Going to be in a combat role in iraq. They are there on a temporary getting the population off the mountain. This would be the effort to get them to a safe space. There are a range of ways for doing that. We have made decisions about how to carry out that mission because we want to get the readout from this Assessment Team first. [inaudible] i think it will be quickly, in that are of days. We dont think it is sustainable to have permanent airdrops to the population on the mountain. Some have been able to escape, but again, we want to get options in place to move them to a safer place. There are a range of ways for doing that. Again, we will be cooperating with Kurdish Forces who are also cooperating in the region, other International Partners. Our goal here is to work with iraqis and with International Partners so that these people can get off that mountain to a safer place. Again, we do not believe that that involves u. S. Troops reentering a combat role in iraq , but involves frankly a difficult logistical challenge of moving folks who are in danger on that mountain to a safer position. There would be some danger to u. S. Personnel involved in a mission like that . If any time you have even now, as we speak, we have pilots flying over iraq. That always carries with it danger. In any effort, there are always dangers involved. I think the key point here is that the u. S. Forces the role of u. S. Forces is not one of reentering combat on the ground but how to provide humanitarian assistance to this affected. Opulation again, in terms of the kinetic actions that are being taken, those are in the form of air strikes. [inaudible] well, look, as a bottom line, force protection is always a mission for u. S. Personnel in any country in the world. We have already reinforced our and deceit in baghdad our in in sea our Embassy Baghdad who are there for the express purpose of protecting those facilities. Any u. S. Personnel anywhere in the world has the ability to protect themselves, but the purpose and the mission they are going to iraq for is not to engage in combat. It is to make an assessment on a temporary basis about how we have moved that population off the mountain into a safe place. [inaudible] that isis does pose a National Security threat to the United States. Well, look, the president has ordered this military action in iraq he cause of the threat that they post to our people, so by definition, we absolutely a threathat isil poses to u. S. Persons and u. S. Personnel. We are focused on dealing with that threat right now and iraq so that the terrorist cannot advance. Airstrikes we have launched have stopped those advances and given space for the Kurdish Forces to , but we are always monitoring, not just the security of our facilities and people, but also monitoring plots against the United States, and we will continue to do that. What are the options for providing a safe corridor to get the refugees off that mountain . We have a range of options and we will rely on what the teams report back. You look at core doors, airlifts, different ways to move people who are in a very dangerous place on that mountain to a safer position, and that is exactly what our team is doing now on the ground in iraq. Is he willing to consider the option of sending a certain number of troops in there for the purpose of establishing something like, you know, a force protection, like you are saying . We have not made that decision at this point. We want to see what the circumstances are, see what options are available for moving those people who are trapped on the mountain. We obviously have not just u. S. Personnel who could potentially be engaged in that type of effort we have Kurdish Forces who are engaged in the area with isil. We have International Partners who also want to support the provision of humanitarian assistance, so we will look at what the best way and the safest way is to get those people off that mountain, and the president will be making decisions after he hears back from the military about what they found on the ground in iraq. The president said over and over again, no combat troops, no. Round troops in iraq does that statement extend to the idea of a state court or . Think i hear you saying that the president has not ruled out sending in additional troops to establish a safe corridor for the refugees to get off that mountain. Again, he has not received a recommendation to establish a tooor at this point establish a corridor at this point, but there are a variety of ways in which we can support the safe removal of those people from the mountain. Frankly, we already have people on the ground working with jointh forces in a operation center, so there are ways in which we can coordinate with iraqi forces on the ground and seeking to combat the threat and to bring people to a safe space, but again, as we make decisions about what the best course of action is bringing those people to safety, we will be very transparent about that. We are using u. S. Military personnel to assess what the best way is to bring people to safety and with the best way is to provide them with humanitarian assistance. But again, always, force a mission for u. S. Personnel wherever they are in the world. That is certainly true of the reinforcements that are protecting our facility in baghdad. What information does the u. S. Have on people who still are stranded