US Needs to Draw New Framework for Closer Partnership

U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Asia has drawn much attention as it comes at a time when the region is going through rapid transformation with China's expanding influence and a brewing change in the Japan-U.S. alliance. Now, the world is witnessing power shifting from the West, including the United States, to Asia which is one of the most dynamic spots around the world. In other words, a new world order is taking shape in the region. Thus, it is necessary for the U.S to hammer out a new Asia strategy to better cope with mounting challenges arising from the changing situations.

In this regard, Obama's trip to four Asian countries ― Japan, Singapore, China and South Korea ― from Nov. 13 to 19 is expected to become a key test for his foreign policy toward Asia. At stake is whether Obama will present his new diplomatic roadmap on how to strengthen U.S. partnership with the Asian countries without damaging its traditionally dominant sway in the region.

Of course, his journey should be far more than photo opportunities and rhetorical excess so that he can make substantial progress in forming a new relationship with its Asian partners. Most of all, Obama and his policymakers are required to face up to a new reality in which China is jockeying for the world's No. 2 position while the U.S., the world's sole superpower, is waning, especially in the aftermath of the global financial and economic crisis.

The U.S. has already recognized China's rise to power, as the fast-emerging economy is one of America's largest creditor nations. The Obama administration has made efforts to develop more constructive and cooperative ties with China. It has virtually granted G2 status to China, which is playing a pivotal role in tackling many global issues such as the economic crisis and climate change. To deepen partnership with China, the U.S. needs to fix some pending problems with the Asian power, including a trade dispute caused by Washington's imposition of punitive tariffs on cheap Chinese-made tires. It is important for the two countries to build mutual trust.

Obama is also faced with challenges with Japan, which is seeking to review its alliance with the U.S. under the new leadership of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. Although Hatoyama said he wants to deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance, his government plans to end its Indian Ocean refueling mission for American warships and launch a review of the U.S. military presence. Hatoyama has also proposed an East Asian community, which could reduce the U.S. influence in Asia. It's time to set up a new framework to transform the U.S. military role and its alliance with Japan.

Obama is facing growing calls from South Korea to push the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement through Congress. The two countries signed the pact in June 2007. In the summit with President Lee Myung-bak, Obama is likely to discuss the North Korean nuclear crisis, Seoul's planned dispatch of troops to Afghanistan and how to cement a bilateral alliance and partnership. We hope that Obama will get successful results from his Asian diplomatic debut and forge better partnerships with China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries.