DIPLOMACY WATCH : No and Yes to Japanese

The first time that the federal government was partially shut down because of the budget crisis, President Clinton canceled his trip to Japan. Now, in the midst of a second closure, he has rescheduled the visit for April.

November’s cancellation--a political decision by Clinton--upset Japan and undercut U.S. initiatives in Tokyo and some other Asian capitals. The president was to have attended the annual meeting of Asian leaders at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Osaka and then proceed to Tokyo to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama. The two leaders were scheduled to sign a communique extending the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty.

It was an especially sensitive time because of protests against the U.S. military presence in Okinawa, unrest that stemmed from the rape of a 12-year-old Okinawan girl allegedly committed by U.S. servicemen stationed there.

The April visit will provide Clinton the opportunity to reaffirm strained U.S.-Japan relations. He will hold bilateral talks with Murayama and members of his Cabinet.

Meanwhile, the administration would do well to clarify and coordinate its Japan policy, especially on trade. As Times columnist Jim Mann points out, the White House has flip-flopped from a hard line--threats to impose trade sanctions on auto imports--to one of accommodation in supporting a higher dollar against the yen.

The U.S.-Japan security arrangement is important, but so is resolving the huge trade imbalance between the two nations. The April discussions should range wide and deep.