on the mountain and where exactly they are . There have been a broad range that goates to date into the tens of thousands. We believe that some number of thousands of people have been able to escape from the a safen, but not in enough way and to a safe enough space that we are confident that the remaining people who are trapped there can get off. Part of what these teams can do working with Kurdish Forces is try to get an understanding of the scope of the challenge on the mountain as well as the routes to remove people. To date, we have also again provided 100 thousand meals, some 27,000 gallons of water. Continue those airdrops. The british have done a number of air drops, and we continue to do that. Weve had offers of assistance from france, canada, australia. We are getting aid to the people who are on the mountain while also trying to determine the best means to bring them to a safe place. Malik he is showing isistance maliki showing resistance. A message . Have the message to all of iraqs leaders as there is a peaceful process in place to get a new government for iraq. There is a new president , a new speaker of parliament, and an alliance of different political blocs has put forward a candidate for Prime Minister, and now the president has asked him to form a government. In our view, he is clearly the Prime Minister designate in iraq. The process dates to go forward for him to put together a government and submitted to parliament, but that is the process in place that all iraqis have to ask have to inspect. Any efforts to derail that process, any efforts to use violence instead of working peacefully through the process will be rejected not just by the United States, but by iraqis themselves, but by the international community. We want to see a peaceful context for this process to conclude. Theres an enormous opportunity to get a government that all the different factions can buy into, can support, and turn energy where it needs to be, which is combating the threat from isil. [inaudible] process hasthe moved forward. He is still there. There is a 30day period now that he has been designated for the next Prime Minister for him to form his government, present it to parliament. That is the step that needs to take place for this to be formalized. That is an ongoing process, but i think our message to prime all our maliki and iraqi leaders is that this is the one process that is consistent with iraqi constitution that will lead to new government, and he needs to respect that process, let it go forward. Frankly, this is not being imposed on anybody from outside of iraq. This is what the iraqis themselves have decided to do, including, importantly, not just the kurdish president and speaker, but the different shia political factions that put forward their candidate for Prime Minister. [inaudible] the white house will be very glad to see a new government in place. We believe it is necessary, frankly, to bring the country together. What has happened in the course of the last several years, if you did not have iraq is working together across different sectarian and communal lines, you had a sunni population that became disaffected. That led to a loss of confidence theertain parts of iraq and Iraqi Security forces. Often, we are asked the longterm strategy for dealing with isil. I think its very clear you get a new government in place. That provides the basis for all of iraqs communities to support the government in baghdad and turn the focus to where it needs to be. We will be providing training and equipping Security Assistance and advice to iraqi and Kurdish Forces, and then we can begin to squeeze the space at startl is operating to push them back, but that demands the cooperation of all iraqis, and thats the opportunity we have with this new government. Does that extend to getting the refugees off the mountain either through a quarter corridor or airlift, and also, do we need personnel up there to help distribute the aid . In the first instance, iraqis and Kurdish Forces in particular have been engaged. They have a presence on the mountain, and they will certainly be cooperating with us in this effort. The brits have been the most forward leaning of all of our allies in terms of doing humanitarian airdrops. Prime minister cameron today indicated that they want to work work to get that population to a safe place, so the United Kingdom has been fully in coordination with us in the provision of humanitarian assistance. Again, we have offers of support from a number of allies like france, australia, canada. We will be in discussions with them about what they can do, both as it relates to helping population has been trapped on the mountain but also more broadly helping bring relief to the displaced persons in Northern Iraq, which includes enormousyazidis but an number of Iraqi Christians and others who have been driven from their homes by isil. Are you concerned about the chaos that would be cause by just dropping supplies in there and letting the people sorted out . Again, we have done several airdrops. I think every night. We have good fidelity on where ,he food and water is dropping and we are watching how that reaches the population, and we are able to make sure we are trying to drop food and water in places where we believe people are concentrated. We have done these types of humanitarian airdrops in other instances, so