV CASC KOCI MARR JA CH BM
SUBJECT:  CODEL WEBB HEARS JAPANESE VIEWS ON ALLIANCE AND 
REALIGNMENT 
 
REF: TOKYO 0188 
 
TOKYO 00000336  001.2 OF 003 
 
 
¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY:  Senator Webb listened to Japanese views on the 
importance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and the Futenma relocation 
issue during meetings with GOJ officials February 15 in Tokyo. 
Foreign Minister Okada, Defense Minister Kitazawa, Cabinet and 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) officials all affirmed that Japan's 
relationship with the United States remained fundamental and 
important for the Japanese Government.  Although the primary purpose 
of the visit was to solicit Japanese views, Senator Webb suggested 
both countries should emphasize the many benefits the Alliance has 
brought to the region in terms of regional stability and economic 
growth.  FM Okada and DM Kitazawa reiterated Prime Minister 
Hatoyama's pledge to reach a resolution to the Futenma Marine Air 
Station relocation issue by May this year (Reftel).  Senator Webb 
also raised the child abduction issue with FM Okada and discussed 
the Japanese economy with the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan 
(ACCJ). END SUMMARY. 
 
Foreign Minister Okada Meeting 
------------------------------ 
 
¶2.  (SBU) The U.S.-Japan relationship is the most important 
relationship to the United States, Senator Webb told Foreign 
Minister Okada, who responded that the U.S.-Japan Alliance should 
continue to play a strong role in the Asia-Pacific region.   During 
the February 15 meeting, which the Ambassador joined, Senator Webb 
and FM Okada exchanged views on China.  Senator Webb noted that 
China's growing economic power could lead to gains in other areas 
and that the United States and Japan need to stand united in dealing 
with China.  On Burma, Senator Webb stated he advocates increased 
dialogue and business connections with Burma.  FM Okada expressed 
appreciation for U.S. policy shifts on Burma and overall increased 
engagement with Southeast Asia. Regarding the situation over the 
Marine Corps Air Station at Futenma FM, Okada reiterated Japan's 
commitment to reach a solution by the end of May 2010. 
 
¶3.  (SBU) Senator Webb told FM Okada that parental child abduction 
and the inability of U.S. left behind parents to see their children 
are very important to him and the United States.  While noting that 
he does not at this point intend to raise the issue in the U.S. 
Senate, Senator Webb expressed hope that Japan would find a way to 
solve this issue.  FM Okada said he fully acknowledges the 
importance of the issue, especially as Secretary Clinton raises it 
at every meeting with him.  Regarding acceding to the Hague 
Convention, FM Okada reported that there are discussions in the 
Japanese Government on how to move forward and overcoming the 
challenges presented by the differences between Japanese domestic 
legislation and the Convention.  Accession to treaties in general 
does not happen quickly, however, and consideration needs to be 
given to what can be done about the existing cases.  If parents are 
having difficulty in meeting their children, FM Okada said, the 
Japanese Government needs to make efforts to help fix the 
situation. 
 
State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Fukuyama Meeting 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
 
¶4. (SBU) State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Tetsuro Fukuyama agreed 
with Senator Webb's assertion that the U.S.-Japan alliance was the 
most important relationship for each country, in a separate February 
15 meeting that the DCM joined.  Fukuyama added that Prime Minister 
Hatoyama wants to contribute as much as possible in Afghanistan and 
Iraq.  Senator Webb said that after 9/11, with the U.S. focused on 
Iraq, it had lost focus on the most important region -- Asia -- and 
he has been speaking about the need to refocus on this area.  In 
response to a question about the Senate's priorities, Senator Webb 
suggested infrastructure and financial regulation should be the 
first order of business.  Regarding climate change, Senator Webb 
expressed doubts about the high costs and potential waste inherent 
in cap and trade programs, and doubted cap and trade legislation 
 
TOKYO 00000336  002.2 OF 003 
 
 
would pass in the Senate.  He explained a bill he introduced with 
Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) to double U.S. nuclear power 
production within 20 years and to launch five "Mini-Manhattan 
projects" to promote clean energy technologies, highlighting its 
simplicity and low cost.  Fukuyama agreed with the need to expand 
the market for nuclear and renewable energy, but believes cap and 
trade -- while imperfect -- is also an important element for Japan. 
Turning to Overseas Development Assistance, Senator Webb noted 
Japan's increased aid to the Mekong River Delta and the importance 
of protecting riparian rights in the region.  Fukuyama said Japan 
brought together a number of Southeast Asian heads of state last 
fall in Tokyo and intends to build on this dialogue. 
 
Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Yabunaka Meeting 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
 
¶5.  (SBU) Mitoji Yabunaka, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, 
remarked to Senator Webb during a February 15 meeting that he is 
very comfortable with U.S.-Japan working relationship.  He also 
expressed a strong desire to see both countries take advantage of 
this year's 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Mutual 
Cooperation and Security Treaty to promote the many benefits the 
treaty has engendered.  Senator Webb concurred that the U.S. -Japan 
relationship is a resilient one, and will only grow stronger in the 
future. 
 
Defense Minister Kitazawa Meeting 
--------------------------------- 
 
¶6.  (SBU) Although there have been difficult moments recently and 
there are concerns in some quarters about the direction of U.S. 
Japan security relations since the change of government in Japan, 
there is much reason to believe that a stronger alliance will be the 
final result, Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa told Senator Webb 
during their meeting on February 15.  While it will be difficult to 
reconcile the complex issues associated with FRF, Kitazawa believes 
that this will be done eventually, and pointed to Prime Minister 
Hatoyama's oft-stated desire to reach a conclusion on the Futenma 
issue by May of this year. DM Kitazawa also took the opportunity to 
stress to Senator Webb the need to build bridges between Congress 
and members of the ruling coalition through parliamentary exchange, 
noting that many members of the DPJ are young and lacking in 
substantial international affairs experience.  Senator Webb noted 
that the U.S. must recognize the burden placed upon Okinawa, and do 
what it can to alleviate the situation there, while stressing that 
both countries benefit from the security arrangement.  Senator Webb 
also suggested that both countries should emphasize the many 
benefits the Alliance has brought to the region in terms of regional 
stability and economic growth. 
 
DPJ Diet Affairs Chairman Yamaoka Meeting 
----------------------------------------- 
 
¶7.  (SBU) During a February 15 meeting with Senator Webb, DPJ Diet 
Affairs Chairman and Ozawa confidant Kenji Yamaoka affirmed that 
Japan's relationship with the United States remained fundamental and 
important for the Japanese Government.  Yamaoka said that when it 
came to national security, the United States was the only country on 
which Japan could fully rely.  Regarding the Futenma Relocation 
Facility issue, Yamaoka informed Senator Webb of his intention to 
speak with leaders of the ruling coalition partners about seeking a 
way forward.  He also assured Senator Webb that the Japanese 
Government will consult closely with the United States as it moves 
forward. 
 
¶8.  (SBU) Senator Webb relayed to Yamaoka the importance of the 
continued U.S. military presence to maintain the stability and 
prosperity of the Asia/Pacific region.  Senator Webb added that 
China has been strategically marking its claims to islands 
surrounding Japan and it was important for the United States to show 
its consistent presence in the region.  If not, the Chinese 
 
TOKYO 00000336  003.2 OF 003 
 
 
Government may perceive that U.S.-Japan bilateral relations were 
weak, and will continue to increase its military influence in the 
region.  Yamaoka noted his agreement, adding that although 
Japan-China economic relations have deepened, China's military 
build-up remained an area of concern.  He added that in his past 
conversations with Chinese leaders, he always made it clear that 
strengthening of Japan-China relations will in no way change 
U.S.-Japan relations.  Senator Webb remarked that although it was 
important to maintain a healthy relationship with China, the United 
States and Japan should not allow China to divide the two countries. 
 Yamaoka agreed and assured Senator Webb that he will make sure 
China will not divide the United States and Japan. 
 
American Chamber of Commerce in Japan Meeting 
--------------------------------------------- 
 
¶9.  (SBU) Senator Webb had a productive one-hour meeting with ACCJ 
members over lunch on February 15.  ACCJ leadership acknowledged the 
importance for business of the bilateral security relationship being 
on an even keel and highlighted its desire for a robust economic 
dialogue focused on structural reform; continued reform of Japan 
Post; engagement on trade issues to boost exports, increase FDI and 
solidify US leadership in Asia; and progress on regulatory reform 
issues multilaterally through hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic 
Cooperation (APEC).  During free discussion, Senator Webb heard ACCJ 
members' views about the political situation in Japan, about how to 
increase foreign direct investment (FDI) in Japan, and the need for 
hard political decisions on both sides of the Pacific concerning 
economic policy issues.  Regarding trade, members urged U.S. 
engagement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership and ratification of the 
United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement. 
 
¶10.  (U) The CODEL cleared this cable. 
 
ROOS