We believe in the rule of law. And, we believe that our free market economic system offers the best chance to assure prosperity for our peoples. Chinese leaders have yet to demonstrate they share these values. While we have sporadic trade flare ups with Japan, our two nations share most of the values mentioned above. That Japan is a functioning democracy is amply demonstrated by the debates that are occurring at present over economic reform and by a long record of free and fair elections.
Japan shares our views on the importance of the individual and the advantages of a free market.
It has a functioning legal system. And, while it is a determined economic competitor, it is not a rival in any strategic sense. On the contrary, Japan has been our key ally in the Pacific for the past fifty years. Our alliance with Japan has permitted the United States to maintain forward-deployed forces that have been a key instrument in the maintenance of peace and stability in the region by assuring that no nation can easily achieve hegemony over its neighbors. And, it has permitted the United States to maintain a voice in developments in the region that has greatly benefitted the American people.