U.S. Likely To Expand Asia-Pacific Presence
By KAREN WALKER, SINGAPORE
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Luis Enrique Ascui
Gordon England, U.S. Navy secretary.
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An increased U.S. military presence in Asia is almost certain, said U.S. Navy Secretary Gordon England.
Speaking here Feb. 23 during the luncheon at the Asia Pacific Security Conference 2004, England said a presidential review of U.S. presence in the region was “still a work in progress.” While he declined to provide details of that study, he indicated that an expansion in the region was likely.
“It is all being studied, but the likely outcome will be an increased presence in the region,” he said. “We will have discussions with all of our partners in the region on this issue.”
America’s vision of the Asia-Pacific region, said England, was one based on shared principles and economic strength.
England also mapped out the United States’ clear stand on the war on terrorism: “We must accept that terrorists cannot be reasoned with or negotiated with. Negotiation with them is not an option. Changing the way we live and what we believe is not an option. This now is our battle. Together we can prevail, but only with action; action geared to the prevention and destruction of terrorist networks.”
The Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, a think-tank affiliated with Singapore’s Nayang Technological University, and Asian Aerospace Pte. Ltd. jointly produced the conference. Defense News is the official media partner for the event.
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