*EPF406 06/26/2003
Text: Leach Discusses Deployment of U.S. Troops in Asia-Pacific
(June 26 opening remarks at hearing on U.S. security policy) (900)

Ensuring the stability of the Asia-Pacific region and fighting terrorism effectively are two goals affecting decisions regarding the deployment of U.S. forces, according to James A. Leach, the chairman of the House International Relations Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.

In opening remarks at a hearing on U.S. security policy in Asia and the Pacific, Leach said the two most challenging geopolitical problems in the Asia-Pacific region "relate to North Korea and capricious violence we call terrorism."

Leach noted that change is "imminent" in the way U.S. forces will be deployed on the Korean peninsula. He stressed the importance of communicating that "the purpose of these adjustments is to enhance security on the Korea, improve our combined defense, promote regional stability, and lay the basis for strengthened relations with our valued South Korean allies."

"From a Congressional perspective, there is unanimity in Washington that America's commitment to South Korea has to be steadfast and our alliance held very much unquestioned as the unpredictable unification process with the North proceeds," he added.

In terms of the campaign against terrorism, Leach said that the U.S. Congress is "firmly supportive" of U.S. assistance to the Philippines and other areas to fight terrorism, but cautioned against "negotiations involving the commitment of U.S. troops to potential areas of conflict" without prior consultation between the administration and Congress.

Following is the text of Leach's remarks, as prepared for delivery:

(begin text)

Opening Statement
Representative James A. Leach
Chairman, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
U.S. Security Policy in Asia and the Pacific:
Restructuring America's Forward Deployment
June 26, 2003

On behalf of my colleagues, I would like to warmly welcome our distinguished trio of Administration witnesses. Appearing before us today is the Honorable Peter W. Rodman, Assistant Secretary of Defense, International Security Affairs, Admiral Thomas B. Fargo, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, and Christopher LaFleur, Special Envoy for Northeast Asia Security, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State. I would particularly like to thank Admiral Fargo, and the many fine young men and women associated with Pacific Command, for their professionalism in representing America in this crucial part of the world. In addition, joining us again today as an "honorary Member" of the Subcommittee, is the gentle lady from Guam, Representative Bordallo. You are most welcome.

The purpose of today's hearing is to review the priorities for U.S. security policy in Asia and the Pacific in light of the global campaign against terrorism, regional threats such as North Korea, technological innovation, as well as our enduring interest in peace and security in this vital region.

As my colleagues are aware, maintaining a robust overseas military presence has historically been a key element of U.S. national security policy in the Asia-Pacific. The U.S. presence in the region, dating from World War II, has been sustained by forward bases in Japan, South Korea, and until 1992 the Philippines, as well as by active defense cooperation with allied and friendly states in Southeast Asia and Oceana, primarily Thailand, Singapore, and Australia.

With the end of the Cold War, the basis for our forward deployed presence shifted from deterring the Soviet threat to ensuring regional stability. This fundamental continuity of policy has been maintained by successive U.S. administrations, all of which have emphasized the linkage between our network of alliances and friendships to a regional environment in Asia conducive to confidence and economic growth.

The two most challenging geopolitical as contrasted with geoeconomic problems in the Pacific region relate to North Korea and capricious violence we call terrorism.

With respect to North Korea, in recent weeks the Administration has augmented its diplomatic strategy through the development of a "Proliferation Security Initiative." As I understand it, this initiative is designed to search plans and ships carrying suspect cargo and to seize illegal weapons or missile technology. We hope to learn more about this approach during the course of our hearing today.

Change is also imminent in U.S. troop deployments in South Korea. Here it is important to stress that the purpose of these adjustments is to enhance security on the Korea, improve our combined defense, promote regional stability, and lay the basis for strengthened relations with our valued South Korean allies. From a Congressional perspective, there is unanimity in Washington that America's commitment to South Korea has to be steadfast and our alliance held very much unquestioned as the unpredictable unification process with the North proceeds.

In terms of the campaign against terrorism, it appears that regional extremist networks in Southeast Asia are larger, more capable and more active than was previously believed. Our allies in the Philippines, in particular, are presented with a vexing set of problems in Mindanao and elsewhere in the southern reaches of the country. While Congress is firmly supportive of U.S. assistance to Manila, I would hope the Executive Branch understands that negotiations involving the commitment of U.S. troops to potential areas of conflict are a subject the Administration would be wise to consult Congress about in advance.

In any regard, we are fortunate to have before us a distinguished group of witnesses, and we look forward to your testimony.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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