U.S. To Refocus On Asia

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta addresses U.S. and Japanese troops stationed on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 24, 2011. Panetta thanked the troops for their service and individually presented them with coins after his remarks. DOD photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey

U.S. Pivots Eastward to Address Uneasy Allies -- New York Times

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — China was never mentioned, but when a sailor in the Japanese Navy asked Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta here on Monday whether the United States planned to cut back its forces in Asia, Mr. Panetta knew exactly what he meant.

“I want to make very clear that the United States is going to remain a presence in the Pacific for a long time,” Mr. Panetta responded. “That means, just so you understand, that we are not anticipating any cutbacks in this region. If anything, we’re going to strengthen our presence in the Pacific.”

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More News On The U.S. Focusing On Asia

Panetta: US At 'Turning Point,' To Refocus On Asia -- NPR/AP
Panetta says US committed to being Pacific power -- AFP
Panetta Assures on U.S. in Asia -- Wall Street Journal
Budget cuts won't come at expense of U.S. power in Pacific, Panetta says -- Stars and Stripes
Panetta talks tough about China, North Korea -- CNN
Panetta Praises U.S.-Japan Alliance -- US Department of Defense
U.S., Japan will face Pacific challenges together, Panetta says -- Stars and Stripes
Panetta: North Korea's Nukes, Chinese Military Expansion Concerns for Japan Visit -- National Journal