Cohen calls for closer military ties with SE Asia

Cohen calls for closer military ties with SE Asia

KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen called yesterday for closer military ties with Southeast Asian countries to support the 100,000 American troops that guarantee regional security.

Speaking here against a backdrop of economic and political uncertainty in the region, Cohen emphasized the United States' need for access to ports, logistical support and training opportunities in Southeast Asia.

"We look to our friends to contribute to regional security by helping to further solidify our presence by keeping us anchored in the region," he said in a speech to a regional security conference.

"We would like over time to build on these already strong relationships by enhancing our military-to-military cooperation, our access arrangements and our defense policy dialogs."

Cohen, however, rejected proposed military confidence-building measures that would put operational constraints on the U.S. military in the region.

Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, he said that he was referring to proposals for prior notification for the deployment of troops and the size of forces.

"Let me be clear in stating the United States would not support initiatives that would either undermine our operational flexibility or constrain our military posture," he said.

The secretary and other U.S. officials said that some officials of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) had made well-meaning calls for "confidence-building" measures such as advance notice of military movements and perhaps restrictions on their size.

He also said that Washington would welcome any expansion of access to seaports and offers for increased joint military exercises with friends and allies.

Security

Cohen described U.S. interests in enhancing military ties in Southeast Asia as part of a broader effort to refurbish security relations across the region.

He cited new defense guidelines with Japan, a revitalized U.S.-Australia alliance and stepped-up military-to-military contacts in China, which Cohen will visit on his seven-country tour.

"As China's influence grows, America's objective is not to deny China her rightful place as an Asian power," he said. "China cannot be contained. It is our desire to help integrate China in the international community in ways that it has a very constructive and important role."

Cohen arrived here Sunday on an 11-day tour aimed at reassuring U.S. friends that Washington will see to the region's security as they weather one of its most serious crises of confidence since the Vietnam War.

He will also visit Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, China, Japan and South Korea.

With militaries throughout the region making deep cuts in spending, and postponing arms purchases, Washington wants to raise its profile with naval visits and joint exercises, U.S. officials said.

"There is a real sense of uncertainty even in security," said a senior U.S. defense official traveling with Cohen. "And in those situations there's nothing more important than having the United States demonstrate that we are an active player and we are engaged."

U.S. officials accompanying the secretary believe economic turmoil and uncertainties aroused in particular by the unfolding crisis in Indonesia give his message greater resonance.

With no formal regional security structure in Asia on a par with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Europe, the 100,000 U.S. troops in the region are the main mechanism for stability in the region, the officials argue.

"Our ticket to the big game in Asia is our security presence," he said.

The bulk of U.S. troops in Asia are based in Japan and South Korea -- 47,000 and 37,000 respectively. But the United States has quietly been expanding joint training and military exchanges with Southeast Asian countries, the official said.