As we move closer to the twenty-first century, Asia has become increasingly important to U.S. interests. Our prosperity requires it. And no region is of more concern to the United States than Northeast Asia. The continuing presence of more than 100,000 soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen of the U.S. Pacific Command illustrates the significance which we attach to this part of the world. One important tool to do just that is arms control.
Arms control is an important part of U.S. national security policy.
Much like preventive medicine, which creates the conditions which support and improve health, make disease less likely and surgery unnecessary, arms control creates the conditions which support peace and make war less likely. Successful arms control initiatives in Northeast Asia not only increase the security of the United States, but can also lead to increased cooperation and confidence among the nations of the region. One of our major arms control challenges is convincing China to more fully embrace arms control as a normal component of its national security. It is deeply in the interest of the United States to build a broad and deep arms control relationship with China because it is an indispensable player if arms control is truly to be effective. As a militarily and technically advanced country it can either foster or help restrain proliferation.