Article Abstract:
The US's experience in Vietnam has affected how it views every potential international conflict since then and leads many in Asia to demand reassurance of military support. Fear of being drawn into a quagmire delayed the move into Kuwait as the military tried to ensure political leaders would give it full backing. While those leaders remain committed to South Korea, an invasion of Taiwan by China might not provoke a response from a US unwilling to enter a protracted war for idealistic but perhaps unrealistic reasons.
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Article Abstract:
Foreign policy is less important than domestic affairs in the US presidential election campaign of 1996. Asian diplomats are relieved since a focus on Asia at election time tends to involve a negative approach. Bill Clinton leads in opinion polls and Asian governments are starting to plan with the assumption that he will be president for a further four years. Trade is the most likely issue to receive attention since Japan and China account for some four fifths of the US trade deficit.
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Article Abstract:
Departing US Undersecretary of Commerce Jeffrey Garten wants future US trade negotiators to seek allies before confronting Japan, and predicts a change to a more multilateral and subdued form of negotiations. Many within the Commerce Dept and its Japanese counterpart disagree with the prediction, if not the desire. Garten says many other Asian countries supported the US position but would not speak out. Others say that is because they operate in Japan's sphere of influence.
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