Deputy Secretary William J. Burns today said the United States is committed to the security of Japan and to strengthening peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
In his remarks at the University of Tokyo, Mr. Burns stressed that tremendous importance of Japan to the United States is clear to the world.
“In our words and our actions, it is clear to the entire world. Ours is truly a global partnership – ranging from our bilateral security alliance; to our common efforts on regional and transnational challenges; to our incredibly important economic relationship; to the friendship and people-to-people ties that enrich our respective cultures and bind us together ever closer.” -Mr. Burns
He noted that the intensive engagement will continue through the upcoming multilateral meetings next month. He stated that America is a resident military, diplomatic and economic power in the Asia-Pacific – and they will remain an Asia-Pacific power.
“As Secretary Clinton has stated many times, the U.S.-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of our engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. Sixty years ago our partnership rose out of the ashes of war to become one of the strongest alliances that our nations have ever known. This partnership has underwritten the peace, stability, and prosperity of the region and in many ways provided a context for the region’s tremendous economic growth and dynamism.” -Mr. Burns
He stressed that U.S.-Japan alliance underpins so much of their wider regional engagement which is built on the strong foundation of shared interests and values, democratic ideals, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
“It is important to put the significance of our alliance in a global context. Today the world and the United States stand at a pivot point. As Secretary Clinton has said, the Asia-Pacific region is now a key driver of global politics, and greater U.S. commitment here is essential. After World War II, America built a strong and lasting network of institutions and relationships across the Atlantic – one that pays off to this day. We must now do the same across the Pacific.” -Mr. Burns
He emphasized that the time has come for the United States to redouble their investments as a Pacific power, a strategic course set by President Obama from the outset of his administration and one that is already yielding benefits.
“These benefits go both ways: just as Asia is critical to America’s future, an engaged America is vital to Asia’s future.” -Mr. Burns
He cited that one measure of the strength of their alliance is in its impressive ability to adapt to meet new and emerging challenges.
