In an ideal world, it would be preferable for Asian states to take the task of preserving the region's peace and stability on themselves, rather than sheltering behind the protection of outside forces. But, with no other Asian nations powerful enough to balance China's military might or Japan's economic power, the reality is that there is no practical alternative to a continued US military presence in the region for the foreseeable future.
In that context, yesterday's US-Japanese declaration on maintaining security ties sends out a reassuring message. President Bill Clinton's pledge to keep 100,000 troops in Asia will quell the fears of those who detect the resurgence of isolationist sentiments in Washington. For historical and geographical reasons, Washington has traditionally played a crucial role in keeping the peace in this part of the world.
That may not be a perfect state of affairs. But, given that it has no territorial ambitions, the US is the closest thing to a neutral peace-keeper. The value of its military presence has been shown during both the current tension in Korea and China's recent missile tests near Taiwan. The dispatch of two US aircraft carriers to monitor those exercises was greeted with public silence but private relief in many parts of Asia.
Coming so soon after these events highlighted the continuing potential for regional instability, the US-Japanese declaration envisaging closer military co-operation in some areas may receive a less hostile response than would otherwise have been the case. It remains true, however, that as Japan and South Korea grow ever more prosperous and self-confident, their citizens have become increasingly assertive in opposing a military presence which many see as a colonial relic.
That reality cannot be ignored, as has been shown by Washington's decision to return several facilities on Okinawa in an effort to ease popular opposition to the scale of its military presence. But such short-term considerations should not obscure the importance of retaining the security umbrella provided by the US. Whatever its defects, Asia has benefited from the protection it provides, and would be hurt by its withdrawal.
