NAPSNet Daily Report 04 October, 2001

Recommended Citation

"NAPSNet Daily Report 04 October, 2001", NAPSNet Daily Report, October 04, 2001, https://nautilus.org/napsnet/napsnet-daily-report/napsnet-daily-report-04-october-2001/

 
CONTENTS

I. United States

1. ROK-DPRK Talks
2. DPRK Response to US Fighter Deployments
3. ROK-Japan Talks
4. Japanese Participation in US Retaliation
5. Japanese Aid to Afghanistan
6. US Troops in Okinawa
7. Philippine Participation in US Retaliation
8. PRC Views of US Retaliation
9. US-PRC Summit
II. Republic of Korea 1. ROK-DPRK Mount Kumkang Talks
2. Japanese Textbook Issue
III. People’s Republic of China 1. ROK-DPRK Relations
2. US Military Presence in ROK
3. US-DPRK Relations
4. PRC-US Relations
5. PRC Stance on Anti-Terrorism
6. PRC-Afghanistan Relations
7. PRC-Japanese Relations
8. PRC-Russian Relations
IV. Japan 1. US Naval Movements from Japan
2. Japanese Logistical Support for US
3. Japanese Role in Humanitarian Aid
4. Japanese Policy toward Saudi Arabia and Iran
5. Japanese Role in Pakistan
6. Japanese Policy toward PRC and ROK

I. United States

1. ROK-DPRK Talks

The Associated Press (Soo-Jeong Lee, “SOUTH KOREA PROPOSES OPENING ROAD,” Seoul, 10/04/01) and reported that the ROK proposed to the DPRK Thursday that a road across the Demilitarized Zone into Mount Kumgang be opened by the end of the year. The ROK delegates proposed that a temporary dirt road be opened by the end of this year and that a separate permanent one be built by next October. Kim Thaek-ryong, the DPRK’s chief delegate, said that both sides should “actively promote” the tourism project in order to improve inter-Korean ties. Chief ROK delegate Cho Myoung-gyon stated, “Since the talks are under way, I can’t disclose any details. But we have something in common and some others in disagreement.” Cho also urged the DPRK to honor its earlier promise to designate the Mount Kumgang resort as a special tourism zone where ROK businesses could operate freely.

2. DPRK Response to US Fighter Deployments

The Associated Press (Soo-Jeong Lee, “SOUTH KOREA PROPOSES OPENING ROAD,” Seoul, 10/04/01) reported that the DPRK on Thursday criticized a US plan to deploy more fighter jets to the ROK to fill in for an aircraft carrier that has left the region. The Korean Central News Agency stated, “This is a dangerous move to drive the situation on the Korean Peninsula to the brink of war at any cost.”

3. ROK-Japan Talks

Associated Press (Paul Shin, “JAPAN PREMIER TO VISIT SOUTH KOREA,” Seoul, 10/04/01) and Reuters (“SOUTH KOREA TO HOST KOIZUMI ON OCTOBER 15,” Seoul, 10/04/01) reported that Kang Hyun-wook, chief policy-maker of the ROK’s ruling Millennium Democratic Party, said Thursday that the ROK has agreed to host a visit by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan around October 15. Kang stated, “The party and the government have agreed to positively consider Prime Minister Koizumi’s visit, because the international situation surrounding us has changed.” Citing the global economic slowdown, the US war against terrorism, and next year’s World Cup soccer tournament, Kang said, “There are many things on which the two countries should cooperate,” he said. He added that the Japanese government has proposed that Koizumi “make remarks to comfort the bitter feeling among South Koreans” toward Japan. Japan’s Foreign Ministry said that efforts were being made to finalize Koizumi’s visit.

