Q&A: The Shape of U.S.-Asia 
International Herald Tribune
August 1, 1994
Michael Richardson 

Winston Lord, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, is in Indonesia after visiting Malaysia and attending talks in Bangkok last week with ASEAN, the Association of South East Asian Nations, and other Asia-Pacific countries. He discussed American relations with Asia with Michael Richardson of the International Herald Tribune.

Q. You expressed concern in a letter to President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Warren M. Christopher earlier this year about growing tensions in America's relations with East Asia. What kind of shape are they in now?

A. I think in very good shape. In my memorandum to the secretary, which unfortunately leaked, I pointed out many assets and positive trends in our relations. But I felt it was also my responsibility to explore where we could do better.

Since the writing of that memo in April, we have had several positive developments. We have renewed most-favored- nation trading status for China. We will be pursuing human rights, but with other instruments, as we engage comprehensively on a range of issues with China.

We have moved ahead in our relations with Vietnam, including more progress on the missing-in-action question and agreement on setting up liaison offices. We are about to resume the third round of talks with North Korea on the nuclear question.

The president met with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad, and we are engaging on a variety of economic issues with Malaysia in a quiet fashion.

These specific developments in recent months, on top of the general emphasis that the Clinton administration has put on Asia, gives us considerable momentum as we look toward the very important summit meeting of APEC, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, in November. - Q. Nonetheless, ASEAN countries sent a diplomatic note to Washington expressing regret that Mr. Christopher had decided not to attend the recent annual meeting of ASEAN and other Asia-Pacific nations. Isn't that a sign of continuing lack of top- level interest in the Clinton administration in developing close and constructive ties with East Asia? A. Absolutely not. We consider this region as important as any other in the world and, looking to the next century, probably more important than any other in the world for American interests. I talked to the secretary personally about this conflict in his schedule. I can report that he was agonized in having to miss these important meetings in Bangkok, both on a personal and on a professional level. Q. The United States has identified China and Indonesia as two of the big emerging markets of the future that it wants to tap. Yet the Clinton administration has constantly berated them and other developing economies in East Asia for human rights abuses and democratic failings. Isn't there a contradiction? A. I don't agree with the use of the phrase "constantly berating." With both these important countries, we have many interests which we pursue, not only human rights but security, economic and global agenda issues. We believe that over time, the promotion of human rights and economic interests reinforce each other. In an age of information and technology, you need open politics as well as open economics to develop a modern economy. You cannot attract investment without the rule of law. You cannot root out corruption without a free press. Of course, there are occasionally some tactical trade-offs in terms of emphasis and priorities among various goals. At times, we will have to adjust our policy depending on the country and the situation. However, our overall strategic approach will remain constant. - Q. The United States has threatened to withdraw Indonesia's preferential tariff access to the American market in August unless it is satisfied that there have been substantial improvements in Indonesia's treatment of its workers and trade unions. Doesn't this risk unsettling the country that will host the next APEC meeting in November? A. We are working quietly with our Indonesian friends on this issue, both in the spirit of a very constructive bilateral relationship and recognizing that it will be host to APEC. We are not seeking to impose rigid or dramatic new practices. But we are looking for progress in the right direction, consistent with international standards.

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