Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. Welcome to the first-ever APEC Women's Entrepreneurship Summit.

All of you are innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers—women who are helping to reshape the world with your entrepreneurial talents and your energy. Women like you are essential to fulfilling the promise of this new century. We cannot achieve peace, prosperity, security, or any of our other shared goals without the full partnership and participation of women around the world.

That's why gender equality is a focus of our foreign policy agenda, at the State Department and in our government. President Obama is committed to promoting entrepreneurship to seed broader economic progress, especially for women, because enhancing women's economic opportunity spreads the benefits of growth more widely. This is at the heart of APEC's Growth Strategy for the Asia-Pacific region.

And I thank the Government of Japan and all the sponsors and supporters of this conference for highlighting the many contributions of women entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific region. I look forward to welcoming you to the United States next year for the 2011 APEC meeting, and to continuing our work together to open the doors of opportunity for more women and all people across the region.

Thank you, and have a wonderful summit.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. I applaud the Nobel Committee's decision to award this year's Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo. Throughout its history, the Peace Prize has often been used to recognize the heroism of those who have, through persistent and peaceful efforts, sought to build a world that is more fair and free.

Mr. Liu has been a consistent advocate for fundamental freedoms and human rights for his fellow citizens and for peaceful political reform. Mr. Liu's work, including his role in the drafting of Charter ‘08, and his receipt of this honor highlight the fact that while China has made tremendous economic progress in the last three decades, political reform has lagged behind. As I said in Krakow this summer, governments should recognize the constructive role that citizens such as Liu Xiaobo play. We urge China to uphold its international human rights obligations and to respect the fundamental freedoms and human rights of all Chinese citizens. We reiterate our call for Liu Xiaobo's immediate release from prison.

Secretary Robert Gates and Minister Kim Tae-young delivered these remarks in Arlington, Virginia

Secretary Gates. Today, Minister Kim and I held the 42nd security consultative meeting (SCM). We had a very productive discussion on a wide range of issues important to the continued transformation of our alliance as we move toward 2015, the newly established date for the transition of operational control on the peninsula.

Minister Kim and I reaffirmed that the United States-Republic of Korea (ROK) strategic partnership remains vital to the interests of both our nations. As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, we are reminded of the close bonds between our two countries and our two militaries, first forged in blood and shared sacrifice six decades ago. Those bonds form the foundation for an enduring, resolute and capable defense of the Republic of Korea.

Our commitment to South Korea's security is steadfast, and our military alliance has never been stronger. North Korea's nuclear and conventional-weapons threat continues to be the focal point of our alliance's deterrent and defense posture. We are committed to providing extended deterrence using the full range of American military might, from our nuclear umbrella to conventional strike and ballistic-missile defense.

In the wake of the Cheonan incident, the close cooperation across the whole of our two governments sends a clear message to North Korea that its provocation and aggression will not be tolerated. The Republic of Korea has repeatedly deployed and fought alongside the U.S. military over the past 50 years, from Vietnam to Afghanistan today.

Our two countries are also cooperating on a range of regional and global security issues, from disaster relief in Haiti to counter-piracy in the Gulf of Aden, further demonstrating that the United States and the Republic of Korea are bound by the same mutual interest in peace and stability around the world and the shared values and common aspirations of our peoples. We look forward to building on the legacy of the last 60 years to strengthen and deepen our partnership in the future.

Mr. Kim?

Minister Kim. Thank you very much, Secretary Gates. This is a meaningful year in the history of the ROK-U.S. alliance. As you well know, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. And I've seen close ROK-U.S. collaboration in the wake of the Cheonan incident. We've also seen the agreement to adjust the timing of operation control transition, as well as the first-ever ROK-U.S. foreign and defense ministers’ meeting.

During today's SCM, which is being held on such a meaningful year, Secretary Gates and I had the opportunity to deeply discuss Korean Peninsula security and ROK-U.S. alliance development. Through the SCM, we once again called for North Korea to take responsible actions in regards to the attack against the Republic of Korea ship Cheonan. We also reconfirmed the resolute desire of the ROK and U.S. to jointly respond to North Korean military provocations.

In addition, we came to agreement on Strategic Alliance 2015, a comprehensive implementation plan that allows us to substantially move forward with the adjustments of OPCON [operational control] transition agreed to by the two presidents. We have also achieved significantly meaningful accomplishments such as the development of the defense cooperation guidelines that will realize the future vision of the alliance and the agreement to systemize the extended deterrence policy committee, a cooperative mechanism in the area of extended deterrence.

Secretary Gates and I shared a common understanding that on the basis of the accomplishments and values over the past 60 years of the ROK-U.S. alliance, we will continue to establish a more resolute and stronger alliance to more effectively deal with its diverse security challenges of the future.

Thank you.

Q. [I]f I could ask both of you to comment on news today that Kim Jong Il's youngest son will indeed be his designated successor. Do you believe that that portends any change in North Korean behavior? Are they at this point ramping up nuclear work again?

Secretary Gates. I think we've been seeing signs for quite a long time that the succession was moving in this direction in North Korea. I don't know that there—there clearly were some steps taken at the—at the party meeting in terms of new appointments for him, for the potential successor. I'm not aware that there's been any further formal indication that he will be the successor, but frankly, that's the assumption that we're all working on, that he will, in fact, at some point take on that leadership role.

Q. Do you think that portends any change in North Korea's behavior?

Secretary Gates.: Well, I think it remains to be seen. There's a lot of speculation about the circumstances that lay behind the sinking of the Cheonan and whether other provocations may follow. I think that our meeting today should reinforce what we said, that provocations will not be tolerated. And I think it's a good thing, at this point of transition in North Korea that our alliance is, in fact, as both the minister and I have agreed, perhaps the strongest it's ever been.

Q. Mr. Minister?

Minister Kim. I will be very deliberate in watching against North Korea.

Q. Recently, in North Korea, they are officially moving to go forward with third-generation succession. And I believe there was some discussions on this matter during today's SCM. And the secretary and yourself discussed how successful you will be—that this succession will be, and the possibility of an instability situation—of an instability situation in North Korea, and the population that are undergoing response to this possibility. Also, there were—I believe that there were—there was agreement on defense cooperation guidelines, and I would like to ask you to explain what those might be regarding the more detailed vision for the future ROK-U.S. alliance.

Minister Kim. First, North Korea, their party delegates convention has moved forward to officialize the succession of Kim Jong Un. And when there is—and when Kim Jong Il's health may deteriorate or if there is a movement of public opinion in North Korea, we cannot eliminate the possibility that there will be an instability situation in North Korea.

And such a situation would be a significant issue that would influence the national security of both countries. So both the ROK and U.S. government—I believe it is the responsibility of both the ROK and U.S. government to prepare for such possibilities. The ROK and U.S. will prepare against all possible contingencies in North Korea.

And as you mentioned, Korea and the United States—and regarding the future direction for the alliance, as you mentioned, the ROK-U.S. alliance will go beyond its current form to play a—to develop further in a regional and global dimension. And—while on the Korean Peninsula we will go—we'll continue to prevent the north and deter the North Korean threat. But when it comes to more regional issues, we'll go about broadening our boundaries some more in the future.

Secretary Gates. Kevin Baron.

Q. A question for both of you. There have been signs recently of increasing engagement between the South and the North. Are you encouraged that any of these engagements will lead to direct talks? And what are your expectations that from any kind of initial talks between the two governments that could be significant?

Secretary Gates. I think that the minister's probably in a better position to answer that question than I am.

Minister Kim. First, let me reply to this question, please.

Recently North Korea has taken more of a stance towards appeasement and there have been attempts—there have been some changes to see North Korean attempts at dialogue. However, it is the basic position of the Republic of Korea government that we need a recognition of North Korea's role in the Cheonan incident, and we need an apology from North Korea and a punishment of those responsible. And North Korea must also take clear measures that will prevent any further provocations of this sort.

And when these measures are taken, the dialogue between the South and North will be more substantial, will be able to move forward in that direction.

And regarding the issue of—and if North Korea is—becomes a more responsible member within the international community and takes more responsible actions, we'll go about coordinating further in a more substantial manner and help North Korea overcome its economic troubles.

Q. Also in the joint communiqué there has been a mention that there would be an increase in ROK-U.S. intelligence and surveillance assets. So I'd like to ask you to please explain this in more detail. Have there been any significant movements of North Korea that have been identified prior to the G-20 summit?

Minister Kim. In order to facilitate the successful G-20 summit, we will go about strengthening our readiness posture in a systematic fashion.

Regarding the combined watch posture and the matter of surveillance and reconnaissance assets, there is robust coordination ongoing between Korea and the U.S. In regard to specifics, more detailed collaboration is still needed, but we will go about watching against North Korean threats and any possibility of North Korea provocation.

And we'll also make sure that we can—we are currently in the process of coordinating on the details of an immediate response in the case of a biological or chemical threat by North Korea. And currently there have been no—nothing significant from North Korea in regards to the G-20 summit. But in preparation, the ROK and the U.S. have combined their assets to watch against this—watch against North Korea in prior and will continue to do so.

Secretary Gates. Thank you very much.

Secretary Robert Gates delivered these remarks at Vietnam National University in Hanoi, Vietnam

Secretary Gates. Thank you, Dr. Giang, for that kind introduction. I'm pleased that my first visit to Hanoi as Secretary of Defense coincides with the city's 1,000 year anniversary. It is a special opportunity for me to be here at Vietnam National University in no small part because, before I became Secretary of Defense, I was President of Texas A&M University in Texas for four and a half years.

Measured against the backdrop of an entire millennium, the relationship between our two peoples over the past half-century has been relatively brief—a small section of a vast tapestry. Yet think of the historical consequences of this relationship, and about how dramatically it has transformed in such a short period of time. A decade of conflict and bloodshed between our nations has given way to prospering bilateral relations now marking their fifteenth year.

This partnership is, in my view, a testament to the strength of both of our countries and an example for the world. Wars end. Nations wise enough to put past bitterness and heartbreak behind them can find in each other future friends and partners.

There is no doubt that the war left an indelible imprint on both our peoples. But by addressing its legacies together, our two nations have been able to demonstrate how you can build upon the past without being bound to repeat it. It was our commitment to work together to find the missing from the war, and to address the traumas still felt by those in and near the conflict, that provided the first opportunity for our countries to engage. And it was this initial cooperation that led us to where we are today—with a vibrant relationship that spans a range of issues—trade and investment, education and health, and most relevant to my remarks, security and defense.

I am here today as the third United States Secretary of Defense to visit Hanoi over the last decade. In that span of time, we have developed a real bilateral defense relationship. High-level exchanges by U.S. and Vietnamese military officials and defense leaders—including those gathered here today—are now frequent. This occasion provides us the opportunity to reflect on how this relationship has grown, where it is going, and what it can contribute to peace and stability in the entire region—in particular, through our shared effort to enhance regional multilateral cooperation.

The transformation of our relationship over the past decades, in the aftermath of the war, was a process led by the veterans of that very conflict. The divide that existed between our two countries was slowly but surely bridged by veterans on both sides, who felt duty-bound to find a proper resting place for their fallen comrades. In the earliest days after the war's end, the Vietnamese government returned the remains of some U.S. service members as a gesture of goodwill. However, it would take the work of American veterans and their families, some of whom traveled here at their own expense looking for their fallen friends and loved ones, to bring attention to this issue in the United States. Then, in 1987, Army General John Vessey, a Vietnam veteran and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, came to Hanoi at the behest of President Reagan and met with government officials, working out an agreement to begin what would become sustained joint U.S.- Vietnamese search operations the following year. Later, in 1995, veterans of the conflict serving in the U.S. Congress—such as Senators Kerry and McCain—supported President Clinton in his push to normalize relations. And our first Ambassador in Hanoi, Pete Peterson, was himself a former prisoner of war.

