Cablegate: Tokyo Media Reaction - Japan's Refueling

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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: TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - JAPAN'S REFUELING
OPERATION AND INTERNET CENSORSHIP IN CHINA

1. LEAD STORIES: Most Friday morning papers gave top or
front-page play to the aftermath of the powerful
earthquake in Haiti.

2. "Japan Should Consider Alternative Personnel
Contributions" The moderate Yomiuri argued in an
editorial (1/15): "It will be necessary for the global
community to continue to make a long-term commitment to
the 'war on terrorism.' Japan should think seriously
about what role it will play in this joint operation.
The MSDF's refueling operation in the Indian Ocean,
which has lasted more than eight years, will come to an
end. This is very regrettable.... The war on terrorism
is directly linked to peace and security in Japan....
In Afghanistan, troops from more than 40 nations are
working to help maintain public security and
reconstruct the nation under difficult circumstances
despite a total of more than 1,500 casualties. It is
important for Japan to accept a certain amount of risk
and work in unison with them.

3. "China Must Allow Freedom of Expression" The
business-oriented Nikkei editorialized (1/15): "Freedom
of expression on the Internet is indispensable for
protecting democracy and human rights. We hope the
Chinese government will respond to Google's call to
stop Internet censorship with sincerity and common
sense.... It is unacceptable that a nation on the verge
of becoming the world's second largest economy is
obstructing freedom of expression and imposing
excessive restrictions on the Internet.... China must
establish rules based on international standards."

4. "China's Integrity Is at Stake" The liberal Mainichi
stated in an editorial (1/15): "This matter will test
China's integrity.... China must rethink its censorship
of the Internet.... It should accept common Internet
practices that are adopted internationally.

ZUMWALT

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