USA: US engagement still strong in Asia
Updated
The US Chamber of Commerce's representative to Asia is on a tour of the region, and says the US remains committed to a strong relationship with Asia. Myron Brilliant says President George Bush's decision to cancel a landmark meeting with ASEAN leaders this year wasn't intended as a snub. He also has a strong message for China's regulators over a string of food-safety incidents.
Presenter: Karon Snowdon
Speakers: Myron Brilliant, Vice President for East Asia for the US Chamber of Commerce
SNOWDON: The US Chamber of Commerce doesn't represent the US government but Myron Brilliant says his visit to Australia, Singapore and China will inevitably lead to questions about Washington's commitment to Asia. George Bush was to attend his fist summit with ASEAN leaders on his way to APEC in September but has cancelled. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is also unlikely to attend the ASEAN regional security forum next month.
BRILLIANT: We want to reassure our friends that we are committed. I think the US government is committed. Its unfortunate circumstances that has led President Bush to cancel the US ASEAN summit and we hope the summit can be taking place some time in the near future and maybe it will be early next year but we would encourage our government to go forward with its plans.
SNOWDON: During two days in Australia, Myron Brilliant met with business leaders and APEC officials to discuss the trade agenda for the APEC leaders summit in September. As the Chamber's Vice President for East Asia, his major focus is on promoting US-China business relations. For that he hopes to see more capital market and currency reform in China, but some US senators aren't so patient.
BRILLIANT: Well I think we are likely to continue to see pressure on China with respect to the currency. there are domestic politics involved on this issue in the United States, and I think it's very likely that the US Congress will draft and put through some legislation that's already up on Capitol Hill of the timing for that, it's probably over the next through months, whether it gets through a presidential veto is unclear. But it is clear there's rising anti-Chinese sentiment, and it's not just over the currency issue. it's over the impression that china's not fulfilling some of its obligations under the World Trade Organisation, or that it's undermining US ability to export to that market, and frankly there's also concern over intellectual property protection.
SNOWDON: What do you expect will be repercussions or response be in China if that legislation goes through in the US?
BRILLIANT: China would probably not be happy or pleased that the US congress voted on such legislation, but they must not lose sight of the broader relationship we have with that country, they must not lose sight of their own obligations to improve that relations, and frankly to continue their own reform that brings them closer into a global economy.
SNOWDON: the bilateral US-China relationship will continue to be rocky. The food safety issue has emerged as another bone of contention.
BRILLIANT: Well i think the burden is on China to deal with this issue immediately. it's definitely an issue on the agenda in the US-China relationship, it's one that's caught the attention of the Congress and the public. It hasn't had long-term ramifications yet, but if this issue is not addressed, it could have. I think the Chinese understand the stakes there and understand what's going on in Washington.
SNOWDON: If the administration changes after the presidential election, do you expect much to change in bilateral relations with China?
BRILLIANT: The United States and China are going down a path of engagement. They already have a long list of issues they need to work with. Ultimately our two countries have too much at stake not to work together. Now, would a Democratic administration put more of a focus on human rights? Possibly but I don't think we're talking about a major change in direction. We still need to find a way to work together on global issues, regional issues and bilateral issues.