4. Japanese Participation in US Retaliation

Agence France-Presse (“JAPAN SET TO GIVE GREEN LIGHT TO SUPPORT FOR US FORCES,” Tokyo, 10/04/01) reported that an unnamed Japanese foreign ministry official said that Japan’s cabinet will pass a series of resolutions and draft bills to allow Japan’s Self Defence Force (SDF) to provide medical and logistic support to US forces in a possible strike on terrorists in Afghanistan. The official stated, “It seems that we would be able to make a cabinet decision tomorrow on the draft law.” The bill will be submitted to the Diet immediately, but it may take until the end of the month before it becomes law. Support by the SDF will be limited by the legislation to operations directly related to the September 11 terrorist attacks on the US and will only last for the next two years. It will prevent Japanese forces from going into “combat areas” and countries that deny entrance. However, the SDF will be armed and can even “shoot first” if required for their own protection, although this is not a change from the current law. The official added, “Maybe this evening we will be able to announce our intention to make a sizeable contribution to humanitarian assistance to displaced persons.” He said that the Cabinet will also approve Friday a draft amendment to the SDF law, enabling troops to protect US forces’ facilities in Japan. SDF aircraft will be authorized to transport humanitarian assistance to Pakistan, with the planes scheduled to leave Japan on October 6 or 7. The cabinet will also officially authorize the release of 4.7 billion yen in emergency aid to Pakistan, of which 1.7 billion yen is targeted for refugee assistance with the rest being for infrastructure and other budgetary needs.

5. Japanese Aid to Afghanistan

Agence France-Presse (“US LOOKS TO JAPAN FOR ASSISTANCE TO REBUILD POST-TALIBAN AFGHANISTAN,” Washington, 10/04/01) reported that US Secretary of State Colin Powell said Wednesday that the US is looking toward Japan for financial assistance to help rebuild Afghanistan following the ouster of the ruling Taliban. Powell stated, “I think the Japanese government will be in a position to play an important role in hopefully supporting a government in Afghanistan eventually which represents all the people of Afghanistan. That is where I think the Japanese government may well be able to make its most significant contribution: stabilizing the country, giving people hope, helping them get on with their lives in peace and security without the threat of oppression.”

6. US Troops in Okinawa

The New York Times (Howard W. French, “OKINAWA JUSTICE IS TILTED AGAINST THEM, AMERICANS SAY,” Ihama, 10/03/01) reported that US military personnel in Okinawa have complained that the death of US national Gerald C. Fearr, who died after being struck in front of his house in a late-night altercation with a young Japanese man, has received less attention than the reported rape of a Japanese woman by a US soldier a week earlier. Ken Roberts, a retired Air Force master sergeant who is married to Fearr’s stepdaughter, stated, “Out there a person may have been raped, and they had police around here day and night combing the area for evidence and using lie detectors. Another man was killed in front of his house, and the police just came by once, noted the position of the body and were like, sorry.” Junichi Okumura, deputy chief prosecutor in Okinawa, said that authorities arrested and brief detained a suspect, Riki Matsuyama. Okumura stated, “The suspect was charged with assault. The charges were dropped because the autopsy results showed no direct link to the victim’s death. The cause of death was a heart attack.” An unnamed senior US officer stated, “If Woodland is guilty then he should be punished. But there is a very real question whether a man who has already been convicted in the press can get a fair trial under a system like the one they have here.” Woodland’s lawyer, Tsuyoshi Aragaki, said that the reported rape should have been treated as an ordinary criminal case, but “this is no longer about an American serviceman, but about the larger issue of American bases in Okinawa.”

7. Philippine Participation in US Retaliation

The New York Times (Mark Landler, “PHILIPPINES OFFERS U.S. ITS TROOPS AND BASES,” Manila, 10/03/01) reported that Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday offered the US intelligence, logistical help and the use of Philippine air space to the US retaliation for the September 11 attacks. Arroyo stated, “We’re prepared to go every step of the way, as needed.” Arroyo stated, “First, you have the moral issue: it’s the right thing to do. Second, it’s in our national interest. We have our own home- grown terrorism and to the extent that we can obliterate terrorism all over the world, then our own terrorism will be much easier to neutralize.” Philippine officials believe that the Islamic separatist group Abu Sayyaf, which has about 1,200 members, received seed money from groups associated with Osama bin Laden. Arroyo noted that “Abu Sayyaf was established in 1990 or 1991, and that’s when those organizations were here.” She added that she believed that the links between the Philippines and bin Laden did not last beyond 1995.

