For all intents and purposes, our economy has become interdependent with those of East Asia. Thus our vital interests dictate that we will be increasing rather than decreasing our connection with East Asia. A less extreme argument of critics is that we should reduce the need for our presence by the creation of multilateral security structures. In fact, we attach high priority to multilateral security dialogues, which we view as confidence-building measures, and not as replacements for our bilateral alliances. But we do not seek multilateral security structures in this region.
Structures imply formal organizations, including shared commitments to a common defense plan.
But the impetus for such a security structure was missing from the Asia-Pacific region during the Cold War and is still missing. Instead, it is evident that protection of our interests must rely on U.S. leadership. The biggest challenge to this strategy that we face today is on the Korean Peninsula, where North Korea is a clear security threat to the region. And it has missiles deployed or under test that can target all of South Korea and Japan. The good news is that our traditional alliance with South Korea remains strong and is getting stronger.