We have a long, deep, and abiding commitment to locate those missing in action. It fulfills a sacred trust to our fallen service members and families, and embodies the principle of leave no man or woman behind that is critical to our men and women serving today. Vietnam has provided crucial assistance, and we look forward to continued cooperation in this area.

Together, we have completed almost 100 Joint Field Activities since 1998, leading to the recovery, repatriation, and identification of the remains of over 600 Americans. Our experts bring the equipment and techniques and go out into the field, working in close cooperation with the Government of Vietnam and local Vietnamese to undertake the painstaking task of finding and recovering American remains. We also provide resources and technical expertise to Vietnam as it undertakes the same sacred task. During General Thanh's visit to the Pentagon in December last year, I expressed my thanks for his decision to provide access to 13 new sites for joint POW/MIA operations in previously restricted military areas. And I similarly appreciate his decision last month to provide access to four additional sites and hope we can expand cooperation on this front even further.

This difficult but essential work entails shared risks and losses. Almost a decade ago, a helicopter carrying a joint U.S.— Vietnamese team on its way to investigate a site in Quang Binh Province crashed, killing all on board. We honor the sacrifice of those 16 Vietnamese and American patriots lost in the line of duty, and plans are being developed by our two nations to commemorate the 10th anniversary of that tragedy next April.

Together, we've taken other steps to address war-legacy issues in ways that deepen our relationship, build Vietnam's internal capabilities and—most importantly—help improve and even save peoples’ lives. These efforts include the Leahy War Victims Fund, which the U.S. has used since 1989 to help disabled Vietnamese citizens and their families—including those impacted by Agent Orange—by providing funding for rehabilitation, vocational training, and job placement. And more recently, we've begun working together to address the still-present danger of mines and unexploded ordinance through the Landmine Impact Survey and the Vietnam Bomb and Mine Action Center, an inter-agency group established last year by Prime Minister Dung. In the future, we expect to cooperate further on underwater de-mining operations.

All of these collaborative efforts provide invaluable opportunities to build knowledge and trust between our defense institutions. To this end, General Thanh and I agreed last year to establish a mechanism that would allow senior representatives from our two defense ministries to discuss the full range of bilateral, regional, and global security issues of common interest. This last August, we held our first Defense Policy Dialogue in Hanoi—the capstone achievement of our growing cooperation. This dialogue brings together senior-level leaders to advance our defense relationship through regular and open discussions—conversations that we look forward to continuing in Washington D.C. next year. While we do not and will not always agree, it is critical that we remain willing to discuss these differences—for example, on human rights issues—candidly.

As we move forward in building our partnership, we are increasingly looking to establish new areas of cooperation. First, we are working to expand our collaboration on humanitarian assistance operations, and to support Vietnam's own development of greater capabilities in this area. For example, the United States Pacific Command has responded to a Vietnamese request for assistance and is working with the Government of Vietnam to construct medical clinics in Thua Thien Hue Province, build schools and centers for disabled children, and provide relevant training for Vietnamese doctors.

In 2008, our countries undertook a historic step with the visit of the USNS Mercy, a hospital ship with a capacity of 1,000 beds, to Nha Trang. This was not only the first time the United States and Vietnam's Ministry of Defense Medical Corps had ever worked together, it was also the first U.S. military vessel to call into port in Nha Trang since 1975. The Mercy returned for another successful visit this summer. Doctors saw more than 300 patients and surgeons performed more than 130 procedures from elective cataracts to acute trauma. Medical professionals from Mercy engaged with their Vietnamese counterparts on approaches to treatment, and technicians successfully repaired 35 pieces of medical equipment valued at $4 million.

Similarly, we hope to expand cooperation regarding disaster relief. Vietnam, like much of Southeast Asia, has experienced the devastating consequences of natural disasters—including the recent flooding in the central provinces. And I would like to express my condolences to the victims of this tragedy, which has claimed more than 50 lives, and forced more than 20,000 to evacuate from their homes. The U.S. government stands ready to assist the government of Vietnam in its comprehensive response efforts. No one country can—or should have to—respond to catastrophic events alone, a principal Vietnam upheld through its assistance to the people of Burma during the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in 2008.

An important component of disaster relief is search and rescue operations. Over the past few years, 45 Vietnamese military officers have been certified as Combat Lifesaver Instructors through the U.S. Army here in Vietnam, and are now sharing their expertise with many more. This year we look forward to hosting two Vietnamese officers at our Search and Rescue Operations and Planning School for the first time.

The U.S. and Vietnam, as well as other nations in the region, also share a common interest in maritime security and freedom of access to the global commons. Ship visits provide ideal venues to continue and expand this cooperation. Two recent visits particularly demonstrate how far we've come. First was the visit of the USS Lassen in November 2009—a vessel commanded by a Vietnamese American. Then, earlier this year, in August, the USS John S. McCain visited DaNang. We're pleased that Vietnam has sent observers to several regional Cooperation and Readiness Afloat exercises, and look forward to future participation.

The growing U.S.-Vietnamese partnership is not only important for the U.S. and Vietnam but for the region as a whole. Today, Asia is home to some of the most dynamic, rapidly evolving democratic nations in the world—especially here in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asian nations sit astride key global trade routes, are home to a diverse ethnic and religious population, are playing a leading role in promoting Asian regional institutions, and, increasingly, are stepping forward as vital security partners on a range of regional and global challenges. This is why President Obama has made engagement with our Southeast Asian partners a priority of our policy in Asia.

Asia's dynamism brings many opportunities and hope for the future, but it is also increasingly clear in the modern world that many core issues, from trade to natural disasters, territorial disputes, terrorism, and anti-piracy can best be addressed through strong multi-lateral cooperation. Strong bilateral relationships—amongst all Pacific nations—are critical and they remain critical on their own. But they also build the mutual trust and familiarity necessary for multi-lateral institutions and initiatives to work—the two are mutually reinforcing. And, increasingly we find that relying exclusively on bilateral relationships is not enough—we need multi-lateral institutions in order to confront the most important security challenges in this region.

I mentioned before the need to grow beyond our past. This includes discarding Cold War ways of thinking about U.S. defense strategy and Asia's overall security architecture—a mindset that doesn't reflect the past few decades’ tremendous changes. Vietnam has been a leader in promoting greater multilateral cooperation; its chairmanship of ASEAN this year is an excellent example. In fact, Vietnam's vision to push forward on such collaboration is one reason I'm here today. The inaugural meeting of the ASEAN Defense Minister Meetings plus eight is tomorrow. This meeting represents a historic and very welcome move to a higher level of regional security dialogue, with defense ministers formally coming together for the first time to build tangible cooperation on a range of security issues. By allowing us to more regularly exchange views, and develop operational infrastructure for future efforts, this forum will build trust and transparency region-wide. It is an important manifestation of the commitment of all our governments to a secure and peaceful future for Asia.

I'll close with some thoughts about the future of our bilateral relationship in particular. Through the work we are doing today, we are building a foundation for the next generation of American and Vietnamese officers and defense leaders. Next year, for the first time, Vietnam plans to send one officer to the U.S. National War College and one officer to the Naval Staff College. The generation rising now has little to no personal memory of a time when our nations were not friends and I'm pleased to see so many young officers in the audience today. I think my fellow grey-haired and light-haired statesmen in the audience may agree with me that today the world faces challenges far more complex and widespread than those we confronted. Yet now we can confront these challenges together. During President Clinton's historic visit to Hanoi ten years ago, he eloquently stated the central goal of our partnership, and I quote: “to give young people… in both our countries the chance to live in (their) tomorrows, not in our yesterdays.” They inherit the mantle of responsibility for the relationship we continue to build—I charge them to take good care of it.

Thank you.

Secretary Robert Gates and General Phung Quang Thanh delivered these remarks in Hanoi, Vietnam

General Thanh. Minister—Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, at the invitation of the Defense Ministry of Vietnam, Secretary of Defense of the United States Robert Gates and the delegation of the U.S. defense paid an official visit to Vietnam and—attend the ADMM-Plus [Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus] organized for the first time in Hanoi.

And the official visit by Mr. Robert Gates, we have had very straightforward and friendly talks with fruitful outcomes, mainly bilateral cooperation between the two defense—our defense-to-defense relations and overcoming the legacies of the war.

Secretary Robert Gates expressed strong support for Vietnam in successfully organizing the ADMM-Plus for the first time, which will take place tomorrow. We are satisfied that defense-to-defense cooperation has made new progress in the first years with the increase of exchanges, naval forces, search and destroy, search and rescue, exchange of training officials, our medical corps, our exchange of visits. And we also made a proposal that the two defense academies of the two sides will conduct exchanges and cooperation in theoretical research and exchange of students for overcoming the legacy of the war.

Vietnam supports the U.S. in the MIA efforts on the humanitarian grounds. There were 33 locations which were rather sensitive on the military side or the confidential side under the management of Vietnam. And we conducted unilateral excavation only, but recently we worked with the U.S. for joint operation in seven locations now. For the remaining six sites, we will consider and transfer to the United States for joint search operation and for the remaining we will consider.

We have agreed that we will continue with the efforts of de-mining and the U.S. has responded positively in order to minimize the losses by the civilians. And the U.S. will also help with other issues like the detoxification of Dioxin, like Bien Hoa Airport, Da Nang Airport, Phu Cat and some other areas.

Robert Gates also expressed support for the fruitful outcomes of the ADMM-Plus in order to maintain the environmental peace, cooperation and development in Southeast Asia as well as in the Asia Pacific in each country's interest and the whole region's interest.

Secretary Gates. I'd first like to thank Prime Minister Dung and General Thanh—We all take pride in how far our nations have come in 15 years since normalization and these meeting were both an opportunity to discuss the strong state of our bilateral defense relationship, areas for future dialogue and cooperation, and our shared commitment for a peaceful and secure Asia.

I'd also like to thank General Thanh and his ministry for their assistance in efforts to account for our missing in the war. We look forward to even greater cooperation in this area as our relationship grows.

I also pledge that the U.S. military will continue to offer resources and technical expertise to Vietnam as it addresses the same sacred task with respect to its missing. As I mentioned in my remarks at the Vietnam National University this morning, the strong relationship we have today is born of our strict shared efforts to address this and other legacies from the war.

Moving forward, we specifically identified information exchanges, maritime security, search and rescue, peacekeeping—humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as areas in which to grow our collaboration.

I'm particularly optimistic about expanding our educational exchanges which will train the next generation of our military leaders to better understand one another and cooperate for the betterment of—.

Tomorrow, General Thanh and I will both attend the first ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] Defense Ministry plus meeting. Vietnam has provided valuable leadership in helping to establish this gathering. And through its very capable chairmanship of ASEAN this year, through this meeting we move to a higher level of regional security dialogue, the defense principles formally coming together for the first time to build concrete cooperation on a range of security issues. By allowing us more regularly to exchange views and develop the operational infrastructure of the future efforts to inform—(inaudible)—and transparency—.

Thank you very much.

Q. (Inaudible)—newspaper and I have a question for Secretary Robert Gates. Can you give us your assessment about the role of Vietnam's Ministry of Defense in the process of ADMM-Plus and can you tell us about the future cooperation between the U.S. and Vietnam in finding the Vietnamese people missing in action?

Secretary Gates.—to congratulate the minister for—(inaudible)—in our meeting on the leadership role—(inaudible)—Vietnam and he personally have played in putting together this meeting and the ASEAN defense ministers plus meeting tomorrow.

When he first approached me about this quite some time ago, I immediately responded that I would come to Hanoi. And I just told him in our meeting that I did so because I believed it would be useful in terms of both of our bilateral relationship as well as regional cooperation more broadly.

In terms of searching for the missing, we are prepared to do whatever we can to help the Vietnamese government search for the Vietnamese who have been missing since the war. It is as sacred responsibility for them as it is for us. We are prepared to share our technology and whatever other technologies we have—and whatever other capabilities we might have in order to help them be successful in this effort.

