Obama Avoids ‘Red Line’ For China, Prepared To Impose Tougher Sanctions On Russia -- Washington Times
President Obama pledged Thursday that the U.S. would come to Japan’s defense if China further threatens a disputed chain of islands, but said he isn’t drawing another “red line” on possible military action.
At a press conference in Tokyo, Mr. Obama said the U.S. is bound by the terms of a 1952 treaty with Japan to come to its defense if the territory is threatened.
“The treaty between the United States and Japan preceded my birth, so this isn’t a red line that I’m drawing,” Mr. Obama said. “Our position is not new. We do not believe [the islands] should be subject to change unilaterally. The treaty covers all territories administered by Japan.”
China has raised tensions in the region by asserting a claim over the uninhabited territory, known in Japan as the Senkaku Islands.
After a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the start of his weeklong tour of Asia, Mr. Obama said the boundary dispute with China must be resolved peacefully.
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My Comment: When you are in a position of "weakness" in Asia .... this is the policy that you must follow. Unfortunately .... I do not think our Asian allies are comfortable with this approach. What's my take .... this is the century that will belong to Asia .... and with time .... because of their population base and their economic and military growth .... the U.S. will be relegated to an even smaller role. Give it a few more years, and do not surprise if countries like China start issuing "red lines" to the U.S. .... if they have not already done that in private.
1 comment:
Imagine If McCain was president red lines would mean something and country's would respect owers if we had a more stern president.
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