8. PRC Views of US Retaliation

CNN (Willy Wo-Lap Lam, “PLA WARY OF U.S. MOVES INTO CENTRAL ASIA,” 10/04/01) reported that a source close to the PRC’s People’s Liberation Army said on Thursday that senior military officers have alerted the Communist Party leadership to the dangers of the US gaining a foothold in Central Asia in the wake of the anti-terrorist campaign. The source stated, “PLA think tanks have written reports about the possibilities of the U.S. establishing footholds in countries including Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.” It added, “Army experts have also expressed worries about Washington setting up a pro-U.S. regime in Afghanistan. The generals have communicated these views to the [President] Jiang [Zemin] leadership.” However, the PRC leadership has asked the generals not to talk to the media about their views. An unnamed newspaper editor in Beijing stated, “The leadership has asked TV stations and newspapers to refrain from running commentaries on America’s anti-terrorist campaign,” adding that the leadership did not want the state media to carry the views of scholars and intellectuals known for their anti-US stance.

CNN (Willy Wo-Lap Lam, “CHINA KEEPS WATCH ON U.S. POLICY SHIFTS,” 10/04/01) reported that the so- called Mainstream Faction among the PRC’s US observers believe that the September 11 attacks will force the administration of US President George W. Bush to abandon its “unilateralist” foreign policy. In a briefing for Chinese journalists last week, PRC Vice Foreign Trade Minister Long Yongtu said that the incidents had “changed America’s long-standing attitude to world affairs.” Long stated, “The U.S. now knows it won’t do to continue with unilateralism, and that it needs to do many things in tandem with other countries. They have understood the importance of multilateral discussions.” Luo Yuan of the Academy of Military Sciences argued, “A big choice for the U.S. is whether the priority of defense is within the U.S. or overseas,” and that following the attacks, there is a possibility that fewer resources will be put into missile defense and power projection. Military authors Qiao Liang and Wang Xiangsui argued, “The day September 11 will likely mark the beginning of the decline of the US as a superpower.” Yang Leshan said that September 11 represented a “turning point” in PRC-US ties because the US would be focused on something other than a “China threat.” Other PRC experts, however, think that the anti-terrorist campaign will exacerbate US “hegemonic” tendencies. Shi Yinhong said that the US tendency to play world policeman will increase, as the attacks aggravate the US “crude, simplistic and non-discriminating” outlook on world affairs. Yong Yunlong argued that the US would persevere with its hegemonic pursuit, but be more skillful in “dressing it up with fancy clothing.” Beijing Energy Research Institute economist Zhu Xingshan noted that US predominance in the Central Asia “could have a far reaching impact on China’s petroleum security.” Xinhua news agency commentator Zhang Huanli warned that Japan’s “stepping out would bring no end of trouble” to the PRC and Asia. Diplomatic analysts said that while PRC President Jiang Zemin tends to favor the Mainstream Faction, he will probably have to wait until his summit with Bush before he can make up his mind about US intentions.

9. US-PRC Summit

Reuters (“PLANS UNDERWAY FOR BUSH’S FIRST TRIP TO CHINA,” Beijing, 10/04/01) reported that James Kelly, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, will visit Beijing October 8-10 to discuss President George W. Bush’s agenda for an October visit to Shanghai, a US embassy spokesman said on Thursday. Kelly will also discuss counter-terrorism cooperation and the US “new strategic framework, including missile defense, non-proliferation and bilateral matters.”

II. Republic of Korea

1. ROK-DPRK Mount Kumkang Talks

Joongang Ilbo (Lee Young-Jong, “TOURISM AT CENTER OF TALKS”, Seoul, 10/04/01) reported that the ROK and the DPRK began three days of negotiations Wednesday at Mount Kumgang. The first agenda item is reactivation of the stalled Mount Kumgang tourism project, including the establishment of an overland route to the DPRK. The ROK wants to reopen the unpaved, 13.7-kilometer road, and is expected to propose follow-up talks between military authorities from both sides. Kim Hyung-ki, the deputy unification minister, said that an agreement on overland access to the DPRK was vital to the Mount Kumgang tourism project.

