Washington’s Man in Thailand Discusses Obama’s Asia Policies

By THE IRRAWADDY

In a wide ranging interview with The Irrawaddy, US Ambassador to Thailand Eric G John spoke about what Asia and the countries of Asean in particular can expect from the foreign policy program of Barack Obama’s presidency. He also confirmed that the Obama administration will review Washington’s policy on Burma.

Question: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s recent visit to Asia was seen by many as a sign that President Obama wants to focus his foreign policy on this region. What can the US do to improve its relations with Asia, particularly Asean?

Answer: We’ve had a long-standing relationship with Asean, one that spans more than 30 years. I understand the perception recently may be that we have not paid enough attention to Asia or Asean, but a closer look will reveal that we have always been engaged with this region. During the last administration, we established the US-Asean Enhanced Partnership, and we have taken definitive steps to improve bilateral cooperation with many Asean members in recent years.

Having said that, the Obama administration has sent a clear signal of its intention to make relations with Asia an even greater priority. Last month, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton made her first official overseas visit as Secretary of State to Asia, the first time this has happened in nearly 50 years. During her tour of Asia, Secretary Clinton became the first US Secretary of State—and the highest ranking US official—to visit the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia. I believe that her visit to Asean’s headquarters marks a new era in US-Asean relations, and one that will see unprecedented engagement between the United States and Asean member countries.

As Secretary Clinton announced in Jakarta, President Obama and his administration will soon launch a formal interagency process to pursue accession to Asean’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. This is a major step forward in our relationship with Asean. The Secretary also told Asean Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan that she plans to travel to Thailand in July to participate in the Asean Post-Ministerial and Asean Regional Forum. The US Ambassador for Asean Affairs and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Scot A Marciel—the first such ambassador appointed among Asean’s 10 dialogue partners—represented Washington at the Asean Summit in Cha-am, Thailand February 27-28. The participation of these high-level US government officials in these critical regional fora certainly reflects the importance we place on our relationship with Asean.

Looking forward, there will be many opportunities for the US and Asean to work together. The economic development and well-being of all Asean nations is of great importance to the United States and increasing trade with Asean will be a key objective for the new Obama administration. The United States provides a huge market for Asean’s exports. In 2007, we purchased US $111 billion in Asean goods. US private sector investment in Asean exceeds $130 billion, more than in China, Japan or India. In turn, the United States each year exports more than $60 billion in goods to Asean, our fourth largest market.

In addition to trade, the United States will also look to partner with Asean to make progress on climate change, counterterrorism, disease control, the situation in Burma, disaster relief and many other issues of importance to the region. The US and Thailand will co-chair the Asean Regional Forum Intersessional process on Disaster Relief Management, for instance. I am certain that under President Obama and Secretary Clinton’s leadership the US-Asean partnership will strengthen an already vigorous relationship, and we will engage in dialogue and action with Asean to address the full range of these issues in the months and years to come.


Q: Many export-dependent countries in Asia are worried about the “Buy American” provision in the recent stimulus package. How do you respond to concerns about protectionism? Will Asian companies benefit from stimulus-related projects in the US?

A: I think we can look to recent statements by Secretary Clinton to gauge the reality of concerns about a move towards protectionism. During her tour of Asia, Secretary Clinton said that the global financial crisis requires every nation to look inward for solutions, but that none of us can afford to become so introspective that we overlook the critical role that international partnerships must play in stabilizing the world’s economy and putting all of us back on the path to prosperity. The Obama administration is committed to making sure that even as the US government takes steps to strengthen the economy that we are doing so in a way that actually will enhance the ability of trading partners, like those in Asia, to work with us in addressing this global economic crisis.

The Recovery Act that was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009, is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart the U.S. economy. The Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any in the last half century, and includes a range a measures aimed at getting the US economy back on track. The legislation ensures that it will be implemented consistent with US obligations under international agreements. The G20 leaders pledged last November to refrain from raising new barriers to trade in good and services, and no new barriers to trade are being raised now. Neither has our approach to forging reciprocity in procurements practices over the past decade changed with the enactment of the Act. The “buy American” provisions, as signed into law, specifically ensure that many of our trading partners, including Canada, the EU, and Japan, will continue to have access to procurement under the new stimulus package in accordance with our international obligations either under the World Trade Organization (WTO) or through our Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Let me take a moment to touch on this issue in the context of US-Thai trade relations. I want to stress that the financial crisis will not affect relations between our two countries. The breadth and depth of our relationship stands unchanged, and we will continue to trade and invest in Thailand as before. We will work together closely to deal with the effects of the crisis. Thailand has long been a favorite destination for US investors. Our trade totals over $30 billion per year and accumulated investment is estimated at over $23 billion, and promoting this healthy trade relationship will remain a focus of the US Mission here in Thailand.

