US Presidential Candidates on Foreign Affairs/Trade with Northeast Asia

In terms of foreign affairs and foreign trade, there is never a dull moment in Northeast Asia. This region demands a considerable amount of attention from the US President and his (Senator McCain or Senator Obama) administration across a wide range of topics and issues. A summary of the topics currently headlining news across Northeast Asia highlights its volatility and dynamics:

• Japan is in another leadership crisis after PM Fukuda steps down with a number of questionable and potential successors waiting in the wings.

• Russia is entangled again with a former Soviet Union entity, this time Georgia, and faces both political and economic backlashes from the West.

• South Korea's new President, Mr. Lee, has been battered domestically over US beef and the rising cost of oil as he tries to resurrect his national economic goals.

• Post-Olympics, China looks ahead to a new phase in its long history with a number of domestic issues to address while developing its sophistication in international affairs.

• After elections brought to power the KMT Party, Taiwan and China move forward to strengthen ties by opening direct, tour-guided flights between Beijing and Taipei, but of course questions remain.

• North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il appears to suffer from a serious stroke, raising questions on the stability of the regime's hold on power.

These are just a sampling of the issues the next US president and his administration will face. Others have been asking the question: How will a President Obama or President McCain approach issues in foreign policy, particularly Northeast Asia?

Although the Vice Presidential candidates have attracted much attention, I want to explore first the history of decisions and/or opinions of Senator McCain and Senator Obama in regards to Northeast Asia. The VP picks traditionally follow the President's lead in shaping policy. I will attempt to let the candidates' words and decisions speak for themselves and refrain from conjecture. In the process, I expect to find more material for Senator McCain due to his depth of experience compared with Senator Obama. Where I could not find any significant material, I will state so as 'Not Available'. In alphabetical order:

Senator McCain

Overall Asia Experience:

I just recently finished reading 'Faith of my Fathers', Senator McCain's book that describes his life up until his release from the Hanoi Hilton POW camp at the end of US involvement in the Vietnam War. What I didn't know until reading the book was that both McCain's grandfather and father had reached the position of 4-star Admiral in the Pacific, with the father specifically becoming Commander-In-Chief--Pacific Command (CINCPAC). At the time, attaining this position was considered the second highest honor next to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His father in particular was quite engaged with foreign leaders, especially foreign military leaders, in the Asia region. Combined with this family history, Senator McCain's experience in Vietnam suggests he has a strong familiarity with the past 100 years of history in the Northeast Asia region and how this history has evolved into the events occuring in the region today.

General approach to foreign trade:

On June 20, 2007, Senator McCain gave a speech to the Florida Association of Broadcasters and touched a great deal on his approach to foreign trade. I have paraphrased where the speech focuses specifically on Latin America:

"Too many Democrats have embraced economic isolationism, paying off special interests by opposing trade agreements with our democratic neighbors. They could not be more wrong. My administration would reduce barriers to trade and press for renewed Trade Promotion Authority.

"Opening new and integrated world markets does not automatically translate into a higher quality life for everyone...The power of global capital markets dwarfs the importance of foreign assistance in financing economic expansion. Capital markets do not, however, automatically seek out those who have been left behind - and my administration would work to ensure that those marginalized have an opportunity for a better life.

"Trade offers opportunity; aid can help ensure that those opportunities are available to all. The United States should launch a major program designed not to increase handouts but rather to build capacity, improve education, cut red tape, and reduce the corruption that is the foremost impediment to economic growth. We should target assistance and micro-lending to the economically isolated and often indigenous populations among our free trade partners." 

In an editorial for the Daily Yomiuri, as mentioned further below in regards to Japan, Senator McCain defended free trade with Asia:

"Another priority of the next U.S. President must be to expand the United States' economic relationships in Asia and build the case at home and abroad for an open, inclusive system of international trade. Unfortunately, in what has become an all-too-predictable pattern, some U.S. politicians--including the two Democratic candidates for president--are preying on the fears stoked by Asia's dynamism; rather than encouraging U.S. innovation and entrepreneurship, they instead propose throwing up protectionist walls that will leave us all worse off.

"This kind of protectionism is profoundly irresponsible. The United States has never won respect or created jobs by retreating from free trade, and we cannot start doing so now." 

