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FACTBOX: Presidential candidates' policies on Asia

Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:15pm EDT
 
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(Reuters) - The Asia Foundation, in a quadrennial policy report, urged the next U.S. president to pay more attention to the rise of China and India among major trends in Asia that will affect American interests.

Following are Asia policies of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and Republican rival John McCain, as published on campaign websites, party platforms and speeches:

OBAMA

* U.S. ALLIANCES - Vows to maintain strong U.S. military and strengthen ties with Japan, South Korea and Australia and work to build a framework that goes beyond bilateral agreements and builds on arrangements like the six-nation North Korea nuclear talks. Seeks regional framework to confront shared transnational threats such as terrorism and avian flu.

* CHINA - Sees opportunities and challenges for the United States and its allies in emergence of China. Vows to boost military-to-military dialogue, work to boost cooperation on shared security, energy and environment objectives. Says will not demonize China but will press China to live up to international human rights standards and stop its support for repressive regimes in Iran, Myanmar, Sudan and Zimbabwe.

* TAIWAN - Recognizes One China Policy but says U.S. policy is also based on Taiwan Relations Act, which requires helping the island defend itself in the event that China moves to alter the status quo or violates the principle that all issues regarding the island's future must be resolved peacefully, through dialogue, and be agreeable to the people of Taiwan.

* TRADE - Vows to oppose trade agreements that undermine U.S. economic security and fight to open up foreign markets to support American jobs. Intends to use diplomacy and trade laws to stop Chinese manipulation of its currency and intellectual property piracy. Will press the World Trade Organization to stop distorting government subsidies to foreign exporters and nontariff barriers on U.S. exports.

* SECURITY - Supports strengthening the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to bring international sanctions on countries like North Korea and Iran that break nonproliferation rules.

MCCAIN

* U.S. ALLIANCES - Values long-standing ties and shared values with Australia and sees alliance with Japan as cornerstone of regional peace and prosperity. Wants Japan to forge a leadership role in regional and global affairs and respects South Korea for vigilance against North Korea.

* CHINA - Seeks nuclear dialogue with Beijing to boost transparency and cooperation, bring China in to line with the policies of other recognized nuclear weapon states. Hopes for political and religious liberalization to match China's economic freedoms and believes integration into the global economy requires China to adopt a flexible exchange rate.

* TAIWAN - Policy based on Taiwan Relations Act.

* INDIA - Supports U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Accord to strengthen U.S. ties with India. Sees common security concerns and shared commitment to democracy as foundation for an enduring partnership. Vows to engage India and Pakistan to improve the security of their nuclear stockpiles and weapons materials.

* PAKISTAN - Seeks to expand ties with the government and the people of Pakistan, supports efforts to improve democratic governance and strengthen civil society, and appreciates the country's role in fighting terrorism.

* TRADE - Vows multilateral, regional and bilateral efforts to reduce barriers to trade and improve enforcement of global trading rules, oppose subsidies and protect intellectual property. Seeks to create more U.S. jobs through more free trade agreements that open markets for U.S. goods and services. Seeks to reinstate presidential trade promotion authority and complete bilateral trade deals already signed.

* SECURITY - Says larger, more capable U.S. military needed to cope with terrorism, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, threats from rogue states and the rise of potential strategic competitors like China and Russia. Sees missile defense as critical protection against ballistic missiles from North Korea and Iran and to hedge against potential threats from possible competitors like Russia and China.

(Reporting by Paul Eckert; Editing by Xavier Briand)

 
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