Q. Yes. I have a question to both of you. Could you please each address your concerns about assertive Chinese behavior in the South China Sea and the general territorial disputes and explain to us what you think you can do regarding that, including tomorrow at the ASEAN forum. Thank you.

Secretary Gates Well, first of all, this subject did not come up in our meetings today, but as we have made clear in the past, the U.S. has a longstanding national interest in freedom of navigation and open access to Asia's maritime commons. We believe that—we don't take sides in this. We don't have any territorial claims of our own, but we believe that these issues are best resolved through negotiation and collaboration and within a framework of customary international law, above all the United Nations Law of the Sea.

General Thanh. As Secretary Gates has answered, during the talks between the two defense ministries of Vietnam and the United States, the topic of Eastern Sea was not discussed, but as you ask we are willing to take that question. Now, the issue of Eastern Sea is the disputes among a number of countries and a number of parties, and that is an outstanding issue left behind by history and it is our consistent policy that we deal with the issue via peaceful means on the basis of international law that the—(inaudible)—clause in 1982 and the DOC, “Declaration of the Conduct,” of parties on Eastern Sea that the China—and China has signed with countries in the region. And we're now moving toward the establishment of “Code of Conduct,” COC, in order to maintain the environment of peace, stability for cooperation and development without use of force or threat to use of force to use the disputes in the Eastern Sea. Thank you.

Q. Tu Hinh from the VOV, the Voice of Vietnam. And the question for Secretary Robert Gates. As a part of ASEAN, what the U.S. will do in order to have nice relations between ASEAN and other partners like China, Japan or Korea so that we can establish a security balance in the Pacific as you have proposed and—.

Secretary Gates Well, I think the key for all the nations, as you mentioned before, for those involved in ADMM Plus is to develop ways in which we can work more closely together in a cooperative and collaborative manner in terms of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, in terms of maritime security, in terms of advancing the interests of all that are involved and ensuring that when there are disputes, they are resolved peacefully through negotiation or arbitration.

I think the meeting tomorrow is a new step forward in developing new mechanisms through which that kind of cooperative and collaborative effort (inaudible) problems that can be addressed.

Q. (Inaudible)—with Kiro News. Thank you for this opportunity. My question—for both of you. The recent disputes between Japan and China—(inaudible)—China Sea, but the tensions remain high—(inaudible). Although two ministries have—(inaudible)—Japan. How can you—(inaudible)—each side—(inaudible)?

Secretary Gates Well, for my part, I would say first of all, as I just responded to the other question—all these disputes should be solved peacefully and through arbitration and negotiation. That said, as I said last week or two weeks ago brought the—(inaudible)—of the United States has objectives—(inaudible)—security obligations it has—(inaudible).

General Thanh. As for your question, we believe that this is the issue between China and Japan bilaterally, maybe hope that the two sides would exercise self-restraint and will settle the issue via peaceful means without taking enemy measures to further complicate the situation in the East Asia or Asia Pacific region. Now, we're living in an interdependent economic environment. And if there's anything happening or threatening to maritime security, it is not only affecting countries—.

Thank you for your question.

Secretary Robert Gates delivered these remarks in Hanoi, Vietnam

Secretary Gates. Well, I don't want to delay folks—I don't want to delay folks from dinner and a nap. It's been a very full day that began with a good conversation with the Japanese defense minister.

We talked about, as you might expect, Guam, Okinawa, Futenma and I talked about the intricate connection between Futenma and Guam and how they need to remain linked and the need to move forward. They have already provided almost $800 million for construction on Guam and so we talked about the next steps there. And we talked about host nation support and it's an issue that they're working within their government. So I felt it was a good, positive discussion.

I had a good meeting with both the prime minister and defense minister here in Vietnam and really talked about the full range of bilateral military relations and how we can expand those relationships in a number of different areas. We went through some of that in the press conference, but the defense security dialogue, maritime security, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and search and rescue.

And then we talked about some additional areas such as a formal relationship between National Defense University and Vietnamese counterpart, more exchanges in professional military education and so on. And we talked a little bit about the meeting tomorrow, and then finally, the meeting with General Liang. I would say that it was a constructive meeting. It was conducted in a friendly spirit.

General Liang did invite me to come to China and I agreed. We still have to work out the timing. We talked about a number of areas where we could strengthen the military-to-military relationship. And I outlined to him why I believe this is important that indeed when there are disagreements, it's all the more important to talk with one another more not less, and the need for strategic dialogue on everything from nuclear weapons and strategy to missile defense, outer space security and more as well as areas in which we can cooperate. So I felt like it was a good forward step and we'll see how it plays out.

Q. When you met with General Liang, did the subject of Chinese behavior in the South China Sea, East China Sea come up? And to what did extent did that topic come up in your meetings with the other countries today—kind of looking for how much they're looking for your help?

Secretary Gates. Well, I think that it did not come up specifically in the meeting with General Liang. I think that it's clearly on everybody's mind and falls within the rubric of maritime security. And of course, our approach is, as I outlined this afternoon in the press conference with Minister Thanh, but it did not come up specifically in my meeting with the Vietnamese defense minister and did not come up with General Liang.

Q. And with Japan?

Secretary Gates. That was so long ago, I don't—I don't think so.

Q. But the whole China/Japan shipping thing and the—

Secretary Gates. That really didn't—

Q. Minister Kitazawa did thank you for your statements in Washington the other week but that wasn't necessarily the extent of it.

Secretary Gates. But that was really the only reference.

Q. Can you explain if the reason why it didn't come up has to do with this kind of difficult balancing act that we're seeing here where you're obviously trying to close ranks with Vietnam and some others, but you don't—you also want to improve relations with the Chinese. Is that why we see this issue not being raised so directly this time?

Secretary Gates. Well, I think there's a particular sensitivity throughout the region that tomorrow's meeting goes well and be seen as a constructive and collaborative step forward. I think it remains to be seen in the meeting the direction in which any discussion of maritime security goes. So we'll just have to wait and see.

Q. In terms of the U.S., particularly you deciding not to mention this issue in the two bilats today, or three bilats today, was that—

Secretary Gates. But we'll just see how tomorrow goes.

Q. But even within the construct of maritime security which you said is a phrase everybody understand what it means. Did you discuss your perspective, America's perspective on what China's obligations are as a stakeholder, as a global power trying to appeal to their sense of self-interest, a behavior that the U.S. and its Asian allies might seek to have?

Secretary Gates. No.

Q. Do you didn't make the case at all for what China should do or—

Secretary Gates. Not in the meeting this afternoon.

Q. Is it significant that the fact that all these countries including the United States are at this table? Obviously there's a desire among the Vietnamese and others to have us part of the discussion and I think that's an idea of them looking to China and saying, we want that balancing power that the United States has always provided. It is significant that both the Chinese and Americans are here in this kind of multilateral forum that—

Secretary Gates. I think it is. And frankly, I was the first of the eight defense ministers to accept coming to this meeting. And I felt that it had a twofold purpose. And I said, yes, as soon as General Thanh asked me many months ago at this point.

First was I thought it sent an important signal to Vietnam and to ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] that we were willing to participate; and second, I thought it offered an opportunity to sit down with these nations and China and begin to address these issues in a collective way. And we will—I think, Geoff, the plan is to provide folks with a copy of my intervention tomorrow morning. So that will probably answer some of the questions you've been asking.

Q. Just a follow up—

Q. So you're saving something for tomorrow, in other words?

Secretary Gates. I'm just waiting until tomorrow.

Q. Is part of it to get China to see his lessons as sort of a zero-sum game that your relationship, our relationship with some of these countries does not have to mean that we're hedging against them or that it's aimed against them, is there? Are you making any progress in that?

Secretary Gates. Well, partly we haven't because we haven't had any kind of military-to-military relationship for some period of time now, there hasn't been much of an occasion to make that case. I absolutely believe that's the case, that this is not a zero-sum game. I think that we have a lot of common interests out here among all of the nations who are participating, common concerns and common interests.

And this ADMM-Plus [Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus] offers the opportunity to begin talking about those issues in that kind of a context of how do we pull together to deal with some of these challenges that we face. And that's—again, that's why I accepted this invitation as promptly as I did is because I saw it as an opportunity.

And to be quite frank about it, it occurred to me that if the American secretary of defense—if others knew the American secretary of defense was coming, maybe they'd come too. And I think that's largely proven to be the case—maybe not because I'm here, but at least they came.

Q. Where do you think the U.S.- China military relationship will be in five years?

Secretary Gates. Well, what I told Minister Liang is that I have felt for a long time that the dialogue between the two militaries ought to be sustainable regardless of the ups and downs in the relationship, that having greater clarity and understanding of each other is essential to preventing mistrust, miscalculations and mistakes. I believed it in the dialogue with the Soviet Union over 30 years. I believe it's important with China as well.

And I hope—and I gave up my crystal ball when I left CIA—so my hope is that in five years you will see a very intense and ambitious relationship between the American and Chinese militaries that would include a lot of joint exercises, exchanges in our military academies, visits, working together on problems like humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. We all have a common interest in freedom of navigation. I mean, given the magnitude of China's imports of raw materials and energy, we have a shared interest in freedom of navigation and access to the maritime domain.

So I think—my hope would be that we would come to a common—we can come to a common understanding of our mutual interest and work together in these areas. And I hope it doesn't take five years.

Q. Mr. Secretary, there are a lot of friction points in the U.S.-China relationship besides—there's the currency issue, there's the—there are other aspects. How important do you think the military failure to kind of create this dialogue—how important a problem—where do you see it ranking on the overall scale of problems?

Secretary Gates. The way I would put it is that it is clear that the political leadership of both countries, both President Obama and President Hu Jintao, believe that the military-to-military relationship is an underdeveloped part of the overall relationship between the United States and China. And they've both given pretty clear direction to try to improve it. And I think that's what—my hope is that today's meeting will inaugurate that process.

Q. Yes. Sorry. Just on the—I know you can't describe the Chinese point of view, but you've made this argument now for some time about why a reliable, consistent dialogue is so healthy and so important. Do you feel like you're making a little headway? Is Taiwan, this issue—it just seems to be the knot that can't be undone.

Secretary Gates. Well, you know, one of the things that I think is important for people to remember is that I've watched this relationship since the early ‘70s on the National Security Council. And in fact, I went through this history with General Liang this afternoon. I was in the White House. I was there after the original visit to China but during the Scowcroft and Kissinger period. I was there with Brzezinski when normalization took place. I was there when Deng Xiaoping visited the White House. I was part of the initial effort to create a security relationship with the Chinese at the end of 1979 or early 1980. So I watched this relationship for a long time, and the reality is the Secretary of Defense does not make decisions with respect to Taiwan arms sales. It is fundamentally a political decision. And why the military relationship should be held hostage to what is essentially a political decision seems to me curious. And I believe it should not be. If there is a discussion to be had, it is at the political level.

Q. Do you feel like you are making headway?

Secretary Gates. We'll see. OK. Thanks.

Secretary Robert Gates delivered these remarks at the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus in Hanoi, Vietnam

Secretary Gates. Good morning and thank you to General Thanh and the Government of Vietnam for hosting us today. Congratulations on the 1,000 year anniversary of Hanoi. I am pleased to join you for the inaugural meeting of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus. I would like to start by commending our ASEAN partners for recognizing the need for a broader Asian forum to allow regional defense officials to discuss issues of common interest.

As I have said before, the United States is a Pacific nation and a resident power in Asia—we have been for many years and will continue to be in the future. Because both our history and our future are intertwined with yours, we believe it is essential to be able to work on common security challenges together.

Over the past few decades, this region has made tremendous progress in overcoming past animosities and establishing new partnerships. What is now essential is that these bilateral relationships be supplemented by strong multilateral institutions. These institutions enable us to build regular habits of cooperation to address shared interests, while allowing for candid discussions about those areas where we may disagree.

