For many years the United States has sought a stable region where each state is free to pursue its economic development and prosperity in a secure, open environment. American policies support internationally accepted standards of behavior. They help ensure that the pursuit of security and development by any state is accomplished transparently, through cooperation with its neighbors, and not at their expense. For example, the United States stands for freedom of navigation. This is no narrow American interest.
All states suffer when common standards are ignored or violated at sea or in the air.
They are not our mirror images, but they share with us certain fundamental beliefs and values, including commitment to human rights, to free trade and investment, to the rule of law, and to democratic principles of governance. States that share these values tend to share a general outlook on the world and the events that fill it. Secretary Powell's confirmation statement and testimony suggest an effective mix of policies much better than I could. We are at the beginning of an administration and of a decade. The Asia-Pacific is loaded with successes, failures and the complexities brought by technology, prosperity and political development.