Image by US Army Africa via Flickr
Like the Obama Administration, Japan's new government ran hard against its predecessor's policies and put many of them under review, when it took office. Secretary Gates says he understands that. Still, he says the new government in Tokyo needs to proceed with the existing, complex agreement to realign U.S. forces in Japan.
"We in President Obama's administration understand what it is like to go through a transition period. And, as your government exercises its new responsibilities, I want you to know the United States stands with you and we are committed to advancing and implementing our agreed alliance transformation agenda," he said.
Secretary Gates says all possible alternatives were explored during the long negotiation, and all are either "politically untenable or operationally unworkable." And, although small adjustments may be possible, he doubts the U.S. Congress would agree to significant changes in the agreement - particularly if it would cost the United States more money.
The newly ruling Democratic Party of Japan ran in part on a platform that advocated a more assertive policy toward the United States. One of its first acts was to announce it would end Japan's naval operation that refuels coalition supply ships heading to and from Afghanistan, a move seen by some in Japan as an expression of independence from U.S. policies.
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| U.S. Defense Se! cretary Robert Gates, right, shakes hands with Japan's Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada at the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, 20 Oct 2009 |
"A number of countries benefit more from the refueling than the United States does," said Gates. "And, so I don't see the refueling as being a favor to the United States but rather a contribution that the Japanese have made that is commensurate with its standing as in the world as the second-wealthiest country and one of the great powers."
Still, Secretary Gates says he went to Japan with a "menu" of options for how the country can be helpful by, among other things, providing trainers for the Afghan security forces and donating money for development projects.
American officials say, in addition to the refueling operation, Japan has contributed $2 billion worth of aid to Afghanistan, during the last eight years. This fiscal year, alone, the United States will spend $68 billion in Afghanistan.
The secretary says he will also discuss options for increased involvement in Afghanistan during a visit to South Korea, starting Wednesday. He says missile defense will be on the agenda, in both Tokyo and Seoul, in the wake of increased missile test launches by North Korea.
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