Gates Says New U.S. President Will Maintain Asia Ties

Source: Bloomberg

May 31 (Bloomberg) -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates told an Asian security conference that the U.S. will remain heavily engaged in the Asia-Pacific region no matter who is elected president in November.

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``Any future U.S. administration's Asia security policy is going to be grounded in the fact that the United States remains a nation with strong and enduring interests in this region -- interests that will endure no matter which political party occupies the White House next,'' Gates said.

In his remarks to the conference, known as the ``Shangri-La Dialogue'' after the name of the Singapore hotel where it takes place each year, Gates said the entire Asia-Pacific region has benefited from U.S. involvement.

``The security of all Asian countries -- whether large or small -- is strongly and positively enhanced by a strong U.S. presence,'' said Gates, 64. ``In all instances, our involvement enables our friends in Asia to have more choice with their security policy decisions.''



Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a9NTmlmq73zU&refer=home

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Gen. Bell Bids Fairwell to Koreans

Forward-deployed U.S. bombers and fighter jets from air bases in Guam, Japan and South Korea are ready to deliver lethal hits to North Korean targets within 24 hours in the case of a conflict, the top U.S. commander here said Friday.

In a press conference in Seoul, outgoing U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) commander General B. B. Bell said squadrons of advanced U.S. jets and bombers, called ``theater security packages (TSPs),'' have been deployed to the Asia-Pacific region on a rotation basis since 2004, particularly during North Korea's military trainings cycles, to deter North Korean aggression.

He referred to the moves, while stressing the importance of the U.S. military's ``strategic flexibility'' scheme under which U.S. forces can be dispatched to other parts of the world where the United States faces conflict, such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

Bell is to retire early next week, ending his 39-year military career. Gen. Walter Sharp is to replace him. He served in South Korea for 28 months.

more:http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/05/205_25059.html

I missed that one.

Lots of luck to the next CIC.

the Asia-Pacific region can expect the continued infusion of American jobs and capitol.

Our main connection to Asia is owing them lots and lots and lots of money.

Wonder who MCCain's running mate will be? (nudge, nudge, wink wink)

Maybe one of the first things Obama will do is fire every crony bu$h has put in place.