Lastly, according to Club For Growth, "The Cato Institute aptly sums up his record on trade by designating him a "free trader" for the 105th Congress through the 108th Congress, a top accolade given out to those who "consistently vote against both trade barriers and international economic subsidies."

General approach to foreign affairs:

On May 1, 2007, Senator McCain gave a speech to the Hoover Institute describing his proposal for a 'League of Democracies' and basically outlined his perspective on how he believes the US should approach foreign affairs:

"We Americans must be willing to listen to the views and respect the collective will of our democratic allies. Like all other nations, we reserve the sovereign right to defend our vital national security when and how we deem necessary. But our great power does not mean we can do whatever we want whenever we want, nor should we assume we have all the wisdom, knowledge and resources necessary to succeed. When we believe international action is necessary, whether military, economic, or diplomatic, we must work to persuade our democratic friends and allies that we are right. But in return, we must be willing to be persuaded by them. To be a good leader, America must be a good ally.

"Our partners must be good allies, too. They must have the will and the ability to act in the common defense of freedom, democracy, and economic prosperity. They must spend the money necessary to build effective militaries that can train and fight alongside ours. They must help us deliver aid to those in need and encourage good governance in fragile states. They must face the threats of our world squarely and not evade their global responsibilities. And they must put an end to the mindless anti-Americanism that today mars international discourse. No alliance can work unless all its members share a basic faith in one another and accept an equal share of the responsibility to build a peace based on freedom."

He followed up after this with a general prescription for Asia:

"In Asia we need to show that growing democratic economies can do more for the average man and woman and less for corrupt senior officials than growing economies in a one-party state."

Specifics on Japan:

I was surprised to find that Senator McCain partnered with Senator Joe Lieberman to write and submit a lengthy editorial to the Daily Yomiuri on the US relationship with Japan for its May 29, 2008 edition. Not only very recent, the editorial is also quite comprehensive and leaves no question as to Senator McCain's perspective on the US-Japan relationship. The key section is below:

"...the next U.S. president must work with our Japanese allies to build on them. In particular, in a swiftly changing Asia, it is critical that our alliance must be founded and focused on a shared vision of the future. We must ask ourselves what our two nations, as equal partners, want to accomplish together in the world, and then how we can modernize our alliance and its capabilities in order to advance the interests and values we share.

"Some of the challenges we face together are already apparent. With respect to North Korea, for example, former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi was right: We must bring both dialogue and pressure to bear on Pyongyang. We have the right framework in the six-party talks and the right tools in the U.N. Security Council resolution passed after North Korea's 2006 nuclear test, as well as the U.S.-Japan-South Korea trilateral coordination group. Now we must use those tools to press for the full, complete, and verifiable declaration, disablement and dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear weapons programs--goals already agreed upon by the six parties.

"Future talks must also prioritize North Korea's ballistic missile programs, its abduction of Japanese citizens, and its human rights record. Whatever our other strategic priorities, these objectives are important to our allies, and thus they must be of importance to us. The president of the United States must never forget that hundreds of thousands of North Koreans languish in gulags, and that families in Japan and South Korea await the return of their loved ones, abducted by North Korea. We cannot turn our back on them.

"The United States and Japan must also work closely together with regard to China--not to contain or isolate Beijing, but to ensure its peaceful integration as a responsible stakeholder in the international system. In fact, it is precisely by strengthening our alliance and deepening our cooperation that Japan and the United States can lay the necessary groundwork for more durable, stable, and successful relations with China.

Specifics on South Korea:

Given Senator McCain's statements above on free trade, it is not suprising that he supports the US-South Korea Free Trade Agreement. At a speech to the National Restaurant Association, the Senator made the following comments:

"It's a similar story with a trade pact our nation has negotiated with South Korea. Senator Obama calls that agreement, too, "bad for American workers" -- never mind the workers right here in Illinois who made the 750 million dollars in goods exported to Korea last year. And he doesn't have much at all to say about the profound strategic importance of our relationship with South Korea, or how that partnership in a dangerous part of the world could be harmed by casting aside our trade agreement with South Korea. Here is a faithful ally of more than fifty years' standing, an ally that deployed the third-largest contingent of troops to Iraq, and has helped us in the rebuilding of Afghanistan as well. South Korea is a democracy of 49 million people, the 13th largest economy in the world, and right next door to one of the most dangerous regimes on earth. The United States is counting on the help of South Korea in matters of great importance to the peace of the world, and South Korea is counting on us. Yet even here, where so much rides on the trust and good relations between nations, we see the interests of a valuable ally sacrificed to partisan politics."

