SUMMARY: "On March 25 Ambassador met with visiting Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Tanaka to discuss Tanaka?s recent official visit to Burma. Tanaka said he delivered "a strong message" to the SPDC on democracy and the release of ASSK. Tanaka reported that Prime Minister Soe Win did not show any flexibility, blaming the NLD and outsiders for the lack of progress. Tanaka said that Japan was increasingly concerned with the situation in Burma, especially in light of China?s growing regional influence. Tanaka urged continued close U.S.-Japanese cooperation, along with engagement with ASEAN." END SUMMARY