Rice: "Replace old patterns of conflict with new patterns of cooperation"

The Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice discussed the United States’ policy towards Asia at the Heritage Foundation. Rice talked about the rise of Asia and how it is reshaping the world today. She explained that the United States is actually in a stronger position in Asia now than at any other time in the past.

Rice explained that the U.S. has been able to create good relations with both Japan and South Korea, and is continuing to work to establish good relations with both China and Russia by resting on common interests. The U.S. is trying to establish mutually beneficial cooperation rather than competition and at this present time has better relations with Northeast Asia than the countries in that region have with each other. Rice also said that the Korean Peninsula is the greatest source of conflict in Northeast Asia.

In order to solve the problem in North Korea, Rice explained that using the six party policy would be best. Each of the six parties has the same goal, ensuring the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Rice also explained that the six party policy has three different phases, the third phase ending with the abandonment and dismantlement of all weapons and nuclear facilities. The parties will not just trust North Korea, they will attain verification at each step therefore making it as hard as possible for North Korea to cheat.

Rice explained that though this policy is not perfect, it is the best among all other alternatives. She said that by working together and replacing “old patterns of conflict with new patterns of cooperation,” the six parties have the best chance of success.

U.S. and Japan, partners in progress

Together the U.S. and Japan generate more than a third of global economic output. Alexander A. Arvizu, deputy assistant Secretary of State discussed U.S.-Japan relations before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Chairman Eni F. H. Faleomavaega (D-Amer. Samoa) commended Japan on the strong support it has given the U.S. in the war on Iraq.

Arvizu commented on the divided Japanese government and felt it affected the speed of government decision making. Faleomavaega pointed out that the U.S. too has a divided government where most of the Senate is Democratic but the president in a Republican. He said it was a sign of maturity that country leaders are encouraged to debate and listen to different points of view. More than 48,000 American military personnel are deployed in Japan. Arvizu said the first American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington set to deploy to Japan will strengthen the U.S.-Japan security alliance.

Japan’s import restrictions on beef was a sore point raised during the session. Japan does not allow cows older than 20 months old to be imported. Faleomavaega asked if this was fair and Arvizu conceded that it was not. Arvizu said that it is an issue continually brought up at meetings between the U.S. and Japan despite the fact that U.S. beef falls within the “controlled risk” category. Prior to these standard restrictions, Japan was America’s biggest beef export.