Through regular dialogue and cooperation, we can build a foundation of greater trust and confidence, which is essential to enhancing our common security. To do so, we must establish both shared “rules of the road” and pursue greater transparency—meaning that as we improve our military capabilities, we must discuss these developments together. This provides assurance that our capabilities are not directed against others in the region and that they will be used for common ends.

As I have stated before, the first step is reaffirming our commitment to fundamental principles that are essential to regional peace, prosperity, and stability. These include: Our commitment to free and open commerce; A just international order that emphasizes the rights and responsibilities of nations, and fidelity to the rule of law; Open access by all to the global commons of sea, air, space, and now, the cyberspace domain; The principle of resolving conflict without the use of force.

Agreement on these fundamental principles is important now more than ever. Asia faces a wide and growing range of challenges in the 21st century: Extremist violence; Climate change and pandemic disease; Competition over scarce resources; Unresolved border disputes; The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery; and North Korea's continuing provocations, such as the sinking of the Cheonan.

These are security issues that cannot be successfully addressed without the cooperation of everyone here today.

President Obama has made clear that one of the touchstone issues for his administration is to combat the proliferation of nuclear weapons. We cannot achieve this objective without the support of our regional partners. Asian nations have taken a number of critical steps on this issue, including participation in the proliferation security initiative, and implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. Going forward, this forum provides us with an opportunity to further discuss how we can reduce the risk of proliferation together.

Another serious challenge in the region, especially here in Southeast Asia, is the risk of pandemic disease. The magnitude of a widespread outbreak in Asia would be unprecedented. For this reason, the U.S. government is working together with regional partners to improve our ability to conduct disease surveillance and strengthen our response capabilities in the event of an outbreak.

Similarly, extremist violence is a growing threat in Asia, and one the United States takes very seriously. We are cooperating with a range of partners to increase our combined capacity to combat this threat. Though we have made progress, there is certainly more we can do, through combined exercises, law enforcement exchanges, and dialogues, to coordinate and improve our standard operating procedures.

Finally, a topic of particular importance for all nations here today is maritime security. Disagreements over territorial claims and the appropriate use of the maritime domain appear to be a growing challenge to regional stability and prosperity.

The United States does not take sides on competing territorial claims, such as those in the South China Sea. Competing claims should be settled peacefully, without force or coercion, through collaborative diplomatic processes, and in keeping with customary international law.

On that note, we are encouraged to see claimant nations in the South China Sea making initial steps to discuss the development of a full code of conduct, in line with the 2002 ASEAN Declaration on the Conduct of Parties. We applaud this multilateral approach and we stand ready to help facilitate such initiatives.

The U.S. position on maritime security remains clear: we have a national interest in freedom of navigation; in unimpeded economic development and commerce; and in respect for international law. We also believe that customary international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, provides clear guidance on the appropriate use of the maritime domain, and rights of access to it. By adhering to this guidance, we can ensure that all share equal and open access to international waterways.

The United States has always exercised our rights and supported the rights of others to transit through, and operate in, international waters. This will not change, nor will our commitment to engage in exercises and activities together with our allies and partners.

These activities are a routine and critical component of demonstrating our commitment to the region, maintaining peace and stability, and promoting freedom of navigation. They are also essential to building habits of strong security cooperation, which is necessary as we move forward to address common security challenges together.

We have made tremendous progress in this region over the past thirty years. But there is more to be done. The nature of the challenges we face today requires a renewed commitment to strong bilateral and multilateral defense and security relationships. This ADMM plus forum provides us with the opportunity to make this aspiration a reality and to improve our capacity to meet shared challenges. The U.S. looks forward to participating actively in this most useful innovation for addressing the challenges and opportunities we all see in the region. We should build on the success of today's meeting.

Secretary Hillary Clinton and Minister Seiji Maehara delivered these remarks in Honolulu, HI

Secretary Clinton. Well, thank you very much. We just had a very comprehensive, far-ranging discussion on many issues of concern to the United States and Japan, and I want to thank my colleague and counterpart, the foreign minister. It is a pleasure to be back in Hawaii and an even greater pleasure to be hosting the foreign minister here in Honolulu. I appreciate very much his willingness to take the long trip from Japan to be here.

And it is a fitting venue to continue the productive discussions that I began with the foreign minister in New York last month. This year, we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of our alliance, which was forged at the height of the Cold War. At the time, President Eisenhower described the indestructible partnership between our two countries, and time has proven him right. The world's geopolitical landscape has shifted many times since then, but the partnership between the United States and Japan has endured because it is based on deep friendship between our people, on mutual respect, and on common goals and values.

This alliance is the cornerstone of American strategic engagement in the Asia Pacific. It has helped both countries prosper and weather economic storms. It has underwritten peace and security, and it has allowed us to cooperate on a range of global issues, including nuclear nonproliferation, climate change, combating violent extremism, and I'm grateful that we are the two largest contributors to reconstruction in Afghanistan.

We are also cooperating on the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding North Korea and Iran. Last month, the United States welcomed the sanctions that Japan imposed on Iran. They underscored the resolve of the international community to support a global sanctions regime aimed at countering Iran's nuclear ambitions. Joining likeminded nations around the world, Japan has emphasized the message that Tehran must meet its international responsibilities.

The foreign minister and I consulted on base realignment issues and the replacement facility at Futenma. The goal of our two governments remains unchanged: Both countries want an arrangement that is operationally viable and politically sustainable. That means the United States will reduce the impact of our bases on host communities while at the same time maintaining the capabilities that we need to meet our commitment to defend Japan and the Japanese people and the security of the region. We look forward to working with the Government of Japan to build local support for a final plan for the replacement facility.

The foreign minister and I also discussed Japan's leadership role as host of APEC 2011. As you know, the United States will be hosting APEC in 2012—or in 2011, so we are working closely to coordinate our agendas. The President is looking very much forward to being in Japan for the APEC meetings.

We are looking beyond our governments, touching on joint efforts to increase people-to-people connections, especially student exchanges, and we are looking also to build on what we signed just recently, a memorandum of understanding for an open skies agreement. Under this initiative, airlines rather than governments will decide which cities to serve, establish flight schedules, and set fares.

Finally, the foreign minister and I discussed among other issues one that is of particular importance for parents and children in both countries. The Japanese Government is taking steps toward ratifying the Hague Convention on International Parental Child Abduction and enhancing parents’ basic visitation rights. I am encouraged by this progress.

So I thank the minister for a two-hour meeting that was in-depth and very focused on deepening and broadening our relationship. I look forward to continuing to work with him, and I am confident that together we can help to improve the lives of the people of our countries as well as the larger region. So with that, let me turn it over, please, to the foreign minister.

Foreign Minister Maehara. Thank you very much, Secretary Clinton. Well, both of us later on actually will be meeting again in Hanoi, but I believe it is quite meaningful that we have been able to have this meeting for two hours here in Hawaii to engage in wide-ranging discussions to strengthen Japan-U.S. relations and to engage in this very fruitful discussion. And I believe this, I believe, was very good for not just Japan and the United States but for the further stability and development of the region as a whole.

If I could give you the gist of the Japan—or the purpose of the Japan-U.S. foreign ministers meeting is that here in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii, we were able to discuss a firm commitment of the United States for the political and security conditions in the Asia Pacific and as the United States will be participating in East Asia Summit we, Japan and the United States, were able to show that we will remain in close coordination with each other on political and security matters in the region and together we'll work on various matters. And we were able to discuss specifics of these, so it was quite fruitful.

The second point I would like to make is that, as the Secretary mentioned earlier, this year Japan is the chair of APEC and next year the United States will take over the chair. And we were able to exchange views in preparation for the Japan-U.S. summit meeting to take place. And I think in that respect as well we had a very fruitful meeting. And as I mentioned earlier, as the two countries remain closely coordinated on—for the peace and prosperity of the region, I think we confirmed that it will be very important to engage mutually in various discussions.

Now, earlier Prime Minister Kan and President Obama had a meeting in New York on security—on the three pillars of security, the economy, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. And they agreed that they will build a Japan-U.S. alliance, strengthen bilateral economic dialogue, and promote partnership on high-speed railways and clean energy and so on, and also maintain close coordination with each other to promote mutual understanding and exchanges at various levels. And especially with regard to Japan-U.S. security cooperation, in the consultations so far on deepening the alliance we have engaged in discussions on security environment assessment and on cooperation in very specific areas, and they confirmed to further strengthen such endeavors.

And I also stated to Secretary Clinton that we should like to engage in deeper consultations in order to realize a smooth bilateral cooperation for the defense of Japan and in the case of contingencies in areas surrounding Japan. And also I explained—I gave an account of the ongoing discussions in Japan for the purpose of formulating the basic policy concerning comprehensive economic partnerships.

President Obama's visit to Japan on the occasion of the APEC meetings in Yokohama will be a good opportunity for the two leaders to confirm the specific direction of the deepening of Japan-U.S. alliance at the leaders level, and we confirmed to further accelerate our preparations for the success of this visit.

We also engaged in candid discussions on UN Security Council reform, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, and agreed to further step up Japan-U.S. cooperation on a broad range of issues. I look forward to having—meeting with Secretary Clinton as often as possible and engaging in further discussions and build up close cooperation with each other and together with us would like to build up stability and prosperity of the Asia Pacific region. Thank you very much.

Q. Secretary Clinton, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology today issued a statement saying that they will not use rare earth elements as a bargaining tool. Do you have any reaction to that in particular? Did you raise the issue or did you discuss the issue of rare earth metals with the foreign minister? Do you plan to raise it when you meet State Councilor Dai Bingguo in—on Hainan Island in a couple of days? And do you regard the rare earths issue as what may be the latest in a series of examples of Chinese, perhaps, bullying behavior towards its neighbors, and is there anything that the United States and Japan should try to do to insulate themselves from such behavior?

Secetary Clinton. Well, the foreign minister and I did discuss the issue of rare earth minerals. These are elements that are critical to the industrial production not only in Japan and the United States but in countries around the world. I hadn't heard about the Chinese statement of today, but I would welcome any clarification of their policy and hope that it means trade and commerce around these important materials will continue unabated and without any interference.

At the same time, because of the importance of these rare earth minerals, I think both the minister and I are aware that our countries and others will have to look for additional sources of supply. That is in our interests commercially and strategically; it makes sense because these are rare, by definition, but they are present in other countries. And this served as a wakeup call that being so dependent on only one source, disruption could occur for natural disaster reasons or other kinds of events could intervene. So we welcome the Chinese statement that it will resume normal trading in these materials, but I think the entire world has to seek additional supplies in order to protect the important production needs that these materials serve.

Q. Deguchi with Kyodo News Service. First a question for Secretary Clinton, and this is about security. Recently—this is about Senkaku Islands, which has (inaudible) spat between Japan and China. And I wonder if the security treaty between Japan and the United States will be applied.

And also, this region, and I believe the Japanese Government has stated time and again that the alliance has played an important role for the security of the region, but Japan's (inaudible) report has continued (inaudible) for the past ten years. Would you expect the level of Japanese support to remain at the same level or increase?

A question for Foreign Minister Maehara in the economic area. You have to date spoken positively about Japan's participation in the Trans-Pacific Strategic and Economic Partnership, so-called TPP. Having had a meeting today with the U.S., which has already announced its participation in TPP, could you tell us your thoughts at the moment?

And an additional question for Secretary Clinton. Would you welcome Japan's participation in TPP talks?

Secretary Clinton. Well, first let me say clearly again that the Senkakus fall within the scope of Article 5 of the 1960 U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. This is part of the larger commitment that the United States has made to Japan's security. We consider the Japanese-U.S. alliance one of the most important alliance partnerships we have anywhere in the world and we are committed to our obligations to protect the Japanese people.

