HONOLULU -- Slowly but surely, the Bush administration's Asia policy is taking shape. And, some changes in emphasis and approach notwithstanding, it shows a great deal of continuity with Clinton administration policy objectives. The U.S.-Japan relationship remains the "linchpin" of U.S. security strategy in Asia, as it has for the past 40 years (despite occasional bouts of "Japan bashing" or "Japan passing").
Like U.S. President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush seeks a "constructive relationship" with Beijing, even while laying his predecessor's "strategic partnership" slogan to rest. Meanwhile, the completion of the administration's Korea policy review has resulted in a renewed U.S. commitment to support South Korea's Sunshine Policy and the U.S.-North Korean Agreed Framework, plus a willingness to engage in serious discussions with Pyongyang on a broad agenda, including a resumption of missile talks. The Bush administration even seems willing to embrace regional multilateral efforts although the degree of enthusiasm is yet to be determined.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs James Kelly provided the most detailed description of the Bush administration's Asia policy to date during congressional testimony in mid-June (before the House Committee on International Relations' East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee). Kelly described the Asia-Pacific region as one of "enormous economic opportunity," but also cautioned that many unresolved economic problems remained in the wake of the devastating 1997-98 Asia financial crisis. The administration would be working to promote further economic reform and reduce or eliminate unfair obstacles to exports to the U.S., while also pursuing free trade agreements with willing partners such as Singapore. He also noted that "regional consciousness -- a collective sense of identification and common cause -- remains relatively undeveloped" but noted positive developments in this area, brought about by the Association of Southeast Asia Nations, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and the ASEAN Regional Forum.