Cablegate: Media Reaction Q Abe Administration - Tokyo

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UNCLAS TOKYO 005586

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 Q ABE ADMINISTRATION - TOKYO

LEAD STORIES: All six Wednesday morning papers gave top
play to Tuesday's inauguration of the Abe administration.

1. "Can the Abe Administration Resolve the Challenges of
the Times?" The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri
editorialized (9/27): "Newly elected Prime Minister Abe,
the first Japanese prime minister born after World War
II, inaugurated his cabinet.... The new cabinet has to
deal with a wide range of issues to make Japan a vibrant
nation.... One of its most important tasks is to rebuild
relations with China. The reappointment of Foreign
Minister Aso, whose diplomatic views are similar to those
of Abe, shows that the premier wants the Prime Minister's
Official Residence (Kantei) and the Foreign Ministry to
work together in dealing with China and North Korea.

2. "The basis of Japan's foreign policy is the US-Japan
alliance, and it is important to use this to push China,
which has become an economic and military power, into
contributing to the region's stability and prosperity.
Abe has expressed interest in meeting with the Chinese
leader. But even if a summit is realized on the sidelines
of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in
November in Hanoi, mutual visits between the two leaders
are a long way off. On Yasukuni Shrine, which is the
major obstacle, Abe has been vague in both his words and
actions."

3. "Launch of Abe Administration: Commitment to Reform
Not Apparent" An editorial in the liberal Mainichi
commented (9/27): "...Newly elected Prime Minister Abe
has emphasized that he formed his cabinet to 'realize a
beautiful Japan.' Having looked at its lineup, however,
we perceive neither the image of freshness expected of a
young prime minister nor any enthusiasm for the reforms
of the Koizumi administration he should carry on....
Abe's administration depends on his own popularity, which
will also be critical to winning the Upper House election
next summer....

4. "Taro Aso was reappointed as foreign minister, and he
will restart summit diplomacy with China and South
Korea.... Former LDP General Council Chairman Kyuma was
named JDA director general, and he will have to deal with
USFJ realignment. The relocation of MCAS Futenma to Camp
Schwab, a focal point of realignment in Okinawa, has
become even more complicated with November's
gubernatorial election there close at hand. Kyuma is
faced with the weighty task of implementing Futenma
relocation, as the alliance could be rocked if
realignment stalls on Japan's part."

DONOVAN

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