In these difficult economic times, US investment in Thailand is dropping a bit, as is investment throughout the region. That said, Thailand remains an attractive destination for US investors and part of my job is to promote and protect US commercial interests. In so doing, we are working with the Thai government to help create a positive investment environment. This includes respect for protecting intellectual property rights, opening markets, reducing corruption and, perhaps most importantly, improving customs laws. One of the biggest obstacles to foreign investment in Thailand, and not just for American businesses, is its archaic customs laws, which have been on the books for 80 years now. To remain competitive in the region, it is crucial that Thailand modernize its customs legislation.

Q: Secretary of State Clinton recently outlined a foreign policy based on the “Three D’s” of defense, diplomacy and development. Where does the fourth “D”—democracy—fit into the Obama administration’s foreign policy?

A: It is important to recognize that it is still quite early in the Obama administration and not all policy initiatives have been cemented into concrete plans of action. Defense, diplomacy and development—the “three D’s” as Secretary Clinton framed them—will indeed be the pillars of the Obama administration’s foreign policy, but I contend that all three of the components are intrinsically tied to democracy promotion and that this theme will remain central to the new administration’s foreign policy agenda. In other words, democracy is inherent in all three pillars.

Democracy promotion has long been a central component of US foreign policy and will clearly continue to be so under the Obama administration. Supporting democracy helps create a more secure, stable, and prosperous global environment in which mutual interests, such as expanding open markets, promoting economic development, and combating international terrorism and crime, can be advanced more effectively.

Q: On Burma, Secretary of State Clinton has said that both engagement and sanctions have failed and that the new administration is considering a shift in its Burma policy. Does this mean that the US will start to engage with the Burmese junta? What other options does the administration have?

A: As Secretary Clinton stated while on her tour of Asia, the US administration is currently reviewing its policy towards Burma. In her words, “We want to see the best ideas about how to influence the Burmese regime.” The end policy goal remains the same: the start of a genuine, inclusive political dialogue in Burma and the release of all political prisoners. As you have pointed out, Secretary Clinton noted that neither sanctions nor efforts to reach out and engage the regime have proven successful in influencing the authorities in Burma towards this end, which has been endorsed by the UN Security Council and Asean Foreign Ministers. Moving forward, the United States intends to consult with a broad range of stakeholders as we conduct our review of US policy on Burma to ensure that it is a collaborative process based on the vital exchange of information with key actors and friends in the region.

Although we welcome the recent release of some political prisoners by the Burmese government, I note that the regime continues to hold more than 2,100 prisoners of conscience. We will continue to call on the government of Burma to immediately set free all remaining political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and other high-ranking members of the country’s democracy movement, so that an inclusive dialogue can begin on Burma’s political future.

Q: The UN reports that there is now 33 percent more land under poppy cultivation in Burma than in 2006. Meanwhile, Burmese-made methamphetamines have been flooding into neighboring Thailand and China for years. What more can the US government do to help control drug production and its trade?

A: The US Mission in Thailand places great importance on combating narcotics trade in the region, while targeting drug trafficking organizations responsible for smuggling controlled substances into the United States and the international market. We have a successful track record in fighting the illegal drug trade that is based on mutual cooperation between US and local law enforcement entities.

Here in Thailand, we work diligently to support the Royal Thai Government's counter-narcotics efforts through initiatives that build domestic capacity to combat trafficking in illegal drugs and related transnational organized crime, and moving forward we will continue to cooperate closely with our partners in the region to stem the flow of the cross-border narcotics trade.

Q: You recently said that the US did not revoke an entry visa for ousted Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra. You have also expressed confidence in Abhisit Vejjajiva, the new prime minister. How seriously has Thailand’s political upheaval affected Thai-US relations?

A: Not at all. The relationship remains rock solid because of our shared long history and our mutual appreciation of freedom and liberty. Thailand is our oldest friend, partner and ally in Asia. Last year marked the 175th anniversary of our two countries’ historic friendship, one that goes back to the Treaty of Amity and Commerce signed on March 20, 1833. Since that day nearly two centuries ago, ours has been a story about cooperation in times of peace and in times of war, about the exchange of ideas and the exchange of goods and commerce, and about working together to make this region and this world a better place.