And the host nation support is one of Japan's key contributions to this alliance that has helped to maintain stability and security in East Asia for decades. The U.S. and Japan negotiating teams met for the second time this month to discuss the host nation support arrangements between the two governments, and these discussions are proceeding in a very positive and constructive manner.

Foreign Minister Maehara. I understand there was a question about TPP. As I have been saying for some time, in this growing world we have this outstanding technology and products that are the culmination of such technologies, and if we are to more broadly sell these technologies and products, we need to reduce tariffs as much as possible, in other words, engage in as free as possible trade, because that will be very important for Japan itself.

At the same time, as the chair of APEC this year, in interest of achieving the Bogor Goals and also in the interest of achieving liberal trade amongst APEC participating countries as a whole, it is very important for us to try and figure out the way towards that goal. Now, if we are to participate in TPP, we will need to work out coordination—it will be very important to work out coordination with each and every participating country in TPP. With Chile, Peru, or Singapore, Japan already has agreements, free trade agreements and we're negotiating one with Australia. And with United States, most important country not just political and security but in economic areas as well, together with the United States we shall—we have been able to confirm that we will cooperate with each other. And to that end, we will therefore in the government, with the ruling party at the core, would like to finalize Japan's policy ahead of APEC meetings.

Secretary Clinton. We would encourage and welcome Japan's interest.

Q. A question for both of you. You've mentioned you talked about the Senkakus issue. You mentioned that you talked about the rare earth issue. I'm wondering whether this doesn't in some way add up to a recognition that the landscape that you talked about at the beginning, the security landscape in Asia, may be changing in a more fundamental way with China both economically, politically, and militarily playing a bigger, more muscle-flexing role than it has historically. And if that's the case, do you need to think more creatively about what to do about security alliances in the region? I just wonder whether that was part of the discussion today.

And then more specifically, Madam Secretary, to follow up on Arshad, do you plan to bring up the rare earth issue specifically with Minister Dai? Would you be asking him for clarification?

And then lastly, the decision to add Hainan—you know I always ask three. The decision to add Hainan Island at the last minute to your itinerary, do you worry at all that it risks sending a signal of acquiescence on the U.S. side that you're going to meet the Chinese on their turf at their request? Is that the kind of signal that's appropriate to send at a time like this?

Secretary Clinton. Well, first of all, I think that the security environment is always evolving. The security environment of 2010 is not the security environment of 1960. Part of the durability of our alliance is that we have evolved over time without losing the core commitment that exists between the United States and Japan to support the stability and the peaceful cooperation in East Asia that has proven so successful for countries, including China, to take advantage of the opportunity to become more prosperous and to improve the lives of their people.

But this core alliance between Japan and the United States is absolutely imperative when it comes to what we can expect in terms of shaping the security environment, and we intend to not only remain committed to it but make sure that it keeps up with the demands that it faces.

Now, the relationship between Japan and China is a key relationship, and we want that relationship to be a positive one. And we encourage the kind of dialogue that is going on between Japan and China. Prime Minister Kan met with Premier Wen in Brussels. They will both continue the dialogue in the future. We'll all be together in Hanoi. So I think that this is part of the ongoing discussion that is necessary.

At the same time, we believe that there will be new challenges and new ways of thinking about those challenges that require us to deepen our dialogue, which is what the minister and I discussed and what President Obama will further discuss when he is in Yokohama. We need to be looking at all kinds of scenarios, all kinds of contingencies, work through responses to events that might occur in the future, and of course, stay focused on the threat posed from North Korea.

So I don't see that this is anything other than smart planning and careful analysis about how we can be even more effective together. Recent events certainly throw it into the headlines, but we work every day with our friends and partners in Japan.

With respect to the dialogue with State Councilor Dai Bingguo, we have an ongoing dialogue and there was an opportunity for us to meet in preparation for President Hu Jintao's visit which is going to occur in January, which is not very far from now, and therefore there is a lot of work that has to be done. We have a long list of issues to discuss. The information Arshad gave me about the statement from the Chinese Government today on rare earth minerals may shorten that discussion, but there is a lot to talk about in preparation for a state visit by President Hu Jintao.

Foreign Minister Maehara. There was a question about the Senkaku Islands and rare earth minerals. As I have been saying, Senkaku Islands, in terms of history and international law, are inherent territory of Japan and have—we have had (inaudible) control over the islands and will continue to do so.

Today, Secretary Clinton repeated that the Senkaku Islands would fall within the scope of the application of Article 5 of the bilateral security treaty. That was very encouraging. But of course, in the first instance, I think it is important for a country to defend its territory by itself. But through Japan-U.S. cooperation, not just in the interest of Japan's security but for the region's security, we shall continue to make our efforts. Today, we discussed that (inaudible) cautiously but closely cooperate on security situation in the region and we confirmed this, so we look forward to continuing to do so in the days ahead as well.

Now, Japan-China relations. Of course, Japan and China are neighbors and neither of the neighbors can move elsewhere. In fact, Japan and China became equals in terms of GDP. We are both number two economic powers in the world. And seen from the Japanese side, China is the number one importer and China is number one exporting country. And from—for the Chinese, it is—the largest imports come from Japan and the largest exports go to the United States. So we are both number ones and number two mutually, and so economically we are in a close economic interdependence with each other. So we need to take broader perspectives in order to further nurture our bilateral mutual beneficial relationship based on strategic interest and will continue to make efforts in that interest.

With regard to the rare earth minerals, as Secretary Clinton stated earlier, even if this problem did not exist, to rely for 97 percent of the—these resources on China, as we look back, was certainly not appropriate and therefore we have to diversify the sources of rare earth minerals. And here again, Japan and the United States will closely cooperate with each other in order to engage in more diversified rare earth minerals diplomacy.

Secretary Clinton. Thank you.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks in Hanoi, Vietnam

Secretary Clinton. Thank you very much, Foreign Minister. It is a pleasure to be back in Hanoi again and to have the honor of witnessing the completion of the major agreement between our nations. Boeing and Microsoft are two of America's great companies and the partnerships you have cemented today will provide tangible benefits both to Vietnamese and to Americans.

I'm also very pleased to see the agreement regarding the United Nations Convention Against Torture signed. This convention represents a decades-long commitment by the international community to respect human rights and dignity. The United States is honored to support the people of Vietnam as they reaffirm their commitment to this cause by ratifying this convention.

The agreement is a direct result of the dialogue on human rights between our two countries. Further proof that discussions of even difficult issues can produces real results.

As some of you know, this is my second visit to Hanoi this year and it is a sign of the importance that the United States places on our relationship with Vietnam, with Southeast Asia and with the entire Asia Pacific region. This week marks the first time ever that the United States has participated in an East Asia summit and I would like to thank Prime Minister Dung for inviting me to be a guest of the chair at this gathering. President Obama is looking forward to joining the East Asia Summit next year in Indonesia.

The United States is committed to engaging with the East Asia Summit over the long term, because we believe it can and should become a key forum for political and security issues in the Asia Pacific. The EAS also provides an opportunity to consult directly with leaders from across the region. I had a number of productive meetings last night and today with my counterparts and other leaders from South Korea, Russia, China, India, Vietnam, and others. I'd like to give a brief readout from my discussions both with the prime minister and the foreign minister.

It is clear that our countries have reached a level of cooperation that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. We have moved beyond a painful past and built a relationship that is built on mutual respect, friendship, and a common interest in a stable, secure, and prosperous Asia Pacific region. In our discussions, we reaffirmed our shared interest in working toward a strategic partnership and we covered a wide range of other issues. We talked about the importance of our growing cooperation on maritime security, search and rescue operations, and disaster relief.

This year's typhoons have been particularly devastating for the Vietnamese people, making our joint efforts in this area more urgent than ever. And like all friends of Vietnam, we were saddened by the tragic loss of life in the recent floods here and I want to extend my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones, homes, and businesses. As we cooperate more closely on disaster relief, we are broadening our security exchanges to include three annual dialogues that will strengthen our military to military ties and result in concrete benefits for the Vietnamese people.

We also had an excellent meeting this morning on the Lower Mekong Initiative and Vietnam is a real leader in looking for ways we can cooperate to mitigate against the environmental damage that is occurring in the Lower Mekong Basin.

On trade, our two countries have already made great progress. Fifteen years ago, our bilateral trade was about $450 million. Last year it was more than $ 15 billion. And the foreign minister and the prime minister and I talked about how to expand this trade relationship, including through the Transpacific Partnership. The United States, Vietnam, and seven other countries finished a third round of negotiations on the TPP this month and we hope that Vietnam can conclude it in internal process and announce its status as a full member of the partnership soon.

In health, the United States has provided substantial funding for Vietnam's efforts to strengthen its health system, and combat HIV/AIDS, Avian Flu, and emerging pandemic threats. Next year, we will start work on a $34 million project to remove the dioxin from the soil at Da Nang Airport, a legacy of the painful past we share, and a sign of the more hopeful future we are building together.

Climate change, as we head into negotiations in Cancun this November, we hope to work with Vietnam and other countries to build on the progress that we made in Copenhagen. In addition, at the meeting of the Lower Mekong Initiative, we discussed how to work together to adapt to the effects of a changing climate. And we had a very constructive discussion about the potential impact of building dams on the Lower Mekong. The United States has recommended a pause before major construction continues, and we will sponsor a study of this issue.

Now, although the partnership between our two countries is strong and getting stronger, as with all friends we have areas of disagreement. One of those areas concerns human rights. While the agreement we witnessed being signed today is certainly a step in the right direction, the United States remains concerned about the arrest and conviction of people for peaceful dissent, the attacks on religious groups, the curbs on Internet freedom, including of bloggers. Vietnam has so much potential, and we believe that political reform and respect for human rights are an essential part of realizing that potential.

The last time I was here, in July, we celebrated 15 years of relations between Vietnam and the United States. This time we celebrate 1,000 years for Hanoi as the capital of Vietnam. And I want to extend my congratulations to the citizens of this beautiful city, and my best wishes to all of the people of Vietnam. I look forward to working with you, and with the people of Vietnam, to expand our work, our partnership, and our friendship in the years to come. Thank you so much.

Secretary Clinton. Well, thank you, because we too believe that education is one of the most important parts of our relationship. And it is one where we have seen positive growth.

For the past three years, we have brought together Vietnamese and American academics, government leaders, private sector entrepreneurs to discuss how we can better collaborate in promoting education. During that time, the number of Vietnamese students studying in the United States has nearly tripled, rising to more than 13,000. And we are strongly supporting educational exchanges and academic collaboration, including through the Fulbright program and our English language program.

We also are committed to working with Vietnam as Vietnam reforms its education system, and fostering private U.S.-Vietnam education programs, including an American style university.

So, we think there is unlimited potential here. And in my two trips over the last four months I have had a number of young people tell me that they would love to study in the United States, they would love to learn English, and we want to help those young people achieve their goals.

Q. Hi, good afternoon. I am with NPR. China's government has expressed some displeasure about the U.S. role in the Diaoyu or Senkaku Islands dispute, including your remarks with Japanese Foreign Minister Maehara. I am wondering. Given the situation, what can the U.S. do, if anything, to act as a mediator or a broker in this situation?

I am also wondering if Foreign Minister Yang had any reassurances or clarifications to offer, as its been reported, on China's rare-earth exports policy? And also, does he have any suggestions of what China can do to break the impasse of North Korean nuclearization? Thank you.

Secretary Clinton. Well, first, with respect to the Senkaku Islands, the United States has never taken a position on sovereignty, but we have made it very clear that the islands are part of our mutual treaty obligations, and the obligation to defend Japan. We have certainly encouraged both Japan and China to seek peaceful resolution of any disagreements that they have in this area or others. It is in all of our interest for China and Japan to have stable, peaceful relations. And we have recommended to both that the United States is more than willing to host a trilateral, where we would bring Japan and China and their foreign ministers together to discuss a range of issues.

