Clinton says U.S. committed to Asia-Pacific<\/p>\n
CANBERRA (Reuter): U.S. President Bill Clinton, in his first
\nmajor foreign policy speech since his re-election, called
\nyesterday for a deeper engagement with China and reaffirmed
\nWashington's commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.<\/p>\n
\"The direction China takes in the years to come, the way they
\ndefine its greatness in the future, will help to decide whether
\nthe next century is one of conflict or cooperation,\" Clinton told
\nthe Australian parliament.<\/p>\n
Striking a reassuring tone aimed directly at Beijing, he
\nadded: \"The United States has no interest in containing China.
\nThat is a negative strategy.\"<\/p>\n
\"What the United States wants is to sustain an engagement with
\nChina...in a way that will increase the chances that there will
\nbe more liberty and more prosperity,\" Clinton told a joint
\nsitting of both houses of parliament.<\/p>\n
Clinton's comments come only four days before he meets Chinese
\nPresident Jiang Zemin in the Philippines ahead of the Asia-
\nPacific Economic Cooperation summit.<\/p>\n
But Clinton said Washington and Beijing would continue to have
\nimportant differences, especially in the area of human rights.<\/p>\n
\"We will continue to discuss them candidly, but by working
\ntogether where possible and dealing with our differences openly
\nand respectfully where necessary we can deepen our dialogue and
\nadd to Asia's stability,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"I look forward to doing just that when I meet for the fourth
\ntime with President Jiang in the Philippines next week.\"<\/p>\n
In a wide-ranging speech, Clinton said the United States, even
\nthough it retained close ties with Europe, must look to the East
\nno less than to the West.<\/p>\n
\"First, we share the view of almost every nation in Asia that
\na strong American security presence remains the bedrock for
\nregional stability,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"We will maintain about 100,000 troops across the Pacific just
\nas we maintain about 100,000 troops in Europe. We will keep them
\nwell-trained, well-equipped and well-prepared,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"We will continue to revitalize our core alliances, both
\nbilaterally and regionally.<\/p>\n
\"These efforts, let me say clearly, are not directed against
\nany nation. They are intended to advance security and stability
\nfor everyone so that we can grow together and work together, all
\nof us, in the new century,\" Clinton said.<\/p>\n
Clinton reaffirmed Washington's military commitment to
\nmaintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region, citing a
\ndecision for 2,500 U.S. Marines to train in northern Australia.<\/p>\n
In July, Washington and Canberra signed a defense agreement
\naimed at bolstering security ties by upgrading joint military
\nfacilities, the establishment of a small marine base in Australia
\nand boosting joint training.<\/p>\n
\"The agreements our foreign and defense ministers signed in
\nSydney this summer authorize the largest exercises involving our
\ntroops since World War II,\" Clinton said.<\/p>\n
\"They are seriously a powerful symbol and a concrete
\nmanifestation of our place to protect stability in the Pacific,\"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
The move prompted Beijing to accuse Australia of being used by
\nWashington as part of a containment pincer with Japan.<\/p>\n
Clinton arrived in Australia on Tuesday for a five day visit
\nbefore heading to the Philippines for the APEC summit on Nov. 25.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/clinton-says-us-committed-to-asia-pacific-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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