[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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