Admiral Timothy Keating, USN
Commander, US Pacific Command (PACOM)
January 31, 2008

On January 31, 2008, Admiral Timothy Keating, USN, Commander, US Pacific Command (PACOM) discussed the challenges and opportunities of the Asia-Pacific region - PACOM’s area of responsibility (AOR). US Pacific Command includes 41 countries, including two of the four biggest world economies (China and India); four of the top US trading partners, which includes the world’s largest trading ports (China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan); and 51 percent of total surface of the North and South Poles. As international focus shifts toward PACOM’s region of command, top priority issues include the relationships between the US and China, China and Taiwan, and North Korea.

China’s position in the Asia-Pacific region – both its geographic location and its position of regional dominance – represents the most complex strategic challenge for PACOM. Admiral Keating noted that US policy toward China ("one China") has not wavered since 1979, but emphasized that protecting US interests and security while also preserving healthy US-China relations is a tricky balance that requires better communication, and greater trust and understanding.

To increase transparency between the US and China and reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings and possible conflict, Admiral Keating explained that communication is of paramount importance. The ability to pick up the phone and call the Chinese directly – a telephone "hotline" to China – would open critical, real-time channels of communication between the two countries.

Two recent events, the Admiral noted, highlight the need for direct communication channels to China. One incident occurred when two US minesweepers seeking shelter from a storm were inexplicably denied entry to a Hong Kong port. This event caused Admiral Keating to question whether the apparent communication gap between the US and China was wider than was previously thought. While Admiral Keating continues to push for open lines of communication to eliminate confusion and prevent recurrence of such incidents, China has not yet provided PACOM with direct telephone links for Chinese military chiefs and other leadership.

China’s military aspirations in the region, illustrated by the Chinese navy’s development of bluewater capability and its expanding submarine force as well as China’s relationship with Russia, also raise questions about transparency and the need for more open dialogue with the US. Admiral Keating acknowledged that both countries want to protect what is theirs, but that sharing information regarding strategic objectives is critical to mitigating possible areas of tension or conflict.

An integral requirement of maintaining an appropriate US posture in the Asia-Pacific region and a stable US/China relationship is preserving peace between China and Taiwan. One of PACOM’s fundamental goals is to prevent the destabilization of cross-strait relations and the worst-case scenario of war. Admiral Keating added that over 40 countries are involved a multilateral approach intended to ensure future peace and stability in the region.

When asked about another potentially destabilizing force in the area – North Korea – Admiral Keating expressed optimism, citing the progress of the six party talks and the sizable US force capability in the Korean peninsula.

Admiral Keating noted that US PACOM’s key alliances - Japan, India, and South Korea – are working well. However, he explained that greater defense cooperation with other areas of PACOM’s AOR such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia – all of whom are at risk in the war terror.•

Written by Lauren Bean, Editor