Specifics on North Korea:

In addition to comments on North Korea above in the Senator's comments on Japan, below is the latest press release from Senator McCain on North Korea (June 2008), prior to the most recent news on Kim Jong-Il:

"As we review this declaration and attempt to verify North Korean claims, we must keep diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea to meet all of its obligations under the Six Party agreement, including denuclearization. If we are unable to fully verify the declaration submitted today and if I am not satisfied with the verification mechanisms developed, I would not support the easing of sanctions on North Korea."

In 2006, Senator McCain released the following statement as part of a larger post:

The President is right to call on the Council to impose a military arms embargo, financial and trade sanctions, and, most importantly, the right to interdict and inspect all cargo in and out of North Korea.

For more recent material, a New York Times political blog reprinted the statements of both candidates on June 26 this year:

"The announcement today that North Korea has provided information concerning elements of its nuclear program is a modest step forward, as will be the destruction of the disabled cooling tower of Yongbyon. But it is only a step covering one part of North Korea’s nuclear activities. It is important to remember our goal has been the full, permanent and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. That must remain our goal. The Six Party agreement called for North Korea to make a full declaration of all its nuclear weapons and nuclear programs. Many questions remain about North Korea’s programs, including the disposition of plutonium at Yongbyon, the number and status of nuclear weapons, the nature of the highly-enriched uranium program, and the extent of proliferation activities in countries like Syria. I also want to make sure we fully account for the legitimate concerns of our South Korean and Japanese allies as we move forward. I understand certain sanctions were lifted today, some may be lifted in 45 days, and others remain in place.

"As we review this declaration and attempt to verify North Korean claims, we must keep diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea to meet all of its obligations under the Six Party agreement, including denuclearization. If we are unable to fully verify the declaration submitted today and if I am not satisfied with the verification mechanisms developed, I would not support the easing of sanctions on North Korea."

Specifics on China:

In the same speech to the Hoover Institute from May 2007 mentioned above, Senator McCain spoke the following:

"Democracy and freedom continue to flourish around the world, but there have been some discouraging trends. In China, despite miraculous economic growth and a higher standard of living for many millions of Chinese, hopes for an accompanying political reform have diminished. The ruling party seems determined to dominate political life, and as in the past, the talk is of order, not democracy, the supremacy of the party not of the people. China astonishes the world with its economic and technological modernization, but then spends billions trying to control that great icon of the modern era, the internet. China recognizes its vital interest in economic integration with the democratic world. But it has also joined Russia in hindering international efforts to put pressure on dictators in Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Burma, and other pariah states. China expresses its desire for a stable peace in East Asia, but it continue to increase its military might, fostering distrust and concerns in the region about Beijing's ambitions. We must insist that China use its newfound power responsibly at home and abroad."

Later, he goes on to say:

"Our national interests require that we pursue economic and strategic cooperation with China..."

In addition, is an excerpt from a technology oriented interview at Tech Crunch from November 2007 where Senator McCain mentions China:

MA: Let’s start off with a broad question on technology leadership. The US technology industry, of course, has been a world leader, if not the world leader over the decades, and we’ve grown quite a bit through international markets. As president, what would you do to advance these efforts?

JM: One thing I would do is make sure we have free trade agreements, so that every market in the world is open to our products and our innovation, in which we lead the world. Obviously, education reform has to be a part of any agenda so we have a trained and capable workforce. I continue to fight against internet taxes, and I’m glad that we just expanded that ban for seven years.

MA: Do you think the ban should have been permanent?

