WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of State-designate Hillary Rodham Clinton hailed the alliance with Japan Tuesday as she articulated her vision of future U.S. diplomacy.
"Our alliance with Japan is a cornerstone of American policy in Asia, essential to maintaining peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region," she said during a Senate hearing considering her nomination to become the nation's top diplomat.
Clinton, the former first lady and New York senator, said her "overriding duty" would be to use "smart power," blending military and diplomatic power, to renew the country's international leadership.