The Clinton Administration has been reluctant to do this. President Clinton's visit to Tokyo on November 19 and 20 will test his ability to demonstrate America's concern about threats to Japan's economic and military security. Japan has been unable to revive its economy, which could contract over 2 percent this year and continue contracting next year. It also faces a growing missile threat from North Korea. China is building new cruise missiles and anti-satellite laser weapons, which also could endanger U.S. forces in Asia.
Japan has no defense against such North Korean or Chinese weapons.
Urge the Japanese government to implement deeper tax cuts and more sweeping deregulation of its economy as key measures to help reverse its economic decline. Urge the Japanese government to approve implementing legislation for the 1996 Defense Guidelines that would allow better support for U.S. military forces based in Japan but engaged in other combat zones like Korea. Explain to the Japanese that they must cooperate with the United States and spend more to build missile defenses that will deter North Korea or China from using their missile forces in Asia. South Korea Visit. While in South Korea on November 20-22, President Clinton should help newly elected President Kim Dae Jung formulate a response to difficult economic and security challenges.