JM: I have always supported, and, in fact, have taken the lead on making the ban permanent. I’ll tell you why they don’t want to do it – it’s because they want to keep coming back to you for contributions, and tell you that we need to make it permanent. It’s the same way with the R&D tax credits – one of the great shakedowns in American history. But, at least getting seven years was better than the last time when we only got four years. Look, globalization is the answer. It’s not something to be feared, it’s something to be exploited. Ninety-five percent of the world’s customers are outside of the United States of America. So getting access to those markets through free trade agreements, and expanded trade, and adequate measures for full protection of intellectual property – I understand that China violates people’s intellectual property rights all the time, and I’ll take them to the WTO. I’ll put pressure on them to stop it. But, I’ll tell you – a developed Chinese economy, where they want their intellectual property rights respected, is probably one of the best ways to encourage them to respect intellectual property rights. You’ll never find anyone who comes on this blog that is more of a free-trader than I am, and I think the lessons of history are that if we resort to protectionism, as we did prior to World War II, and other times in America’s history, we pay a very hefty price for it. And I’m worried, frankly, about the rise of protectionism in America.

There is just too much material where Senator McCain has commented on China, but here is some more from this speech delivered to the World Affairs Council of Los Angeles:

"Dealing with a rising China will be a central challenge for the next American president.  Recent prosperity in China has brought more people out of poverty faster than during any other time in human history.  China's newfound power implies responsibilities.  China could bolster its claim that it is "peacefully rising" by being more transparent about its significant military buildup, by working with the world to isolate pariah states such as Burma, Sudan and Zimbabwe, and by ceasing its efforts to establish regional forums and economic arrangements designed to exclude America from Asia. 

"China and the United States are not destined to be adversaries.  We have numerous overlapping interests and hope to see our relationship evolve in a manner that benefits both countries and, in turn, the Asia-Pacific region and the world.  But until China moves toward political liberalization, our relationship will be based on periodically shared interests rather than the bedrock of shared values.

Finally, China Law Blog pointed out statements by both candidates for The American Chamber of Commerce in China. Both are quite similar except that Senator McCain makes no mention of Taiwan.

Specifics on Taiwan:

Senator McCain issued a press release in March of this year regarding the results of the recent Taiwanese election:

"I want to congratulate MaYing-jeou of Taiwan on his victory in the presidential election held on March 22nd. Once again we are witnessing the peaceful transfer of political power from one government to another based on ballots in an election that was free and fair. The vigorous campaigning of Ma Ying-jeou of the KMT and the DPP's Frank Hsieh are testimony to the press freedoms, democratic process and the rule of law the Taiwanese people have worked so hard to build. Taiwan's election is a fine example for the region."

The TAA/ALC blog has done the job for me on both Senator McCain and Senator Obama, but here is an excerpt by McCain from that blog:

"I would discourage Taiwan declaring its independence. I would also encourage China to be more rational in how it deals with Taiwan. One starting point is that I’d try to get China to declare that it will never use force against Taiwan."

Specifics on Russia:

Going back to Senator McCain's Hoover Institute speech linked above, we can find a good summary of the Senator's current views on Russia:

"A decade ago, the great Russian people had thrown off communist tyranny and seemed determined to build democracy and a free market and to join the West. Today, Russia looks more and more like some 19th-century autocracy, marked by diminishing political freedoms, shadowy intrigue, and mysterious assassinations. Beyond its borders Moscow has tried to expand its influence over its neighbors in Eastern, Central and even Western Europe. While the more democratic Russia of the 1990s sought to deepen its ties with Europe and America, today a more authoritarian Moscow manipulates Europe's dependence on Russian oil and gas to compel silence and obedience, and to try to drive a wedge between Europe and the United States. The Russian government is even more brutal toward the young democracies on its periphery, threatening them with trade embargoes and worse if they move too close to the West. It supports separatist movements in Georgia and Moldova and openly intervened in Ukraine's presidential elections. And it is supplying weapons to Iran, Syria, and indirectly to Hezbollah."

On how to deal with Russia, the Senator has taken a hard line, particularly after the conflict with Georgia, saying in August he would seek to expel Russia from the G-8 and vaguely proposes long-term consequences for further action resembling the conflict with Georgia. From the Council on Foreign Relations:

"McCain called Russia's March 2008 election a sign that Russia has taken "yet another step away from democracy." He also said it was "a tragedy of history" that the Russian people were "again deprived of the opportunity to choose their leaders in a free and open contest."

"In August 2008, McCain condemned Russia’s military operations in Georgia, and said Russia should "immediately and unconditionally" withdraw from the region. He also emphasized the need for a "truly independent and neutral peacekeeping force in South Ossetia.""

