U.S. Forces in Asia-Pacific Contribute to Regional Stability

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that the U.S. forces stationed in the Asia-Pacific region are vital to regional security.

Huanqiushibao, a sister company of People’s Daily, reported on Monday that Mr. Wang made that comment at an international symposium held by the Institute of International Studies at Tsinghua University. He also noted the history of the U.S. presence in the region.

“We want the U.S. to play an active and constructive role in maintaining peace and security in the region in line with the changed security environment since the Cold War,” Wang Yi said. “We hope that the U.S. respects the security interests of countries in the region.”

His remarks, which were unusual given his high position, seemed to represent China’s view on U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Vice Foreign Minister, who is also the chief delegate in the six-way talks, emphasized, “Regional peace and development should never be destroyed by another war on the Korean Peninsula. That is why China is striving to solve the North Korean nuclear issue peacefully through dialogue.”

Yoo-Sung Hwang yshwang@donga.com