2. Japanese Textbook Issue

The Korea Times (Oh Young-jin, “KOREA, JAPAN TO SET UP ‘JOINT TEXTBOOK’,” 10/04/01) reported that ROK officials said Wednesday that the ROK and Japan have agreed to launch a joint committee involving senior government officials of the two countries in order to address concerns about Japan’s authorization of middle school history textbooks. They said that the plan to inaugurate the committee will be unveiled as a highlight of a package Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will bring to Seoul for his October 15 visit. An anonymous senior official stated, “The primary mission of the committee is not only to consult on the contents of history books being published in the two countries, but eventually to issue a mutually-approved textbook.” He added that final consultations are under way on the exact mission of the committee. The officials pointed out that Poland and Germany have come up with a “joint history textbook” that was made with the participation of historians of the two countries. Presidential press secretary Oh Hong-keun said that during his visit, Koizumi will express regret about Japan’s colonization of Korea on the same level as the 1998 ROK-Japan joint declaration for a bilateral partnership in the 21st century. A Chong Wa Dae official stated, “However, it is not likely that Koizumi will express his intention not to visit Yasukuni again or retract the authorization of the textbook in question. His visit is not intended to settle all outstanding issues at one stroke, but to mark the beginning of Japan’s effort to resolve them once and for all.”

III. People’s Republic of China

1. ROK-DPRK Relations

People’s Daily (Gao Haorong, “ROK DELEGATION DEPARTS FOR DPRK,” Seoul, 10/04/01, P3) reported that an ROK delegation left on October 3 for the DPRK to attend the 2-day talks on the Mount Kumgang tourism project. The chief negotiator of the ROK delegation said that the ROK side would try its best to make the talks achieve the expected results. The ROK Deputy Unification Minister also expressed that the Mount Kumgang Tourism project should be continued.

2. US Military Presence in ROK

Jie Fang Daily (“ROK AND THE US DECIDE TO STRENGTHEN US MILITARY FORCES IN ROK,” Washington, 10/03/01, P5) reported that the ROK and the US issued a joint statement on October 2, saying that the two countries decided to strengthen the US Air Force in the ROK to make up for the deficiency in combat capability caused by the departure of a US aircraft carrier from the West Pacific for counter-terror military actions. The statement did not mention the name of the aircraft carrier and the concrete numbers of military forces that the US will increase. It just said that the enhanced air forces in ROK would be enough to maintain the current defense level. The ROK Defense Ministry said on the same day that part of the aircraft and ships attached to the carrier would stay in the West Pacific area to support the defensive posture of the ROK-US joint command.

3. US-DPRK Relations

Wen Hui Daily (Zhang Jinfang and Li Zhengyu, “US ACCUSED OF CONDUCTING AERIAL ESPIONAGE AGAINST DPRK,” Pyongyang, 10/01/01, P2) reported that the DPRK’s Rodong Simnum quoted military sources on September 30 as saying that recently the US continuously conducted aerial espionage against the DPRK. The newspaper said that in September, the US conducted over 160 cases of aerial espionage against the DPRK with strategic and tactical reconnaissance planes.

4. PRC-US Relations

China Daily (“ZHU PRAISES PROGRESS ACHIEVED IN SINO-US TIES,” New York, 10/04/01, P1) reported that PRC Premier Zhu Rongji on October 2 congratulated the 35th anniversary of the founding of the US National Committee on US-China Relations. Zhu said in a recorded video statement that the PRC Government strongly condemned the September 11 terror attacks on the US, while sending condolences to the victims. He said that the PRC would strengthen cooperation with the international society in fighting terrorism on the basis of the UN Charter and international law, in a bid to safeguard world peace and stability. Today, the PRC and the US share common interests and responsibilities in combating terrorism and international crimes, tackling problems–including worsening environment–ensuring peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world, and promoting sound regional and global growth, he said. Zhu said that the upcoming meeting between President Jiang Zemin and his US counterpart George W. Bush in Shanghai will be of great importance, and is expected to help improve the development of Sino-US relations.

