Bush faces tests in Asian policy

If U.S. president-elect George W. Bush believes that the economic slowdown in America is his biggest concern, he may be surprised. When the inauguration parties end early next week, Mr. Bush will quickly realize he also is the leader of the world's only superpower. Mr. Bush's early foreign policy tests will include some tough decisions on important developments in Asia.

The departing U.S. defense secretary, William Cohen, was asked last week to list the world's trouble spots. Four of the top six focussed on Asia, including the increasing threat of the disintegration of Indonesia. Also on the Mr. Cohen's (and thus the U.S.) list: the nuclear face-off between India and Pakistan, the progress reform in China and the chances for North-South Korean peace.

We share many of the U.S. concerns. Thailand has been among those trying to convince China to sign a multilateral agreement to avoid the use of force in the Spratly islands, one of the world's worst flashpoints. Beijing's effort to be an economic success is admirable, but its drive to be a military power is worrisome as it builds stockpiles of nuclear and other terrible weapons. The continuing crisis in Indonesia, along with the rise of violence and terrorism, is a major threat to the region. Jakarta must be encouraged to get a grip on its problems and deal with them inventively.

The two biggest problems in Asia are at its two geographical sides. We can expect Mr. Bush, like Mr. Clinton, to encourage India and Pakistan to talk about their problems. The two cannot agree on whether outside help is useful in determining the future of Kashmir. The U.S. has attempted to be friendly with both nations, in the interest of cooling the conflict and preventing any chance of a nuclear showdown.

North Korea is the biggest threat to peace and development in Asia. Despite signs of a thaw, Pyongyang remains largely closed and highly dangerous. North Korea simply must halt its trade in missiles, nuclear technology and terrorist knowledge with unsavory regimes.

Mr. Bush, like Mr. Clinton and most other new U.S. presidents, is expected to focus on domestic policy. He believes America should intervene only when its interests are directly involved. He will find shortly that the US is involved throughout the world. It will be up to Mr. Bush to determine the correct and most helpful manner of involvement.

-- The Bangkok Post