C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 002216 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 
08/12/2018 TAGS: PGOV, PREL, MARR, GG, CH, JA SUBJECT: ACCS KAWAI ON 
OUTCOME OF PM FUKUDA'S MEETINGS IN BEIJING Classified By: Ambassador J. 
Thomas Schieffer for reasons 1.4 (b) and ( d). 

1. (C) Prime Minister 
Fukuda discussed ways to increase "mutually beneficial bilateral 
security cooperation" during August 8 meetings with Chinese President Hu
Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, Assistant Cabinet Secretary Chikao Kawai
told the DCM on August 11. Fukuda and Hu had agreed to this during Hu's
May visit to Japan. Kawai said there will be an uptick in the number of
senior bilateral military personnel exchanges between Japan and China 
aimed at increasing military transparency. Japanese Defense Minister 
Hayashi will visit China, the head of the Chinese Air Force will visit 
Japan in September, the head of the Chinese Navy will visit Japan in 
October, and the PLA Deputy Chief of Staff will visit Japan before the 
year-end. 

2. (C) Fukuda personally requested Kawai brief Embassy Tokyo 
on these visits to make sure the United States does not misunderstand 
Japan's intent, Kawai emphasized. The increased bilateral personnel 
exchanges are aimed at increasing military transparency, and are not 
geared at strengthening military cooperation, he noted. Kawai said he 
told Fukuda that the United States will understand Japan's goal and will
not misinterpret Japan's actions. Fukuda reiterated that he wanted 
Kawai to share this information with the United States to avoid "any 
misunderstanding," and to promote information sharing and coordination 
between Japan and the United States on China issues, Kawai stated. 
Fukuda wanted the United States to hear about the upcoming visits from 
GOJ, not the media. The DCM thanked Kawai for the information and 
explained that the United States welcomes Japan's improved ties with 
China. 

3. (C) Turning to Secretary Rice's telephone conversation with 
Foreign Minister Koumura, the DCM shared a copy of the G-7 draft 
statement on Georgia and explained that it is very important to have 
Japan's cooperation on this. Secretary Rice is trying to arrange a call 
among G-7 ministers to urge Russia to consider the political cost of 
continuing the conflict, the DCM explained. Japan shares our concerns, 
Kawai responded. SCHIEFFER