[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S7819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
U.S. STRATEGIC INTERESTS IN ASIA
Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, following the recent G-8 meeting in Okinawa
and as we move closer to a vote on Permanent Normal Trading Relations
with China, I want to briefly remind my colleagues of the importance of
having a regional strategy for Asia.
There is a tendency to look at the Korean situation, the relationship
between Taiwan and China, our presence in Japan, our presence in Guam,
the situation in Indonesia, and so on as independent problems. Or, to
just react to one situation at a time, with no overall understanding of
how important the regional links and interests that exist are in
shaping the outcome of our actions.
If we want to play a role in creating more stable allies in South
Korea and Japan, and in ensuring that an ever-changing China is also a
non-threatening China, then we must recognize that any action we take
in one part of the region will have an impact on perceptions and
reality throughout the region.
I do not intend to give a lengthy speech on this right now, instead I
just want to draw my colleagues attention to an excellent letter that I
received from General Jones, Commandant of the United States Marine
Corps. He wrote to discuss just this need for a regional and a long-
term perspective as we evaluate our presence in Okinawa.
I agree with him that we cannot shape events in the Asia-Pacific
region if we are not physically present.
So, as we engage in debate over what the proper placement and numbers
for that presence are, I urge my colleagues to approach that debate and
the debate on China's trade status with an awareness of the interests
of the regional powers and an awareness of our national security
interests both today and in the future.
I ask unanimous consent that the letter from General Jones be printed
in the Record following this statement.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
July 21, 2000.
Hon. Joseph R. Biden, Jr.,
Ranking, Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senator Biden, As the G-8 Summit approaches, the eyes
of the world have turned to the Pacific island of Okinawa.
Opponents of U.S. military presence there may seize the
opportunity to promote their cause. I am well acquainted with
the island, having visited it frequently, and wish to convey
to you my sincere belief in its absolute importance to the
long-term security of our nation.
Okinawa is strategically located. The American military
personnel and assets maintained there are key to preservation
of the stability of the Asia-Pacific region and to
fulfillment of the U.S.-Japan bilateral security treaty.
Okinawa's central location between the East China Sea and
Pacific Ocean, astride major trade routes, and close to areas
of vital economic, political, and military interest make it
an ideal forward base. From it, U.S. forces can favorably
shape the environment and respond, when necessary, to
contingencies spanning the entire operational continuum--from
disaster relief, to peacekeeping, to war--in a matter of
hours, vice days or weeks.
We have long endeavored to minimize the impact of our
presence. Working hand in hand with our Okinawan hosts and
neighbors, we have made significant progress. In 1996, an
agreement was reached for the substantial reduction,
consolidation, and realignment of U.S. military bases in
Okinawa. Movement toward full implementation of the actions
mandated by the Special Action Committee on Okinawa Final
Report continues and the commitment to reduce the impact of
our presence is unabated.
Recent instances of misconduct by a few American service
members have galvanized long simmering opposition to our
presence. While those incidents are deplorable, they are
fortunately uncommon and do not reflect the full nature of
our presence.
Often lost in discussions of our presence on Okinawa, are
the positive aspects of that presence. We are good neighbors:
our personnel are actively involved in an impressive variety
of community service work, we are the island's second largest
employer of civilians, we infuse over $1.4 billion dollars
into the local economy annually, and most importantly, we are
sincerely grateful for the important contributions to
attainment of our mission made by the people of Okinawa. We
are mindful of our obligation to them.
It is worth remembering that U.S. presence in Okinawa came
at great cost. Battle raged on the island for three months in
the waning days of World War II and was finally won through
the valor, resolve, and sacrifice by what is now known as our
greatest generation. Our losses were heavy: twelve thousand
killed and thirty-five thousand wounded. Casualties for the
Japanese and for Okinawan civilians were even greater. The
price for Okinawa was indeed high. Its capture in 1945,
however, contributed to the quick resolution of the Pacific
War and our presence there in the following half a century
has immeasurably contributed to the protection of U.S.,
Japanese, and regional interests.
As you well know, challenges to military basing and
training are now routine and suitable alternatives to
existing sites are sorely limited. Okinawa, in fact, is
invaluable. We fully understand the legitimate concerns of
the Okinawan people and we will continue to work closely with
them to forge mutually satisfactory solutions to the issues
that we face. We are now, and will continue to be, good
neighbors and custodians for peace in the region.
Very Respectfully,
James L. Jones,
General, Commandant of the Marine Corps.
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