Senator Obama

Overall Asia Experience:

According to Wikipedia, Senator Obama spent a portion of his childhood through age 10 in Indonesia. Since that time, partly while Chairman of the European Affairs Committee, his international experience has focused more on Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa.

General approach to foreign trade:

The Council on Foreign Relations has a nice summary of all the candidates various positions, including Senator Obama's approach to foreign trade:

"Sen. Obama (D-IL) generally supports free trade policies, though he has expressed concern about free trade agreements that do not include labor and environmental protections. In a February 2008 speech at the General Motors plant in Janesville, Wisconsin, Obama said he "will not sign another trade agreement unless it has protections for our environment and protections for American workers." In June 2008, Obama blamed a jump in the U.S. trade deficit on "policies that reflect unprecedented fiscal irresponsibility and borrowing from abroad" and promised to adopt a trade policy that "serves the interests not just of multinational corporations but of America's hardworking families."

"Obama has called NAFTA a "bad" trade deal. In an August 2007 Democratic debate, Obama said he would meet with the Canadian and Mexican heads of state to “try to amend NAFTA,” saying the agreement “should reflect the principle that our trade should not just be good for Wall Street, but should also be good for Main Street” (see video).

"In March 2008, Obama praised the passage of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Reform Act, which requires that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examine the CPSC's monitoring of goods imported to the United States, and make recommendations to improve safety and regulation. "We must ensure that the CPSC has every tool available to effectively regulate imported products in today's global marketplace and protect our most vulnerable citizens from dangerous products," Obama said."

General approach to foreign affairs:

In general, Senator Obama has posted on his campaign website his overall proposed approach to foreign affairs:

"I am running for President of the United States to lead this country in a new direction… Instead of being distracted from the most pressing threats that we face, I want to overcome them. Instead of pushing the entire burden of our foreign policy on to the brave men and women of our military, I want to use all elements of American power to keep us safe, and prosperous, and free. Instead of alienating ourselves from the world, I want America – once again – to lead...

This must be the moment when we answer the call of history. For eight years, we have paid the price for a foreign policy that lectures without listening; that divides us from one another – and from the world – instead of calling us to a common purpose; that focuses on our tactics in fighting a war without end in Iraq instead of forging a new strategy to face down the true threats that we face. We cannot afford four more years of a strategy that is out of balance and out of step with this defining moment."

Particularly in regards to Northeast Asia, Senator Obama puts forth a brief mention on the same page:

 "Obama will forge a more effective framework in Asia that goes beyond bilateral agreements, occasional summits, and ad hoc arrangements, such as the six-party talks on North Korea. He will maintain strong ties with allies like Japan, South Korea and Australia; work to build an infrastructure with countries in East Asia that can promote stability and prosperity; and work to ensure that China plays by international rules."

Specifics on Japan:

Unless someone corrects me, Senator Obama has made no significant comments on Japan policy while a US senator. Japan is mentioned in passing as an ally in some comments but not addressed directly in terms of foreign policy and/or trade.

Specifics on South Korea:

Senator Obama expanded on South Korea in February of this year, via the Digital Chosun Ilbo:

"Obama, congratulating South Korean president-elect Lee Myung-bak on his election on Feb. 11, said the Korea-U.S. FTA does not meet the "standard" of reciprocity. Obama added he has “no illusions" about North Korea. He said the Korea-U.S. alliance “has been adrift in recent years.” They were the clearest statements yet of Obama’s views on Korea-related matters.

""The U.S.-ROK alliance has been a remarkably strong and successful one. Forged in blood during the Korean War more than a half-century ago, the alliance has sustained itself through the crucible of the cold war and remains central to U.S. security policy in East Asia,” Obama told Lee according to congressional records. "Nonetheless, I do not think it is an overstatement to say that the U.S.-Korea relationship has been adrift in recent years."

In comparison to Senator McCain, Senator Obama opposes the US-South Korea FTA:

"The presidential hopeful said Korea-U.S. economic relations “also benefited both nations and deepened our ties. I look forward as well to supporting ways to increase our bilateral trade and investment ties through agreements paying proper attention to our key industries and agricultural sectors, such as autos, rice, and beef, and to protection of labor and environmental standards. Regrettably, the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement does not meet this standard."

