How Asian Countries view U.S Forces' presense in the Asia-Pacific region:

Philippines

"The Cold war's end has not ended the usefulness of the American persence over the foreseeable future. The United States must continue to be main prop of the East Asian balance of power -- if only to perserve the bubble of stability that keeps East Asia's 'economic miracle' going.

"In this role, the United State has no competitor. Its military persence is -- uniquely -- acceptable to all the powers with legitimate interests in the region."

President Fidel B. Ramos

(Addressing the East-West Center (EWC) In Hawaii, U.S.A. on October 18, 1995)

Thailand

Thai Foreign Minister Kasem Kasemseri said the US military presence in Southeast Asia had changed in form but "I still think that it is a force for stability."

"I don't see any disagreement from any quarter right now concerning the American presence. America has a deep and abiding interest in the well-being in the stability of this region."

Foreign Minister Kasem Kasemseri

Singapore

"A spokesman said that Singapore welcomes the US Department of Defense's 1995 East Asia Strategy Report and its reaffirmation of US Commitment towards the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific. The US decision to maintain existing US force levels in the region and to improve their capabilities will contribute significantly to continued stability in the Asia-Pacific and enable all the countries in the region to grow and prosper in a peaceful environment."

Comments by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spoksman