As world leaders met in Okinawa, Japan, this week, Representative Benjamin Gilman, the chairman of the House Committee on International Relations, introduced the third bill within the last two weeks relating to the Asia-Pacific region.
Representative Gilman Thursday introduced H.R. 4899 to the House of Representatives. The bill calls for the establishment of a commission to promote "a consistent and coordinated foreign policy of the United States to ensure economic and military security in the Pacific region of Asia through the promotion of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, free trade, and open markets."
Pentagon reports released earlier this year indicated that the strategic role of Asia has become more important to the US. However, the Pentagon is also warning of the rise of anti-American feeling in Asia.
"Asia is a region vital to the future of our nation. Just as we could not take Europe for granted during the Cold War, we must not take Asia for granted as we enter the 21st Century." said Gilman "It is incumbent upon us as a global leader to provide the leadership that will both protect our interests and, at the same time, keep the peace."
Gilman's Pacific Charter bill, H.R. 4899, would establish a commission of seven members from outside the government, with an interest and expertise relating to Asia, chosen by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Commissioners, who would serve for six years, would develop a new US foreign policy for the Asian Pacific region.
The commission would be guided by principles established in the legislation of effective security, prevention of regional hegemony by one nation, promotion of democracy and the rule of law, respect for human and religious rights, and expansion of trade on a reciprocal basis.
Gilman noted that "American troops stationed in the region have declined from 135,000 in 1990 to 85,000 in 1996. In 1992, strategic US bases in the Philippines were closed."
"Yet, the most significant challenge to peace and prosperity in Asia is the rise of a regional hegemon, a role most likely to be filled by the People's Republic of China," he added.
Gilman's bill has been referred to his International Relations Committee. Consideration by the Committee is expected in September of this year.
The bill joins two other bills that Gilman introduced to the House in July affecting Asia: H.R. 4829, a bill introduced July 12 that would require the US to monitor China's weapons proliferation activities and impose sanctions, and H.R. 4860, a bill introduced July 13 that would penalize the North Korean government for its weapons proliferation activities, especially missile sales.
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