"He expressed discontent at South Korea's import ban on bone-in cuts of American beef, the Korea-U.S. FTA's exclusion of the rice market and the degree of opening of the auto market.

"He urged U.S. President George W. Bush to invite Lee to the White House as soon as possible to restore the "crucial" bilateral relationship. "In the process, we need to work with South Korea on a common vision for the alliance to meet the challenges of the 21st century, not only those on the Korean Peninsula but in the region and beyond."

""I congratulate president-elect Lee on his election, pass on my good wishes for him and the Korean people for his inauguration, and honor the Korean people for their vibrant democracy. I look forward to the opportunity to work with him in the years ahead to replenish and revitalize this crucial relationship,” he concluded."

Specifics on North Korea:

A blogger on Senator Obama's campaign website has posted his most recent statement on North Korea actions to declare and remove its nuclear weapons program:

"This is a step forward, and there will be many more steps to take in the days ahead. Critical questions remain unanswered. We still have not verified the accuracy of the North Korean declaration. We must confirm the full extent of North Korea's past plutonium production. We must also confirm its uranium enrichment activities, and get answers to disturbing questions about its proliferation activities with other countries, including Syria.

"The declaration has not yet been made available, so Congress has not had a chance to review it. Before weighing in on North Korea's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, Congress must take the next 45 days to examine the adequacy of the North Korean declaration and verification procedures. Sanctions are a critical part of our leverage to pressure North Korea to act. They should only be lifted based on North Korean performance. If the North Koreans do not meet their obligations, we should move quickly to re-impose sanctions that have been waived, and consider new restrictions going forward.

"We should continue to pursue the kind of direct and aggressive diplomacy with North Korea that can yield results. The objective must be clear: the complete and verifiable elimination of North Korea's nuclear weapons programs, which only expanded while we refused to talk. As we move forward, we must not cede our leverage in these negotiations unless it is clear that North Korea is living up to its obligations.

"As President, I will work from the very beginning of my term in office to secure the American people and our interests in this vital region. We must work with diligence and determination with our friends and allies to end this dangerous threat, and to secure a lasting peace on the Korean peninsula."

Specifics on China:

In the Council on Foreign Relations description of Senator Obama's positions, his China policy is explained as follows:

Sen. Obama (D-IL) has expressed interest in cooperation with China, although he sees the country as a major competitor to the United States. At the April 2007 debate among Democratic candidates, Obama said China is “neither our enemy nor our friend. They're competitors. But we have to make sure that we have enough military-to-military contact and forge enough of a relationship with them that we can stabilize the region.”

In an April 2007 speech before the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Obama said that if elected president, he would “forge a more effective regional framework in Asia,” building on “our strong bilateral relations and informal arrangements like the Six-Party Talks” on North Korea.

Obama has noted the problems with China’s revaluation of the yuan. He has said that although the United States should maintain a cooperative relationship with China, it should “never hesitate to be clear and consistent with China where we disagree—whether on protection of intellectual property rights, the manipulation of its currency, human rights, or the right stance on Sudan and Iran.” Obama will cosponsor a bill with Clinton to impose high duties on Chinese goods, intended to pressure China into revaluing its currency (FT).

As did Senator McCain, Senator Obama criticized China for its Tibet policy:

In March 2008, Obama condemned China's crackdown on protests by Tibetan Buddhist monks. He called on China to respect Tibet's religion and culture, and said China should grant Tibet "genuine and meaningful autonomy." Obama also said the Dalai Lama should be invited to visit China, "as part of a process leading to his return." Obama sent a letter in March 2008 calling on President Bush to urge China to "make significant progress in resolving the Tibet issue." Obama said Bush should press Chinese President Hu Jintao to negotiate with the Dalai Lama about his return to Tibet, to guarantee religious freedom for Tibetans, and to grant Tibet "genuine autonomy." In April 2008, Obama said President Bush should keep the option of boycotting the opening ceremony of the Olympics "firmly on the table." He said President Bush should decide to attend based on whether China takes "steps to help stop the genocide in Darfur and to respect the dignity, security, and human rights of the Tibetan people."

Former Ambassador Jeffrey Bader, the Clinton administration's National Security Council Asia specialist, is a national security adviser to Obama's campaign. Bader is now the head of Brookings's John L. Thornton China center.

