U.S.-Asia Relations: A Renewed Imperative
September 8, 2004
More than 60 corporate representatives, diplomats and members
of Congress attended this policy luncheon organized by the Maureen
and Mike Mansfield Foundation and co-hosted by Senators Max Baucus
(D-MT) and Conrad Burns (R-MT), and Congressman Dennis Rehberg
(D-MT). Congressional hosts were joined by Senator Daniel K. Inouye
(D-HI); U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA) and Ben Chandler
(D-KY); Japan’s Ambassador to the United States Ryozo Kato;
and South Korea’s Ambassador to the United States Sung-joo
Han.
Following welcoming remarks by Senators Burns and Baucus, the
Foundation’s executive director, L. Gordon Flake introduced Robert
M. Kimmitt, executive vice president for global public
policy, Time Warner, Inc., and a member of the Mansfield Foundation
board of directors.
Kimmitt spoke about the Foundation’s strong ties with Asia,
especially Japan. He highlighted the Foundation’s well established
relationship with the U.S. Congress through the Mansfield
Fellowship Program, which now has a ten-year record of building
Japan expertise in the U.S. government. Kimmitt also noted the
benefits of the Foundation’s Mansfield
Congressional Study Tour in Asia, which has given six U.S.
Senators the opportunity to travel to Asia. “One of the Foundation’s
most important activities is getting members of Congress to visit
Asia, not simply for quick visits but for travel that is tailored
to their legislative and policy interests,” he said.
As a vice president at Time Warner, Kimmitt said he has a new
appreciation for the Foundation’s work exploring in a non-partisan
way several key issues of importance to corporations, including
intellectual property rights, rule of law in China and bilateral
tax treaties. He highlighted the Foundation’s programs that
bring together experts to discuss these issues, including the Foundation’s
new Corporate Affiliates Program.
Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda, honorary chairman of the
board, Toyota Motor Corporation, spoke briefly, recalling Mike
Mansfield’s contribution to a strong U.S.-Japan relationship
and reaffirming his commitment to “make whatever contribution
I can to U.S.-Japan relations.”
In his remarks, Evans Revere, acting assistant
secretary of state for East Asia and the Pacific, provided an overview
of the status of U.S.-Asia relations today. He characterized Mike
Mansfield as “a role model for all who aspire to greater
relations between the United States and Asia,” and congratulated
the Mansfield Foundation for all it has done over the years to
further U.S.-Asia relations. In recognizing the luncheon attendance
of Ambassador Ryozo Kato of Japan and Ambassador Sung-joo Han of
Korea, Revere noted their nations’ efforts to advance U.S.-Asia
relations.
“The U.S.-Asia relationship is a ‘good news story’ – broad,
complex and deep,” Revere said. “Asia is riding the
crest of a wave of trends that are favorable to the United States.” He
outlined four trends:
Success of democracy building in Asia
A rise in prosperity, with income levels rising rapidly
A region largely at peace
The rejection of radical Islam in the region
Revere then outlined critical priorities for the United States
in the Asia-Pacific region. These included:
Combating terrorism
Promoting regional stability
Increasing cooperative activities with Asia on issues such
as infectious diseases, environmental protection and human
rights
Promoting and maintaining open markets in the region
Protecting Intellectual Property Rights and fighting corruption
Developing strategic partnerships with Asia, including the
Republic of Korea, Japan, Philippines and Thailand. With China
now the world’s fastest growing economy, he highlighted
commitments to the WTO, APEC and ASEAN as priorities as well.
“The United States is an Asia-Pacific country,” Revere
concluded. “The future of the world will depend on developments
in Asia.”
Emerging from a Lost Decade – Japanese
Financial System Reforms and Policy Implications for the United
States
April 7, 2005
Charles D. Lake II, Aflac Japan’s vice
chairman and representative in Japan, was the featured speaker
at this CAP luncheon, held in the U.S. Capitol for invited members
of Congress, U.S. senators, corporate leaders and Congressional
staff. The Montana Congressional delegation? Senators Max Baucus
and Conrad Burns, and Congressman Dennis Rehberg?served as co-hosts
with the Mansfield Foundation. Among the participants were Senator
Jeff Bingaman, Congressman Jim McCrery and former Speaker of
the House and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Thomas S. Foley, who is
chair of the Foundation Board.
In his presentation, Mr. Lake spoke of the dramatic changes currently
taking place in Japan as it emerges from a decade-long economic
downturn. He identified three catalysts for reform:
“lost decade”
globalization and technology innovation
Japan’s aging population and declining birthrate
In particular, Japan’s declining population and aging society
pose serious structural challenges.
Mr. Lake then spoke about Prime Minister Koizumi’s reform
program that is promoting self-accountability and changing the
relationship between the Japanese government and its citizens as
well as between the government and corporate sector. In particular,
Mr. Lake addressed the political and economic implications of the
proposed privatization of Japan’s Post, including the privatization
of Japan Postal Life Insurance and Japan Postal Savings. He concluded
with a reminder of the importance of the U.S.-Japan relationship.
Japan remains a critical economic partner for the United States
as well as a strong ally in Asia and the Middle East.