5. PRC Stance on Anti-Terrorism

China Daily (Jiang Zhuqing, “SPOKESMAN STRESSES COOPERATION ON TERRORISM,” 9/28/01, P1) reported that the PRC reiterated on September 27 that it opposes all kinds of terrorist activities and that international cooperation should be enhanced. PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao, at a regular press briefing, said that the UN and the UN Security Council should play a dominant role in anti-terrorist efforts. “China has put forward a position paper at the UN Security Council and is willing to discuss any proposal that will work for this aim,” he said. Zhu also said that the PRC and Central Asian countries have kept close contact in the past and enjoyed mutual trust and friendship whenever terrorism became an issue in the world. He said that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization hopes to play a unique role in maintaining regional and internal peace and stability. “China is promoting and participating in the cooperation (against terrorism) within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,” Zhu said. “We hope the relevant members will fulfil their commitments, too.”

People’s Daily (“CHINESE FM TALKS WITH MOUSSA,” Beijing, 10/03/01, P2) reported that PRC Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and Arab League Secretary-General Amr Mahmoud Moussa affirmed their anti-terrorism stance in a phone call on October 2. Tang reiterated the PRC’s basic position on anti-terrorism and pointed out that international cooperation should be strengthened in combating terrorism. He stressed that the UN should be given full play in the global anti-terror campaign and said that all military operations should conform to the tenet and principles of the UN Charter. “Evidence should be concrete and targets be clear so that innocent civilians could not be injured,” he said, referring to a military response to the September 11 terrorist attacks on the US. Tang again reaffirmed the unswerving support of the PRC to the just struggle of the Palestinian and Arabian people. “We believe that it is imperative for Israel and Palestine to realize a cease-fire so as to create conditions for the resumption of peace talks,” he said. Under the current circumstances, Tang said, it is more than necessary for the international community to take joint actions and push forward the peace talks more actively. Tang stressed that the PRC is ready to strengthen consultation and cooperation with the League of Arab States and all other Arab states both in anti-terrorist cooperation and for the advancement of the Mid-East peace process.

6. PRC-Afghanistan Relations

China Daily (“NATION PROVIDES 1M YUAN IN AID FOR AFGHAN REFUGEE,” 10/02/01, P1) reported that the PRC Foreign Ministry said on October 1 that the PRC Government will provide 1 million yuan (US$120,000) worth of aid to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees for the proper settlement of Afghan refugees. The Red Cross Society of China also will provide aid to the Afghan refugees through the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, according to the ministry. PRC Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan on September 30 sent notification letters regarding the decision to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the foreign ministers of the five permanent numbers of the UN Security Council, and the current European Union president. Tang said in the letters that the PRC is sympathetic to the plight of the Afghan refugees. The PRC Government called on the international community to share the responsibility of providing more aid to Pakistan and other neighboring countries of Afghanistan, who are helping to settle a great number of Afghan refugees, so that the issue of Afghan refugees can be handled appropriately, Tang said.

People’s Liberation Army Daily (“RUMORS OF CHINA’S ACQUISITION OF US MISSILES FROM TALIBAN GROUNDLESS: FM SPOKESMAN,” Beijing, 10/02/01, P4) reported that PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said in Beijing on October 1 that the report on the PRC’s acquisition from the Taliban of Afghanistan cruise missiles left by the US during its attacks on the Taliban is groundless and concocted out of ulterior motives. The Washington Times claimed in a September 28 report that the PRC obtained the US cruise missiles and that Chinese companies were assisting the Taliban in installing a telecommunications system. Zhu said that such accusations are “groundless”, reiterating that the PRC government has no formal ties of any kind with the Taliban. “It is necessary to point out that since the ‘September 11 Incident,’ there have always been some people in the US who spread various rumors out of ulterior motives and attempt to tarnish the image of China,” Zhu said. “Their political motives will not succeed,” he added.

7. PRC-Japanese Relations

China Daily (“VICTIMS PAID,” Beijing, 10/03/01, P2) reported that twenty-one Chinese survivors of World War II Japanese labor camps have received compensation from a foundation in Beijing. The Hanaoka Foundation for Peace and Friendship gave 250,000 Japanese yen (US$2,000) to each person who worked in the Hanaoka labor camp for Kajima Corporation, Japan’s major construction firm, during the war.