On the rare-earth minerals matter, the foreign minister, Minister Yang, clarified that China has no intention of withholding these minerals from the market. He said that he wanted to make that very clear. Now, the fact is that they're called rare-earth for a reason; they are rare. And the United States, along with other allies—Japan and Europe and elsewhere—are going to be looking for more resources and looking for more sources of these rare-earth minerals. So, while we're pleased by the clarification we received from the Chinese Government, we still think that the world, as a whole, needs to find alternatives and to find new sources, which we will be pursuing.

And, finally, I spoke at length with both President Lee of South Korea, with my Japanese counterpart when I met with him in Honolulu, and with Minister Yang on North Korea. This is a matter of great concern to all of us, and we continue to urge the North Koreans to return to the negotiating table, to pursue what they began in 2005, which were a series of commitments to take irreversible steps for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. So we stay in very close touch with our Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Russian counterparts to do what we can to try to move North Korea on to a more productive path.

Secretary Clinton. Well, when President Obama came into office and I became Secretary of State, one of our highest priorities was to reaffirm our commitment to the Asia-Pacific region. The United States is uniquely situated in the world as both an Atlantic and a Pacific power. And we not only wanted to deepen our bilateral relations, as we are with Vietnam, and as we have with other countries in the region, but we wanted to participate more actively in the regional institutions like ASEAN.

So, one of the very first trips that I made—actually, the first trip I made as Secretary of State—was to East Asia, including going to the ASEAN headquarters in Jakarta, and committing that the United States would accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, so that we could be a participant in the activities of the ASEAN regional forum, and make a real commitment to the ASEAN nations organization.

We also believe that the East Asia Summit, where you bring other countries in addition to the core ASEAN countries together to discuss political and security matters, is a very important forum for the United States to be part of. I said earlier today at the East Asia Summit meeting with the leaders that where issues of a political, economic, and security consequence are being discussed in the region, the United States wants to be there.

We were very pleased that Vietnam, as the chair of ASEAN in 2010, has facilitated our participation, and invited us as a guest of the Chair. And we were delighted when we were offered the chance, along with Russia, to join. The United States has deep, lasting relationships in the Asia-Pacific, and we want to be a good partner, a good friend, a good neighbor. And I think one of the ways we can demonstrate that is by being an active participant in organizations like the East Asia Summit.

Q. Thank you. This is a question for Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Khiem.

You mentioned you raised human rights issues and these recent arrests with the foreign minister. I am just interested in what he told you, and how you accepted the response. And maybe the foreign minister can talk about that.

And also, an interesting part of the evolving U.S.-Vietnamese relationship is the civil nuclear cooperation agreement. I was interested in what the status is of those negotiations, and if the U.S. will allow Vietnam to produce its own nuclear fuel enriched uranium, an element of that agreement. And I was interested in where that stands. Thank you.

Secretary Clinton. Human rights is an issue of great importance to the United States, and we regularly raise our concerns, as I did last evening with the Prime Minister, and again today with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. We not only raise this in general, but specifically with concerns regarding severe sentences for political activists, attacks on bloggers, restrictions on Internet freedom, and religious freedom, tightening control over research organizations and the media. We raise these at all levels, both here in Hanoi, and in Washington, including through our dialogue on human rights.

And as I said in my opening remarks, the signing of the Convention against Torture arose directly out of our dialogue on human rights. And I have been very reassured by the comment that the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have made, that they want to engage with the United States on these issues, that they want to hear from us and our views on these matters. And we will continue doing so consistently and over time, as we make the case that Vietnam's rise, which was so impressive in the economic arena, will become even more dramatic and sustainable as those economic gains are matched by improvements in political freedom and in human rights.

With respect to the status of the 123 negotiations, we concluded a memorandum of understanding on nuclear cooperation in March. And we are continuing our efforts to expand civil nuclear cooperation. We have not yet opened formal negotiations on the 123 agreement, but we look forward to doing so. In fact, President Obama's invitation to the Prime Minister to attend the nuclear security summit in Washington last April was one indication of the importance we attach to our cooperation with Vietnam in this area, and we look forward to making progress on it.

Secretary Clinton delivered these remarks in Wellington, New Zealand

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks in an interview with Duncan Garner of New Zealand's TV3in Christchurch, New Zealand

Q. Madam Secretary, thank you for joining us and giving us your time today. I just want to start by looking at the strategic partnership launched yesterday. Has it—in your view, has it simply taken too long to get to that following on from the breakup of ANZUS 26 years ago?

Secretary Clinton. Well, I'm glad that we're where we are right now. It took 25 years. And I think that we continued to cooperate in many areas, but I wanted formally to essentially end that period and look to the future, and the Wellington Declaration does that.

Q. Is it a vindication of New Zealand's stance all those years ago?

Secretary Clinton. Well, I think it's a recognition that two nations, like two people, are not going to agree on everything. But it's not as though we didn't continue working together. We work together in Afghanistan, we work on climate change, we work in the Antarctic. We work so closely in so many areas. We have a very vigorous trade and investment relationship. So it was important to put a period on that time and to say, look, in effect we've been working together, but now we're going to look for new opportunities going forward.

Q. You talked yesterday about military exercises, a return to those. When do you expect—I mean, I know they've been happening on a smaller scale.

Secretary Clinton. They have, right.

Q. Whereabouts have they been happening?

Secretary Clinton. Well, there's training that goes on with your people in Afghanistan. We have exchanges of military and defense officials. Your defense white paper that was just published made it very clear that New Zealand wants to deepen and broaden that relationship, and we're very open to it.

Q. And you expect to see more of these exercises?

Secretary Clinton. I would think so. But again, I'm going to leave that to our respective defense experts. They will work through the details of how to operationalize that.

Q. I wanted to ask, what can New Zealand actually offer the region practically? I mean, you've talked about the New Zealand-U.S. partnership in the Pacific. What is it that we can do with you in the Pacific?

Secretary Clinton. There are so many areas where we are cooperating, but we need to do even more together. For example, we are working on a renewable energy initiative in the Pacific Islands. You have so many of these small islands totally dependent on imported fuel. That's economically a dead end, it's environmentally a dead end, and we can bring the expertise that New Zealand and the United States have already demonstrated with our wind turbine project in Antarctica.

We can work on helping to improve the development prospects. In fact, I've talked with your ministers about clean water, waste disposal, healthcare, education, to really demonstrate that the United States and New Zealand together care about the people of the Pacific Islands.

Secretary Hillary Clinton conducted this interview with Guy on Espiner of TV New Zealand in Christchurch, New Zealand

Q. Well, Secretary Clinton, thank you very much for making time for us. We really appreciate that. The headline that you created in one New Zealand newspaper was “Clinton Crushes 25 Years of Ice.”

Do you feel that that is what happened yesterday?

Secretary Clinton. I think we've always had a very close relationship on so many issues, and it was important for me to demonstrate that very vividly. We work together on everything from climate change and renewable energy to nonproliferation—our soldiers are working together in Afghanistan—and just on so many fronts.

But I do think there was the perhaps lingering impression that for whatever reason, the last 25 years had served as an obstacle to our close partnership, and I'm glad that the ice is crushed or melted or whatever the metaphor might be.

Q. And as you say, metaphor and a lot of symbolism in the news today, but what about the practical impact of this close relationship? You said in Hawaii on the 28^th of October, and I'll quote you, that the United States had created new parameters for military cooperation with New Zealand. What are those new parameters?

Secretary Clinton. Well, those, of course, will be defined and developed by our defense experts. But New Zealand has just published its own defense white paper, which is very far-ranging in their understanding of the threats that we all face. I have talked with the defense secretary and others in your military establishment, and they'll be working closely with our counterparts in the United States to put some meat on the bones.

Q. So do you expect there to be more training, I guess, if I can put it—

Secretary Clinton. Yes, I think more training, more sharing of lessons learned. We're very admiring of New Zealand's military presence and the peacekeeping work that you do, for example, in the Solomon Islands. That is certainly an impression that is very highly held with respect to the work that you're doing in the PRT and your special forces in Afghanistan. Earlier today, I went to the War Memorial in Wellington and I met veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, people serving today. And a lot of the World War II veterans were telling me that they had flown with American squadrons, they had trained with American service members.

So I think that there is a closeness, but we need to update it. We need to make sure that we're looking toward the future, not the past.

Q. And given that closeness, why not simply lift the presidential directive and resume business as usual in terms of military training?

Secretary Clinton. Well, we're moving in a very positive direction, but I know there are sensitivities that exist in your country and mine. And we want to be sure we're on very firm ground so that the steps we take are both warranted and well regarded.

Q. Before I leave that subject of the sensitive ground, the nuclear issue, as far as I understand it, U.S. Navy warships don't carry nuclear weapons. It's the nuclear power that prevents them from coming into New Zealand waters. Now, given the widespread use of nuclear energy—in fact, even as a clean energy in this age of climate change, do you find it a little bit amusing that New Zealand refuses to have entry from U.S. warships which have nuclear power?

Secretary Clinton. Well, that's, of course, a decision for New Zealand to make. But our ships that are nuclear-powered have proven over time to be very reliable, very safe, and we're proud of their record. But again, we're taking this on an ongoing evaluative basis, so let's look toward the future.

Q. Does that mean you would like to see the return of a U.S. Navy ship?

Secretary Clinton. Well, that's something that is really up to the Government and people of New Zealand.

Q. Let's look at an area where we do have more cooperation, I guess, and that is Afghanistan. New Zealand's special forces troops are in Kabul and due to pull out in March of next year. Would you like them to stay longer?

Secretary Clinton. Well, of course, we would like them, if that's possible. But again, that's a decision for New Zealand because they are very highly regarded. They work extremely professionally, along with our troops and other NATO-ISAF members.

We're making progress on the ground. I think that the operational integration of the buildup in troops that the United States has made along with some of our other partners has demonstrated a capacity to really change the situation there. So we have a high regard for New Zealand and the troops that you deploy there. And of course, we would like them to stay as long as you have them stay.

Q. Just in the last couple of minutes that we have, I'd like to turn to trade. New Zealand has free trade agreements with China. It's beginning negotiations with Russia. I mean, in this time where those former communist countries have opened up their economies to New Zealand, some in New Zealand would find it unusual that America—that we share such close historical and cultural ties—has rebuffed New Zealand attempts to have a free trade agreement with the United States. What would be your response to that?

Secretary Clinton. Well, first of all, we have such a vigorous trade relationship. I don't know the exact figures, but a significant percentage of all of New Zealand's exports go to the United States. In return, we have many of our companies—excuse me—operating here in New Zealand employing the citizens of this country. And we're working together on what we think is a very exciting development, the Trans Pacific Partnership, which will be a multi-country trade agreement.

We both have decided to work on that first. That doesn't rule in, rule out any kind of bilateral agreement. But given how strong our relationship already is, opening up markets across the Pacific to each of us simultaneously through the TPP, we think, makes a great deal of sense.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks with Minister Kevin Michael Rudd in Melbourne, Australia

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Melbourne, Australia

Secretary Clinton. The United States is deeply disappointed by today's elections in Burma. The generals who have ruled the country for the past 22 years missed an opportunity to begin genuine transition toward democratic governance and national reconciliation.

The electoral process was severely flawed, precluded an inclusive, level playing field, and repressed fundamental freedoms. As a result, the elections were neither free nor fair. We were concerned by the regime's refusal to allow international journalists and election observers to monitor or cover the voting. Reports of intentional Internet slowdowns, voter intimidation, and fraudulent “advance voting” schemes were also very troubling.

The United States stands steadfastly with the Burmese people who aspire for a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Burma that respects human rights and the rule of law. To that end, we will continue to pursue parallel strategies of pressure and principled engagement. The United States remains open to future possibilities of dialogue with Burma's leaders. We will continue our call for respect for human rights, immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and dialogue toward national reconciliation. Absent progress on these core concerns, we will maintain rigorous sanctions against members of the regime and their supporters. We will continue to work closely with the international community, including at the United Nations and in other international forums such as ASEAN, to pursue accountability and bring an end to human rights abuses.