Though events in recent years have provided both opportunities and challenges to this relationship, relations between the United States and Thailand continue to be vibrant and strong. The core values at the bedrock of our longstanding friendship remain unfettered: Thais and Americans alike hold close the idea of democracy and political liberty.

It is these common values and shared interests that form the basis of our enduring relationship with Thailand, one that remains as solid and deep today as it has in years past.

Q: Are you concerned about the stability of Thailand’s democracy? Do you feel the political situation here has had an adverse impact on the region?

A: No nation’s path to democracy is smooth or straight. Along the way, there are bound to be stumbles. You need only look at the history of my country to see that. And it is true that democracy in Thailand suffered several setbacks in recent years, but I think we must look beyond these past events and consider the democratic tradition that has long been a part of the Thai political landscape. Democratic values are deeply rooted in Thailand and what we have witnessed during this recent period of tension are political disagreements resolved within a constitutional framework. We must recognize that key pillars of democratic societies—freedom of expression, freedom of press, freedom to assemble—remained intact through these turbulent times. The strongest democracies flourish from frequent and lively debate emanating from diverse viewpoints, but they endure when people find a way to peacefully set aside differences in service of a greater purpose.

Q: The alleged mistreatment of Rohingya boat people by the Thai navy has hurt Thailand’s reputation and has become a serious concern in other countries in the region. What practical solutions to this problem would you like to see emerge from the Asean summit?

A: Assisting refugees is one of the top strategic priorities of the US Mission in Thailand and one to which I am fully committed. Thailand is home to approximately 140,000 recognized refugees from Burma living in camps along the Thai-Burma border. The United States has resettled more than 33,000 Burmese refugees in our country. Let me also point out that in fiscal year 2008, the Refugee and Migration Affairs office of the US Embassy in Bangkok resettled more refugees to the United States than any other US Embassy office in the world. We will have one of the world’s largest resettlement programs again this fiscal year.

Now, speaking specifically to the Rohingya issue, media coverage over recent months has put a spotlight on the plight of Rohingya refugees, particularly those who have allegedly been mistreated in Thailand.

We must recognize that the root of the problem lies in the situation in Burma. The Rohingya are systematically persecuted for their religion and ethnicity by the Burmese regime, which does not recognize them as citizens despite their centuries-long presence within the modern day boundaries of Burma. They are fleeing a situation of severe persecution, which includes strict limits on their ability to find livelihoods in their own villages, in order to seek opportunities in other countries to feed themselves and their families.

Without improvements in their treatment in Northern Rakhine State, and verifiable guarantees by authorities that they won’t be punished for departing, the United States strictly opposes the forced repatriation of the Rohingya into the hands of Burmese officials. We welcome efforts by concerned governments, particularly those in the Asean region, to work together on a common regional approach for the Rohingya. We are encouraged by reports that the governments of Thailand and Indonesia discussed the issue of Rohingya refugees at the Asean summit that took place in February, as well plans to address a regional approach at the Bali Process forum to be held in Indonesia in early March. We support efforts by Asean nations to develop viable solutions that will ensure that the rights of these individuals are protected and look forward to seeing what concrete plans of action come out of the sideline meetings held at the Asean summit held recently in Thailand.

Q: Human rights issues are a matter of concern in all Asian countries. Asean now has a charter. Do you see any new ways to strengthen human rights protection?

A: The protection of fundamental human rights was a cornerstone in the establishment of the United States over 200 years ago. Since then, a central goal of US foreign policy has been the promotion of respect for human rights, as embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Asean has taken the steps to fulfill this commitment, but its success will depend on the hard work and resolve of its member nations to act against those who stand in violation of human rights. As a longtime friend of Asean, the United States stands ready to assist in helping Asean live up to its commitments.

The Obama Administration has pledged to reach beyond ministerial buildings and official meeting halls, as important as those are, to engage the public and civil society to strengthen the foundations needed to support human rights, including good governance, religious tolerance, free elections and a free press.

And we are ready to listen, too. President Obama and Secretary Clinton recognize that actively listening to our partners can also be a source of ideas to fuel our common efforts. The United States is committed to a foreign policy that values what others have to say. Secretary Clinton has said she will focus her energies on human rights, engaging a wide range of audiences through both traditional and untraditional means to improve the lives of those around the globe who are deprived of basic human rights. She has espoused the value of open dialogue and has said that we will hold ourselves and others accountable as we work to create a world that respects those rights. I think this approach will only serve to bolster our ability and resolve to strengthen human rights protection.