8. PRC-Russian Relations

People’s Daily (“CHINESE, RUSSIAN SENIOR OFFICIALS HOLD TALKS,” Moscow, 9/30/01, P3) reported that PRC Assistant Foreign minister Liu Guchang held talks with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov in Moscow on September 28. Under a trusting and friendly atmosphere, the two sides discussed the international situation, especially developments in Afghanistan and its neighboring states, after the September 11 terror attacks in the US. Both sides agreed that terrorism, regardless of its form, poses a serious threat and challenge to global peace and security, and that the international community should take firm and decisive measures to fight against this evil. They also stressed that any anti-terror operation must be conducted under the UN Charter tenet and principles as well as norms of international law, and should help promote the long-term peace and development of the world. However, operations aimed at cracking down on terrorism should not go beyond the spirit of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international law and must have specific targets and conclusive evidence. In such operations, it is necessary to avoid hurting innocent people as well as to boost global peace and development, the two sides emphasized. The diplomats expressed their countries’ readiness to strengthen anti-terror cooperation, and reiterated the great importance of the relevant statements signed by prime ministers of the countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on September 14, vowing to boost the positive role of the SCO. The two sides agreed to hold the next round of consultations in Beijing in the near future, the report said.

IV. Japan

1. US Naval Movements from Japan

Kyodo (“KITTY HAWK DEPARTS YOKOSUKA AGAIN,” Yokosuka, 10/02/01) reported that the USS Kitty Hawk flotilla steamed out of its homeport at Yokosuka on Monday, shortly after being at sea soon after the September 11 attacks. The carrier left port accompanied by 24 Japan Coast Guard patrol boats, three helicopters and other special units, after having been at sea nine days on an undisclosed mission.

The Asahi Shimbun English edition (“3 MORE US WARSHIPS DEPART JAPAN,” Sasebo, 10/03/01) reported that the US Navy amphibious ships left Sasebo port on Tuesday. The ships are believed headed for Okinawa, although the US military would not comment on their destination. The Maritime Self Defense Force ship Tone escorted the Essex out of the harbor. The US Los Angeles-class submarine USS Bremerton left Sasebo the previous day.

2. Japanese Logistical Support for US

The Japan Times (“PANELS ON DEFENSE APPROVE SDF BILLS,” Tokyo, 10/04/01) reported that defense-related panels within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) approved two draft bills Wednesday that would allow Japan to provide noncombat support for any US retaliation over the September 11 attacks and protect US bases in Japan. The first bill, in addition to allowing logistical support for US, allows Self Defense Force (SDF) activities to protect and support refugees fleeing Afghanistan. The bill would also ease the restrictions on weapons use, allowing SDF personnel to use weapons to not only protect themselves but also those under their care. The second bill is intended to revise the SDF Law to allow the SDF to guard US bases in Japan in the event of terrorist attacks. Under this bill, SDF vessels would be allowed to shoot first at hostile ships if defensive action is required during patrols. In addition, SDF members would be allowed to use weapons to keep public order and thwart possible guerrilla attacks prior to receiving instructions to do so from the government.

The Asahi Shimbun English edition (“COALITION PUTS TIME LIMIT ON SDF ROLE,” Tokyo, 10/03/01) reported that the ruling coalition has appeased New Komeito by agreeing to limit the effective period of the legislation which allows Self Defense Force (SDF) provide logistical support for US to two years. The coalition elders decided that if more time is needed, another two-year extension could be sought.

The Asahi Shimbun English edition (“TWO PARTIES COMPETE FOR KOIZUMI’S AFFECTION,” Tokyo, 10/02/01) reported that both the Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan), the leading opposition party, and Komeito parties have been approaching the standpoint of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on the logistical support for US. Minshuto, however, has been divided on this. Some Minshuto members have taken aggressive positions that go well beyond what even conservative LDP members have called for. “This is a battle for control of the party,” said one Minshuto member on September 20. Minshuto members in favor of a bill by the government and ruling coalition to allow the Self Defense Force (SDF) to provide logistical support for the US were even prepared to cut ties with Minshuto members who had formerly belonged to the Socialist Party and were opposed to the new legislation. Minshuto leader Yukio Hatoyama met with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on September 20 and for the first time indicated Minshuto was prepared to vote for the new bill as long as some conditions were met. Koizumi indicated to LDP executives that if the new bill was submitted by the Cabinet, it would mean that the provision of the bill would be determined by the ruling coalition and Minshuto could not be involved. However, if the bill was submitted by Diet members, Minshuto could be included in the bill-writing process. Worried that they would lose influence to LDP, New Komeito successfully opposed having Diet members submit the new bill and it was decided the legislation would be submitted by the Cabinet. LDP Secretary-General Taku Yamazaki asked his New Komeito counterpart, Tetsuzo Fuyushiba, if the party would accept the use of weapons by SDF members within the limits of the law on dealing with military emergencies in areas surrounding Japan. Fuyushiba stated, “It does not have to be limited to that. It should be settled after a discussion of what the international standard is.” Therefore, despite the instructions from Koizumi, there appear to be few signs that LDP executives actively worked to negotiate with their Minshuto counterparts.

3. Japanese Role in Humanitarian Aid

The Japan Times (“JAPAN CONSIDERING AID FOR AFGHAN REFUGEES IN IRAN,” Tokyo, 10/03/01) reported that Japan may provide humanitarian aid for a tide of Afghan refugees escaping to Iran in fear of military retaliation for the September 11 terrorist attacks. Japanese Foreign Minister Makiko Tanaka said Tuesday, “I heard one estimate that an initial 1.5 million refugees have already entered or arrived near the border with Iran. We are gathering information on specific measures for humanitarian aid.” Japan decided last month to provide Pakistan with some 1.7 billion yen in emergency assistance to help the country deal with its influx of Afghan refugees. The money is the part of a 4.7 billion yen emergency grant package earmarked to help Pakistan cope with the repercussions of an expected US-led military strike. The remaining 3 billion yen is designated as economic assistance.

4. Japanese Policy toward Saudi Arabia and Iran

The Daily Yomiuri (“KOMURA SENT TO SAUDI ARABIA”, 10/01/01) reported that Kyodo news agency said that former Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura on Sunday left for Saudi Arabia and Iran as Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s special envoy to call for international cooperation against terrorism. Komura will hold meetings with top leaders of the two nations and delivered letters from Koizumi, government officials said. Komura intends to listen to the Iranian government’s position on Japan’s plan to extend funds via the Office of the UNHCR to help the country handle the expected influx of refugees from neighboring Afghanistan in the event of US military strikes on Afghanistan, the officials said.

5. Japanese Role in Pakistan

The Daily Yomiuri (“JAPANESE TEAM ARRIVES IN PAKISTAN,” 10/01/01, Islamabad) reported that Kyodo news agency said that a government advance team arrived in Pakistan on Sunday to lay the groundwork for the dispatch of SDF aircraft to transport relief supplies to refugees entering the country from Afghanistan. The team, which flew on civilian flights to Pakistan, is expected to inspect airports and security conditions in the nation during the mission.

6. Japanese Policy toward PRC and ROK

Mainichi Shinbun (“KOIZUMI TO EXPLAIN ACTIONS TO CHINA, KOREA LEADERS,” 10/04/01, Tokyo) reported that officials said that Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will speak with his PRC and ROK counterparts in their respective countries next week regarding his visit to Yasukuni-shurine. The prime minister is scheduled to visit Shanghai for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, where he will have the opportunity to talk with both Jiang and Kim; however, Japan’s Foreign Ministry decided that it would be better to hold talks with the leaders prior to APEC. During his talks with Jiang and Kim, Koizumi will reiterate that the current stance of the Japanese government regarding the nation’s wartime atrocities remains as former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama explained in 1995.

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Tokyo, Japan

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Hiroya Takagi: hiroya_takagi@hotmail.com
Tokyo, Japan

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Moscow, Russian Federation

Yunxia Cao: yunxiac@yahoo.com
Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

Dingli Shen: dlshen@fudan.ac.cn
Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

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Clayton, Australia

 


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