The United States is committed to helping the Burmese people through increased humanitarian assistance that targets those in desperate need and builds local capacity. Burma's leaders must come to realize—after five decades of sustained internal conflict, economic mismanagement, and international pariah status—that Burma needs a better way forward, a way that does not rely on suppression but rather strives to create a truly democratic and prosperous future for the Burmese people.

Secretary Hillary Clinton, Secretary Robert Gates, Minister Kevin Michael Rudd, and Minister Stephen Francis Smith delivered these remarks in Melbourne, Australia

Secretary Hillary Clinton and Secretary Robert Gates authored this Op-ed in the Sydney Morning Herald

Secretary Clinton and Secretary Gates.

Today we will convene in Melbourne for the 25th anniversary of the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations. It is an occasion to reflect on the strength and resiliency of our alliance—a bond between two democracies of shared culture, interests, and values—while moving ahead together to advance those interests and values in the years to come.

Consider that American and Australian troops have fought side by side in every big conflict of the past century. In the Asia-Pacific, the U.S. and Australia are standing shoulder to shoulder on issues ranging from North Korea's nuclear program to defending freedom of movement and commerce in international waters.

In Afghanistan, Australia is once more punching well above its weight, with the largest non-NATO deployment of combat troops. Australia has taken a leading role in Oruzgan province and is helping to put the country on a path to providing for its own security by building the capacity of the Afghan National Army and Police. Americans honour the service of our Australian allies and we know it comes with painful sacrifice.

We recognise, as do our allies and partners, that the road ahead in Afghanistan will not be easy—or short. As the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, said recently, while the Afghan Government will begin taking the lead on security for some provinces next year, the international community will remain engaged in Afghanistan for years to come to combat violent extremist networks, strengthen the rule of law and promote economic development. This commitment is essential to ensure that the country does not again become a safe haven for violent extremists of global reach.

Today's security environment in Asia presents a new and complex mix of challenges: the emergence of rising powers; the proliferation of dangerous weapons and materials; the age-old scourge of piracy; and the threat of violent extremism. As a Pacific nation, the U.S. is committed to meeting these challenges and defending our interests in Asia. Our future will continue to be tied to Asia's success. This is one reason we are enhancing our defence presence and posture in the Pacific, including the modernisation of our basing arrangements and our air, naval and missile defence capabilities.

We are also practising “forward-deployed” diplomacy, sending our diplomats and development experts into every corner of the region to bolster our relations with partners and allies, regional institutions, and the people of Asia themselves.

The U.S. military partnership with Australia will continue to play a vital role, defending against present threats while preparing for those on or beyond the horizon.

Together, our militaries are keeping the seas safe from piracy, protecting our computer networks and infrastructure from cyber attacks, and finding more effective ways to respond to natural disasters. This week's meeting in Melbourne will lead to the signing of a Space Situational Awareness Partnership Statement of Principles, which we expect will lead to even greater cooperation on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Australia is a valuable partner in development of the Joint Strike Fighter, the backbone of our air combat power for the next generation. We also applaud Australia's ambitious plan to enhance its maritime capabilities through the acquisition of new air warfare destroyers and submarines.

The importance of the U.S.-Australia alliance extends to all elements of national power and international cooperation, efforts that will shape a more stable, prosperous region, governed by international norms and the rule of law. Our nations understand the growing imperative for Australia and America to work together, not just bilaterally but also multilaterally, through institutions such as ASEAN, the East Asia Summit and APEC.

Among the greatest tests of our leadership in this new age is our ability to mobilise common action to solve shared problems. So across South-East Asia, the U.S. and Australia are working together with our partners to confront the region's humanitarian, developmental and environmental challenges.

On issues ranging from disaster relief and maritime security to violence against women, we are stepping up our efforts and looking for innovative solutions. Part of that commitment is helping the Pacific Island nations create sustainable economic development, improve healthcare, crack down on illegal fishing and respond to the effects of climate change.

The diplomatic, military and economic ties between our two countries have never been more important—to the security and well-being not just of our own citizens but regionally and globally as well.

Drawing wisdom and inspiration from what we have achieved together, the U.S. and Australia stand ready to confront the challenges of this new century, just as we overcome the threats and obstacles of the last.

President Barack Obama and President Hu Jintao delivered these remarks in Seoul, Republic of Korea

President Obama. Just to address the press very quickly. It's wonderful to see President Hu once again. We were just noting that it's the seventh time we've had an opportunity to meet. And the U.S.- China relationship I think has become stronger over the last several years.

We've been discussing a whole range of not only bilateral issues but world issues. And as two leading nuclear powers, obviously, we have a special obligation to deal with issues of nuclear proliferation. As two of the world's leading economies, we've got a special obligation to deal with ensuring strong, balanced and sustainable growth.

I am very much looking forward to hosting President Hu in Washington. And in the meantime, we have created a structure—a Strategic and Economic Dialogue, in which our teams have been working on a whole range of issues. And we're seeing significant progress.

So I look forward to this meeting and I'm glad to see you again.

President Hu Jintao. The Chinese side stands ready to work with the U.S. side to increase dialogue, exchanges, and cooperation so that we can move forward the China-U.S. relationship on a positive, cooperative and comprehensive track.

I'd like to thank President Obama for inviting me to visit the United States early next year. The competent departments in our two countries are making preparations for the visit. I hope and do believe that the visit will be successful.

This evening the G20 Seoul Summit will be opened. I believe that with the concerted efforts of all the parties, the summit in Seoul will produce positive outcomes.

President Barack Obama and Minister Julia Gillard delivered these remarks in Yokohama, Japan

President Obama. Well, let me just say very briefly, I've had a chance to speak previously with Prime Minister Gillard on the phone. It is a wonderful opportunity for me to meet her during the course of both the G20 and now in our first face-to-face meeting. The United States does not have a closer or better ally than Australia. We are grateful for all the work that we do together.

I expressed my personal thanks to the people of Australia through the Prime Minister for the enormous sacrifices that are being made in Afghanistan by Australian troops. We, I think, are going to be discussing these issues further when we see each other at the Lisbon summit. But obviously all of us have an interest in bringing about a good outcome in that region that ensures our safety and security over the long term.

On the economic front, I reiterated to the Prime Minister how important the Asia Pacific region is to our economy and to world economic growth. Australia is a central player in that economy. And so we are going to continue to explore ways that we can work together to expand trade, expand investment, ensure that everybody is playing by the rules of the road in the region, and cooperating effectively. The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a good example of the kind of collaboration between our two countries that I think can expand opportunity for all peoples.

So I am just grateful to have this opportunity to speak with the Prime Minister. I've extended an invitation to her to visit the United States sometime early next year, and we'll find a date, and hopefully we can build on some of the discussions that we've already had to further enhance our bilateral cooperation.

So, Prime Minister, thank you and to your entire delegation for the good work that you've done. And I look forward to seeing you in Washington.

Prime Minister Gillard. Thank you. And I have to say to President Obama—we've had the opportunity to be at the G20 over the last few days and had the opportunity for a few brief discussions there and we will see each other in Lisbon next weekend. Our two countries are great mates, to use our terminology, and as great mates we are continuing to work together in our region and beyond.

We have had the opportunity to talk about Afghanistan, and I do want to take this opportunity to pass on the condolences of the Australian people for the losses that you have suffered there. But we are working together there and will have time next weekend at Lisbon to talk about the transition strategy.

We've also had the opportunity to reflect on the discussions we had at AUS?I? about the American force posture review and the work that we are doing on new challenges like cybersecurity. And we've had the opportunity to talk about our engagement in the region, where the U.S. engagement is strengthening through forums like the East Asia Summit.

And we are on the same page on trade, so we very much look forward to the discussions of the Trans-Pacific Partnership during the course of the APEC meetings.

So a very good opportunity to have a good discussion about the areas where our two countries are collaborating now and—for the future. Thank you.

President Barack Obama and Minister Naoto Kan delivered these remarks in Yokohama, Japan

Prime Minister Kan. First of all, I'd like to welcome President Obama warmly to Japan. Exactly one year ago, the President visited Japan on the first leg of his visit to Asia, and I'm very happy to welcome him here in Yokohama as he visits Japan once again, this time to wrap up his Asia trip, during which he's visited many Asian countries.

We were able to have a very fruitful discussion today. First, Japan and the United States, at this meeting of APEC, of pan-Pacific countries, we shall step up our cooperation. So we agreed on doing that. And in Japan's relations with China and Russia, recently we've faced some problems, and the United States has supported Japan throughout, so I expressed my appreciation to him for that.

For the peace and security of the countries in the region, the presence of the United States and the presence of the U.S. military I believe is becoming only increasingly important. And that is not only my sense but I think the sense of many countries, many neighboring countries in this region. So that is one point that I made to him.

And we discussed various issues between Japan and the United States, including host-nation support and we are producing agreements on Okinawa. Following the conclusion of the gubernatorial election in Okinawa, I shall be making my maximum efforts on the basis of the May 28th Japan-U.S. agreement, and that I shall be making my utmost efforts. That is what I told the President as well.

On the economic front, with regard to comprehensive economic partnership agreement, I explained that Japan is steering significantly towards opening up itself and that he stated he would welcome this.

With regard to TPP, of course we have to also consider the other participating countries, but we would like to get down to consultations with the participating countries of TPP. And the President also expressed his support that—will support our efforts or consultations in order to glean information about TPP.

We did engage in very broad-ranging discussions as the changes may take place around the world. I believe it is important that countries around the world comply with the internationally accepted rules. And the President suggested that Japan is a model country in that respect.

And on the question of permanent membership on the Security Council of the U.N. in the future, the President also stated his support for Japan.

Next year, sometime in the coming spring, the President kindly invited me to visit Washington, D.C. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Japan-U.S. Security Pact. By the time I visit Washington, D.C., I hope I will be able to issue a joint statement which is very broad-ranging, and so we agreed that we'll launch working-level efforts towards that end.

Tomorrow, the President will be visiting Kamakura to, I understand, enjoy his good, old memories. And I wish him a very pleasant stay so that he'll be able to return to the United States with pleasant memories of this trip.

President Obama. Thank you very much, Prime Minister Kan, for your warm welcome and hospitality. And to the people of Yokohama, it is wonderful to be here. Japan was my first stop in Asia as President last year, and it is a pleasure to be back for the APEC summit. And I'm very appreciative to all the people of Japan and send warm regards from the American people.

As allies for half a century, the partnership between Japan and the United States has been the foundation for our security and our prosperity—not only for our two countries, but also for the region. It's allowed us to become two of the world's largest economies. It has made Japan the second largest trading partner outside of North America.

We are bound by our people—our families, our businesses, students and tourists who bring us closer every day. We are partners in Asia and around the world. And as Prime Minister Kan noted, I expressed my deep appreciation for the fact that Japan is really a model citizen internationally and works in support of international rules and norms that can make all of us more prosperous and more secure. And so I'm very grateful for this partnership.

And as Prime Minister said, we had a very productive meeting on a whole range of challenges that we face together. We are deepening our economic relationship. I'm pleased that the Open Skies Agreement that enters into force today will expand air service between our two countries and strengthen the ties between our peoples and our businesses.

We're launching new partnerships in pursuit of the clean energy economies of the future. Following our work together, at the G20, the Prime Minister and I discussed our close cooperation in APEC and I thanked him for the hard work that Japan has done in preparation for our meetings here.

I have a special interest in a successful summit, since I will be the host of the next APEC meeting in Honolulu next year.

We discussed the need to expand trade and open markets across the region. I very much welcomed the Prime Minister's interest in liberalizing trade and his promotion of domestic reforms. He explained that these steps could put Japan on the road to membership in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and I very much welcomed Japan's interests. And we agreed that our government will be consulting closely on these matters in the months to come.

