[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 15, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S10388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 277--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE WITH RESPECT 
   TO THE IMPORTANCE OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH THE PACIFIC ISLAND 
                                NATIONS

  Mr. INOUYE (for himself, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Byrd, 
Mr. Thomas, Mr. Hollings, Mr. Roth, Mr. Ford, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. 
Murkowski, and Mr. Sessions) submitted the following resolution; which 
was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:

                              S. Res. 277

       Whereas the South Pacific region covers an immense area of 
     the earth, approximately 3 times the size of the contiguous 
     United States;
       Whereas the United States seeks to maintain strong and 
     enduring economic, political, and strategic ties with the 
     Pacific island countries of the region, despite the reduced 
     diplomatic presence of the United States in the region since 
     World War II;
       Whereas Pacific island nations wield control over vast 
     tracts of the ocean, including seabed minerals, fishing 
     rights, and other marine resources which will play a major 
     role in the future of the global economy;
       Whereas access to these valuable resources will be vital in 
     maintaining the position of the United States as the leading 
     world power in the new millennium;
       Whereas Asian countries have already recognized the 
     important role that these Pacific island nations will play in 
     the future of the global economy, as evidenced by the Tokyo 
     summit meeting in October 1997 with various Pacific island 
     heads of state;
       Whereas the Pacific has long been regarded as one of the 
     ``last frontiers'', with an enormous wealth of uncultivated 
     resources; and
       Whereas direct United States participation in the human and 
     natural resource development of the South Pacific region 
     would promote beneficial ties with these Pacific island 
     nations and increase the possibilities of access to the 
     region's valuable resources: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) it is in the national interest of the United States to 
     remain actively engaged in the South Pacific region as a 
     means of supporting important United States commercial and 
     strategic interests, and to encourage the consolidation of 
     democratic values;
       (2) a Pacific island summit, hosted by the President of the 
     United States with the Pacific island heads of government, 
     would be an excellent opportunity for the United States to 
     foster and improve diplomatic relations with the Pacific 
     island nations;
       (3) through diplomacy and participation in the human and 
     natural resource development of the Pacific region, the 
     United States will increase the possibility of gaining access 
     to valuable resources, thus strengthening the position of the 
     United States as a world power economically and strategically 
     in the new millennium; and
       (4) the United States should fulfill its longstanding 
     commitment to the democratization and economic prosperity of 
     the Pacific island nations by promoting their earliest 
     integration in the mainstream of bilateral, regional, and 
     global commerce and trade.
 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that 
today, along with Mr. Akaka, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Byrd, Mr. 
Thomas, Mr. Hollings, Mr. Roth, Mr. Ford, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Murkowski and 
Mr. Sessions to submit the Pacific Island Summit Resolution.
  Since the end of World War II, the U.S. has lacked a strong 
diplomatic policy and presence in the Pacific Region. This has become 
more prevalent in recent years. Often characterized as a policy of 
``benign neglect,'' the current situation is insufficient to continue 
the role of the U.S. as the leading world power as we enter the new 
millennium.
  The Pacific region covers an immense area of the Earth, approximately 
three times that of the contiguous United States. Increasing 
enforcement of treaties demarcating exclusive economic zones are 
revealing Pacific Island countries that wield control over vast tracts 
of the ocean, marine fisheries and undersea minerals; resources that 
will play a major role in the future of the global economy.
  As natural resources around the world dwindle, access to the 
relatively untapped resources in this region of the world will become 
increasingly important. The U.S., as the leading world power, should 
seek to maintain strong ties to this region. By cultivating diplomatic 
relationships with these leaders today, we foster strong economic ties 
tomorrow.
  In October 1997, then-Prime Minister Hashimoto held a summit meeting 
in Tokyo, Japan with various Pacific Island heads of state. Clearly, 
Japan is aware of the unlimited potential of this region, its valuable 
resources, and the importance of gaining access to them. It is 
economically and strategically important that we not stand idly by 
while other countries step into the vacuum created by the present U.S. 
policy.
  This resolution, Mr. President, encompasses all of these ideas in 
expressing the sense of the United States Senate that a summit meeting 
between the President and leaders from the Pacific region would be an 
excellent opportunity for the U.S. to strengthen its position 
economically and strategically. These Pacific Islands in return will be 
provided the rare opportunity to share their interests, visions for the 
future, and concerns with the leader of the world's most powerful 
democracy. It is my sincere belief that this summit will rebuild a 
foundation neglected since the end of World War II and be the beginning 
of a mutually beneficial relationship between the U.S. and this great 
region.
  Congressman Eni Faleomavaega introduced similar legislation in the 
House of Representatives, which speaks to the importance of developing 
and maintaining close diplomatic and economic ties with the Pacific and 
that a Pacific Island Summit would aid the U.S. considerably in 
attaining this goal. It is my hope that this legislation will be 
considered and approved in both chambers expeditiously.

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