Clinton rules out U.S. withdrawal from Asia

President Bill Clinton stressed the need to maintain the American military presence in Asia and its security alliance with countries of the region in an article contributed to the New York Times Sept. 24 titled "China's Opportunities and Our Opportunities."

If inter-Korean detente progresses and China opens itself up further, Clinton said, the United States should not pull back even if it appears tempting to do so. U.S. forces are to be kept in Asia not only to cope with crises but also as a power equalizer and stabilizer to prevent future crises, he added.

The article noted that the U.S. forces should always remain ready for any crisis as long as uncertainties remain in the region. It came as a reaffirmation that Washington is not considering pulling American troops out of Korea and Japan.

eligius@donga.com