With regard to our shared security, we affirmed our commitment to our alliance, which marks its 50th anniversary this year. Five decades of experience make this clear: Japan and the United States are stronger when we stand together. I'm pleased that our teams have completed an agreement in principle outlining Japan's commitment to host-nation support, including continued financial investments in the alliance.

And, Mr. Prime Minister, I want to thank you for this important demonstration of Japan's commitment to our alliance and to regional peace and stability.

The commitment of the United States to the defense of Japan is unshakeable. Our alliances, bases, and forward presence are essential not only to Japan's security, but as Prime Minister noted, they help us ensure stability and address regional challenges across Northeast Asia.

For this reason, the Prime Minister and I agreed to keep moving forward on our roadmap on realignment so that we can meet Japan's defense needs and also address the needs of Japanese communities that host our bases. And I'm confident that we can continue to work together to ensure both.

As partners around the world, we reviewed the range of security challenges we face together, including our cooperation on the prevention of the spread of nuclear weapons and the need to secure the world's vulnerable nuclear materials. I discussed our progress in Afghanistan and expressed my appreciation to Japan. Japan is the largest donor of assistance for reconstruction and development. And I told the Prime Minister how much we value Japan's willingness to accept the obligations of leadership, including its contributions to the United Nations.

And as the Prime Minister noted, we discussed the issue of Security Council reform. I reiterated our longstanding view that Japan stands as a model of the kind of country we would want to see as a permanent member of the Security Council and I look forward to a reformed Security Council that includes Japan as a permanent member.

Finally, I'm delighted that the Prime Minister has accepted my invitation to visit the United States in the first half of next year. We've instructed our governments to intensify their efforts to deepen and modernize our alliance, and I hope that by the time the Prime Minister arrives in Washington we'll be able to lay out a joint vision that can guide our partnership for decades to come.

Just to close, the Prime Minister mentioned that as a young boy I had the occasion to visit Japan, including touring the Amida Buddha at Kamakura. I am looking forward to an opportunity to return tomorrow and again experience the extraordinary aspects of Japanese culture.

So, again, to all the people of Japan, thank you so much for your hospitality and your friendship. And, Mr. President, I'm very much looking forward to us working together not only at this summit but on a whole range of bilateral issues in the years to come.

Thank you.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks with Minister Seiji Maehara and Minister Kim Sung-hwan in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. Good afternoon. I am delighted to have both Minister Maehara of Japan and Minister Kim of the Republic of Korea here for these consultations and this historic trilateral meeting that underscores the strength of our shared commitment to advancing regional peace, prosperity, and stability. These discussions illustrate the importance of the deep bilateral relationships that the United States has with Japan and South Korea, as well as the value of the partnership between Japan and South Korea. Such strong relationships are the foundation for the unified position that our countries are taking with respect to North Korea.

We all agree that North Korea's provocative and belligerent behavior jeopardizes peace and stability in Asia. We are deeply concerned by its unprovoked attack on the island of Yeonpyeong, resulting in the loss of South Korean lives. On behalf of the American people, I would like to convey our sympathies to the victims and their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We want the people of South Korea to know that we are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you, and we are deeply committed to your defense.

The minister and I share the view that the attack by the North Koreans violates the Armistice Agreement of 1953; that North Korea's provocative and belligerent behavior threatens us all, and that it will be met with solidarity from all three countries.

The attack is the latest in a series of North Korean provocations. It has disclosed a uranium enrichment program that violates UN Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874, as well as North Korea's commitments under the September 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks. And the sinking of the Cheonan, killing 46 South Korean sailors, deepened North Korea's international isolation.

From day one of the Obama Administration, we have made clear that North Korea needs to change. The international community has repeatedly presented North Korean leadership with a path toward greater engagement and integration, but thus far they have chosen the path of confrontation and isolation. The path to a better relationship and a secure and prosperous future is still open to North Korea if it makes the right choices. We remain committed to seeking opportunities for dialogue. But we will not reward North Korea for shattering the peace or defying the international community.

This trilateral meeting reaffirmed the steps that North Korea must take in order for a resumption of Six-Party Talks to produce results. North Korea must improve relations with the Republic of Korea and cease its provocative behavior. North Korea must also comply with its international obligations and take concrete steps to implement its denuclearization commitments under the September 2005 Joint Statement.

As part of our comprehensive strategy going forward, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mullen will lead a delegation to South Korea tonight to enhance coordination on strategic deterrence. He will then visit Tokyo. Next week, I will be sending a high-level team to Asia to follow up on today's meeting.

The ministers and I are also in close consultation with China and Russia. I have emphasized to my Chinese colleagues that China, as a vital partner in maintaining regional stability, a country with unique and strong ties with North Korea, and chair of the Six-Party Talks, has a special role to play in helping to shape North Korea's behavior. We will continue to work closely with Beijing, Moscow, and the rest of the international community to fully implement UN Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874.

Last night, President Obama spoke with Chinese President Hu. They reaffirmed the importance of a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. And we appreciate Beijing's initiative to propose an emergency Six-Party gathering. However, we first need an appropriate basis for the resumption of talks. Any effort, of course, must start with North Korea ceasing all provocative and belligerent behavior.

The U.S. treaty alliances with Japan and the Republic of Korea have been the foundation for peace and stability in Asia for decades, and the Japan-South Korea partnership helps form a triangle of stability and cooperation. The ministers and I reaffirmed our steadfast commitments under our respective defense treaties. In addition, on Friday, the Republic of Korea and the United States, completed negotiations on a landmark Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement that will further strengthen the bonds between our two countries.

These strong bilateral relationships are now enhancing our trilateral cooperation, as well as all of our countries’ relationships with China. The United States is encouraged by steps that China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea have taken to deepen their bilateral ties, because we believe that strong relationships among all four countries are an essential element of peace and stability in Asia.

The ministers and I also released a joint trilateral statement that provides a framework to enhance regional cooperation and collaboration. It articulates key principles for expanding trilateral cooperation not only on the Korean Peninsula, but in the Lower Mekong, supporting Middle East—the Middle East peace process, enforcing UN sanctions to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions. And most importantly, we are in agreement to continue working closely together and to hold additional regular trilateral interactions. There is a lot at stake and we are committed to working through all the challenges that we face together.

Let me please now turn this over to Minister Maehara.

Foreign Minister Maehara. Secretary Clinton, thank you very much. A spate of incidents that has been shaking the region and following that spate of provocations, the United States Government and especially Secretary Clinton has organized this meeting, and I would like to express my special gratitude to Secretary Clinton.

Recent shelling to—of Yeonpyeong Island where unarmed citizens live, this armed attack by North Korea—there is no reason for us to—we can find no reason to legitimize that attack, and we'd like to express our heartfelt condolences to the people of Korea who have been attacked. And I would like to express our strong support for the very calm and restrained response that the government and people of the Republic of Korea have taken in spite of such attack. And I would like to also very strongly condemn North Korea for having taken such an act. And I also seek the action on the part of DPRK in the first place to deal with the situation.

We also share great concern with regard to the uranium enrichment program that was unveiled. This plan is a clear violation of the UN Security Council Resolutions 1714 and 1874 and also is a clear violation of the joint statement of the Six Parties of 2005. DPRK—we strongly condemn North Korea for their clear violation of the Security Council resolutions and the joint statement, and also we demand North Korea to sincerely act in accordance with the commitment they made for the denuclearization of the peninsula.

I would call on DPRK to comply with the Security Council resolutions and the joint statement of the Six-Party Talks. And we also agree that there's a need for concrete action by DPRK. Also, the three countries agree that we would hope that China, which chairs the Six-Party Talks, to play an even greater role in relation to North Korea. We also agree to step up coordination and cooperation with the international community, including China and Russia. At this meeting, we confirmed that Japan, U.S., and ROK will, with a strong determination, keep up their close coordination in order to prevent further escalation of the situation from the perspective of peace and stability of Northeast Asia.

Last but not the least, I would like to express our respect to U.S. and ROK for finally achieving agreement on the bilateral trade agreement—free trade agreement after negotiations.

Foreign Minister Kim. First of all, I would like to express appreciation to Secretary Clinton for inviting Minister Maehara and myself to Washington, D.C., and for a warm welcome. This is my first visit since I came into office, and I believe my meeting with Secretary Clinton and Minister Maehara were most timely in meeting the challenges posed by North Korea. I also wish to thank the two ministers for expressing their sincere condolences to the victims of the attack on—of the Yeonpyeong Island.

The ministers of our three countries firmly share the view that North Korea's armed attack poses a grave threat to the peace and security of not only the Korean Peninsula, but also the entire Asian-Pacific region, and agree to enhance collaboration and consultation on North Korean policy.

We, the three ministers, agreed that North Korea's shelling of Yeonpyeong Island is an unlawful act in clear violation of the UN charter, Korean Armistice Agreement of 1953 and basic agreement, and call on North Korea to cease its provocative behavior. We also share the view that North Korea will face severe consequences if it engages further provocations. We also underscored that North Korea's uranium enrichment program is a clear violation of UN Security Council resolution as well as the joint statement of the September 2005, and reaffirmed that we will continue our efforts to realize the common goals of complete and verifiable denuclearization of North Korea. We also reaffirmed that in order for the heads of delegations of the Six-Party Talks to get together, the appropriate circumstances must be put in place first, such as North Korea's demonstration of its sincerity towards the continued denuclearization with action.

Based on close coordination among the Republic of Korea, U.S., and Japan in dealing with North Korea, including the nuclear issue, the ministers agreed to make efforts to closely cooperate with other members of the Six-Party Talks. Building on the outcomes of today's meeting, I look forward to having close consultations with our partners on various levels, as well as further enhancing our trilateral cooperation. Thank you.

Q. Thank you, P.J. (Inaudible) from Yonhop News Agency. So Madam Secretary and Minister Kim, you are rejecting China's proposal for emergency meeting of chief nuclear envoys this month. And are you considering bringing North Korea's attack on South Korean Yeongpyeong Island and its uranium project to the UN Security Council?

Also, what do you think of the criticism that unlike Clinton Administration, the Obama Administration closely follows the Bush Administration's hardline policy on North Korea, maybe a bit stronger policy, to prompt North Korea to increase its nuclear arsenal and other provocations?

And my last question is: Have you discussed anything on Korea FTA's ratification today? Thank you.

Secretary Clinton. First, let me say that with regard to an emergency meeting with members of the Six-Party Talks, North Korea first needs to take concrete steps to demonstrate a change of behavior. The Six-Party Talks cannot substitute for action by North Korea to comply with its obligations.

As you've already heard, North Korea should abide by the terms of the armistice, fulfill its requirements under the joint statement, and comply with all of its obligations under United Nations Security Council resolutions. They need to demonstrate a seriousness of purpose in ending their provocations and let the world know that they are now ready to come to the table and fulfill the commitments that they have already made. Because the Six-Party Talks cannot substitute for specific actions by North Korea to comply with all of its obligations.

We have discussed a range of all the issues connected with our actions going forward. We're in consultation at the United Nations with members there, and we certainly did discuss the very important Korean Free Trade Agreement, because we think it's so much in the interests of both of our countries, and we are going to be working together to expedite it with our respective governments and legislatures as quickly as possible.

Foreign Minister Maehara. Thank you very much.

Secretary Clinton. Thank you very much.

Foreign Minister Kim. Thank you.

Secretary Clinton delivered these remarks in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Tonga on taking another step toward democracy with the election of Noble Lord Tu'ivakano as Prime Minister. This selection marks the culmination of Tonga's first democratic parliamentary elections, and demonstrates the ongoing commitment of King George Tupou V and the people of Tonga to promoting democratic reforms. We look forward to working with the Prime Minister and people of Tonga as we continue to deepen the friendship between our countries.