US 'Dominant' In Pacific - But Must Make Nice With China

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, escorted Ng Eng Hen, Singapore's defense minister, through an honor cordon at the Pentagon, April 4, 2012. The two met to discuss mutual defense issues.

US 'Dominant' In Pacific - But Must Make Nice With China, Says Singapore Defense Minister -- Aol Defense

The US plays a "dominant role" in keeping the peace in the Pacific, and that's a good thing, said Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen -- but the US still needs to cooperate with China, not confront or contain it. That's the word to the wise from one of America's closest military partners in the Pacific.

"The US, as a 'resident power,' should continue to play its dominant role in maintaining peace... within the regional security architecture," Dr. Ng said carefully, using a diplomatic term of art -- "resident power" -- that emphasizes America's long-standing presence in East Asia. A Scottish-trained surgeon turned politician who took over the Defense Ministry last year, Ng spoke to a packed hotel ballroom this morning before heading to the Pentagon to meet with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta this afternoon.

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My Comment: It is always easy for another country to tell us what to do .... but what we can do is no longer possible because of our budget shortfalls and other commitments. For the US to be dominant in the Pacific would entail enormous resources and commitment .... and if China should decide to have an arms race to address this "dominance".... I now sincerely have doubts that we can win. What is best are regional relationships and military alliances .... but are countries like Singapore willing to "pony up" the monies and resources necessary for such a commitment? For the moment I am not sure.