Korea can play a vital role in the region's new arrangements, for it stands at the center of Northeast Asia, within 2 hours by air from Singapore, Tokyo, Beijing, and Vladivostok. The many economic discussions within the region also can play a role. That is why I welcome the new dialogue for economic cooperation our two nations are launching on this visit. And that is why I announced in Japan that I would like to host an informal economic conference among APEC's leaders following the ministerial meeting in Seattle, Washington, this fall. The goal of all these efforts is to integrate, not isolate, the region's powers.
China is a key example.
We believe China cannot be a full partner in the world community until it respects human rights and international agreements on trade and weapon sales. But we also are prepared to involve China in building this region's new security and economic architectures. We need an involved and engaged China, not an isolated China. Some in the U.S. have been reluctant to enter into regional security dialogues in Asia. They fear it would seem a pretext for American withdrawal from the area.