26 June 2003
Leach Discusses Deployment of U.S. Troops in Asia-Pacific
(June 26 opening remarks at hearing on U.S. security policy) (900)
Ensuring the stability of the Asia-Pacific region and fighting
terrorism effectively are two goals affecting decisions regarding the
deployment of U.S. forces, according to James A. Leach, the chairman
of the House International Relations Subcommittee on Asia and the
Pacific.
In opening remarks at a hearing on U.S. security policy in Asia and
the Pacific, Leach said the two most challenging geopolitical problems
in the Asia-Pacific region "relate to North Korea and capricious
violence we call terrorism."
Leach noted that change is "imminent" in the way U.S. forces will be
deployed on the Korean peninsula. He stressed the importance of
communicating that "the purpose of these adjustments is to enhance
security on the Korea, improve our combined defense, promote regional
stability, and lay the basis for strengthened relations with our
valued South Korean allies."
"From a Congressional perspective, there is unanimity in Washington
that America's commitment to South Korea has to be steadfast and our
alliance held very much unquestioned as the unpredictable unification
process with the North proceeds," he added.
In terms of the campaign against terrorism, Leach said that the U.S.
Congress is "firmly supportive" of U.S. assistance to the Philippines
and other areas to fight terrorism, but cautioned against
"negotiations involving the commitment of U.S. troops to potential
areas of conflict" without prior consultation between the
administration and Congress.
Following is the text of Leach's remarks, as prepared for delivery:
(begin text)
Opening Statement
Representative James A. Leach
Chairman, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
U.S. Security Policy in Asia and the Pacific:
Restructuring America's Forward Deployment
June 26, 2003
On behalf of my colleagues, I would like to warmly welcome our
distinguished trio of Administration witnesses. Appearing before us
today is the Honorable Peter W. Rodman, Assistant Secretary of
Defense, International Security Affairs, Admiral Thomas B. Fargo,
Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, and Christopher LaFleur, Special
Envoy for Northeast Asia Security, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific
Affairs, U.S. Department of State. I would particularly like to thank
Admiral Fargo, and the many fine young men and women associated with
Pacific Command, for their professionalism in representing America in
this crucial part of the world. In addition, joining us again today as
an "honorary Member" of the Subcommittee, is the gentle lady from
Guam, Representative Bordallo. You are most welcome.
The purpose of today's hearing is to review the priorities for U.S.
security policy in Asia and the Pacific in light of the global
campaign against terrorism, regional threats such as North Korea,
technological innovation, as well as our enduring interest in peace
and security in this vital region.
As my colleagues are aware, maintaining a robust overseas military
presence has historically been a key element of U.S. national security
policy in the Asia-Pacific. The U.S. presence in the region, dating
from World War II, has been sustained by forward bases in Japan, South
Korea, and until 1992 the Philippines, as well as by active defense
cooperation with allied and friendly states in Southeast Asia and
Oceana, primarily Thailand, Singapore, and Australia.
With the end of the Cold War, the basis for our forward deployed
presence shifted from deterring the Soviet threat to ensuring regional
stability. This fundamental continuity of policy has been maintained
by successive U.S. administrations, all of which have emphasized the
linkage between our network of alliances and friendships to a regional
environment in Asia conducive to confidence and economic growth.
The two most challenging geopolitical as contrasted with geoeconomic
problems in the Pacific region relate to North Korea and capricious
violence we call terrorism.
With respect to North Korea, in recent weeks the Administration has
augmented its diplomatic strategy through the development of a
"Proliferation Security Initiative." As I understand it, this
initiative is designed to search plans and ships carrying suspect
cargo and to seize illegal weapons or missile technology. We hope to
learn more about this approach during the course of our hearing today.
Change is also imminent in U.S. troop deployments in South Korea. Here
it is important to stress that the purpose of these adjustments is to
enhance security on the Korea, improve our combined defense, promote
regional stability, and lay the basis for strengthened relations with
our valued South Korean allies. From a Congressional perspective,
there is unanimity in Washington that America's commitment to South
Korea has to be steadfast and our alliance held very much unquestioned
as the unpredictable unification process with the North proceeds.
In terms of the campaign against terrorism, it appears that regional
extremist networks in Southeast Asia are larger, more capable and more
active than was previously believed. Our allies in the Philippines, in
particular, are presented with a vexing set of problems in Mindanao
and elsewhere in the southern reaches of the country. While Congress
is firmly supportive of U.S. assistance to Manila, I would hope the
Executive Branch understands that negotiations involving the
commitment of U.S. troops to potential areas of conflict are a subject
the Administration would be wise to consult Congress about in advance.
In any regard, we are fortunate to have before us a distinguished
group of witnesses, and we look forward to your testimony.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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