Specifics on Taiwan:

In the Council on Foreign Relations, Senator Obama also comments on Taiwan. These comments are mostly repeated in the statement provided to the American Chamber of Commerce in China, mentioned above:

"Obama has expressed support for the "one China" policy. In March 2008, Obama congratulated Taiwanese President-elect Ma Ying-jeou on his electoral victory, and said the government of China should respond to the election "in a positive, constructive, and forward-leaning way." He also said China should "demonstrate to the people of Taiwan that the practical and non-confrontational approach that President-elect Ma promises to take toward the Mainland will be met with good faith and progress." He called on China to build confidence with Taiwan by reducing its military deployment in southeast China, and to "allow Taiwan greater international space" in the World Health Organization."

Specifics on Russia:

Because Senator Obama has produced less commentary in the public domain compared with Senator McCain, I will keep pulling from the Council on Foreign Relations:

"Sen. Obama (D-IL) has said Russia is “neither our enemy nor close ally,” and said the United States “shouldn’t shy away from pushing for more democracy, transparency, and accountability” there. He has focused much of his discussion of Russia on diminishing the possibility of nuclear weapons use. In a July 2007 Foreign Affairs article, Obama said the United States and Russia should collaborate to “update and scale back our dangerously outdated Cold War nuclear postures and de-emphasize the role of nuclear weapons.” In an October 2007 speech in Chicago, Obama said if elected he would work to “take U.S. and Russian ballistic missiles off hair-trigger alert, and to dramatically reduce the stockpiles of our nuclear weapons and material.” He said he would seek a “global ban on the production of fissile material for weapons” and an expansion of “the U.S.-Russian ban on intermediate-range missiles.”

"In 2005, Obama traveled with Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) to nuclear and biological weapons destruction sites in Russia, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan. Obama and Lugar then introduced legislation to eliminate nuclear stockpiles throughout the former Soviet Union. That law was enacted in 2007.

"Obama called Russia's April 2008 move to seek closer ties with Georgian the secessionist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia "deeply troubling and contrary to Russia's obligations as a permanent member of the UN Security Council."

"Obama condemned Russian attacks on Georgia in August 2008, calling it a “violation of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He called for an immediate cease-fire and urged both sides to allow humanitarian assistance to reach civilians. Obama said diplomats from the United States, the European Union and the United Nations should “become directly involved in mediating this military conflict and beginning a process to resolve the political disputes over the territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.” He also called for an international peacekeeping force in those territories.

"If Russia does not abide by the cease-fire agreement between Russia and Georgia, Obama warned, "[t]hey will imperil the Civil Nuclear Agreement, and Russia's standing in the international community – including the NATO-Russia Council, and Russia's desire to participate in organizations like the WTO and the OECD." 

My Comments:

In reality, the President, once elected, will be flanked with advisors and policy experts to help solidify the approach towards Northeast Asia. So basically two key questions are required:

1. What philosophy, vision and judgement will the candidates bring to the Presidency?
2. What advisors and experts does the candidate surround themselves with?

As seen with President Bush and 9/11, foreign policy assumptions and strategy can be dramatically turned on its head by events that occur during office. This is where philosophy, vision and judgement come into play--the foundation of a candidate's character and what will drive them in a crisis situation.

Most Americans are aware of Northeast Asia to the degree it impacts or influences their lives. In the bigger picture, the overall region will probably register low on the totem pole of Americans' top priorities, but perhaps it is on the radar if you are one of the following people:

• Someone whose company or small business exports to Northeast Asia or imports from Northeast Asia
• Someone who works for a Japanese or Korean auto manufacturer or parts supplier
• Someone with a relative that works or lives in Northeast Asia
• Someone who is/was based with the US military in Northeast Asia, or knows someone with such experience
• Someone in financial services, supply chain consulting or international law familiar with the complexity of a globalized and integrated economy between the US and Northeast Asia
• Someone who lost their job due to a production facility and/or services moved to the Asia region
• etc, etc, etc...

How the election plays out over the next month and a half will be quite interesting and I look forward to following any new developments in the candidates' positions on Northeast Asia.

 

Comments

[historyguy99]

Shawn,
Very thoughtful and through post. I'm impressed with the detail you included and your comments.

[Shawn in Tokyo]

Thanks! I enjoyed working on this post...