Obama, McCain on Asia’s Muslims and Other Issues

McCain’s position
Schriver said that McCain supports multilateral diplomacy to resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, including diplomacy, but has expressed concerns about the progress of current negotiations.

He said McCain would seek a return to the core principles of denuclearization known as CVID – or complete, verifiable, irreversible, dismantlement – and would work to improve the United States’ alliance with South Korea and communication with Japan on these matters.

In addition he said, McCain would seek to broaden policy goals related to North Korea beyond just the nuclear issue, pursuing policies “that take into account human rights, illegal and illicit activities, economic and political reform, proliferation and reduction of the conventional military threat from North Korea.”

Issue: A variety of free trade agreements are being developed between Asian countries. How does your candidate feel about the United States being excluded from these deals?

McCain’s position
Schriver said that McCain is a strong proponent of free trade and believes that the U.S. should pursue it vigorously through multilateral mechanisms as well as through new bilateral trade agreements involving the United States.

Obama’s position:
Schiffer said Obama believes that existing mechanisms, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, are a useful platform for U.S. economic engagement with the Asian region, and that any new trade agreements negotiated with the U.S. must have binding labor and environmental standards, provide effective access for American exports, and be rigorously monitored and enforced.

Randall G. Schriver is a Founding Partner, Armitage International LLC, and President and CEO of the Project 2049 Institute. Immediately prior to his return to the private sector, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

The views expressed in this joint interview do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Asia Pacific Council and the East-West Center.

(pinoypress.net)