again, we have an ability to focus on where we believe people are most impacted, but part of what these Assessment Teams will do, who are going to Northern Iraq, is get a better understanding of the situation on the mountain, where folks are, so that can help inform, again, but how we move them off the mountain but also how we are providing that humanitarian assistance. If it is not being equitably distributed, does that suggest an american presence on the mountain . When you talk about 100 thousand meals, 27,000 gallons of water, that is not including the british support theres clearly a lot of food and water and other support that is reaching the mountain and the people on the mountain, but he would be the first to acknowledge that is not a permanent solution. Just dropping food and water in perpetuity from the air. That is what we are turning our focus to right now. I think you can appreciate the specificity of this question when the president asks military advisers for recommendations, he spells out his own limits. Has the president told his military advisers, dont bring includingendation u. S. Military personnel on the ground as part of a corridor to remove the yazidis or anyone else . Is that off the table as far as what the president is asking for as far as actionable decisions, or has he said that if theres a way that u. S. Troops can expedite that, hes open to that . I say two things first is we have a range of ways that we can support this type of effort. The president s one limiting factor he has communicated repeatedly in public and to the military is we do not want to be reintroducing u. S. Forces into a combat role on the ground. What im saying is he is open to recommendations in which the United States is helping to facilitate the removal of these , whichfrom the mountain we believe is separate from saying u. S. Forces will be redeployed in iraq in a combat role but take the fight to isil. The people on the Ground Fighting isil are the Kurdish Forces in iraq and security forces. We are taking action from the air on the objective of protecting our people and providing humanitarian space for the yazidis, in particular on the mountain. If there are additional things we can do, he will certainly review those options. Defining it as a humanitarian mission does not mean it is not dangerous and does not mean it could not turn into a combat situation. Absolutely, there are dangers involved with any military situation. We would absolutely acknowledge that. Theres dangers when pilots are flying. Theres dangers when you are in a difficult situation as we are in iraq, but he is confident that we can have a limited military objective. When people talk about whether or not the United States is going to be drawn more into another war in iraq on the ground, i think what they need to know is we have laid out with the objectives are for our military, which are protecting our people and carry out the humanitarian mission. The broader effort to take the the ground ison being carried out by iraqi and Kurdish Forces with our training, arming, advice, but again, they are the ones engaged in combat, not just around the perimeter, but around other parts of iraq. Thank you. Thanks. I have one quick announcement, and then we can get to your questions. President obama set a goal early in his first term to lay the foundation for the United States to lead the world with the highest proportion of College Graduates by 2020. Last january, the president asked College President s to increase College Opportunity for all americans because a College Degree remains one of the surest ways to get into the middle class and is an especially powerful engine of social and economic nobility. Today, we are pleased to announce two things first, 14 Additional Community colleges as well as new private sector partnerships are joining this effort. They will join more than 100 colleges and 40 nonprofits across the country who have been working to advance College Opportunity earlier this year. Second, the president and first housesl host the white second College Opportunity summit on december 4 of this year. This years summit will focus on building strong k12 and Higher Education partnerships to encourage more students to go to college and to finish their degree, especially for first generation, low income, and underrepresented students. These efforts have inspired thegement in support of progress of educational leaders, who have taken collective action in their schools and communities to do all they can to help more lowincome students prepare and succeed in college. With that, i will take your questions. Give us the president s reaction to secretary clintons interview in the atlantic this week . I think we addressed this yesterday. The president indeed appreciated secretary clintons call, as he does every opportunity to chat with the former secretary of state. They have a close and resilient relationship. I think you will remember that in 2007, as some of you covered, in about the president ial debates and even after a hardfought nomination contest, the president felt strongly he wanted her to be a key member of his team. That is why secretary clinton was the president s partner for a widears and managing array of complicated Foreign Policy situations. They continue to agree on a broad majority of issues confronting our country if they even if they have the occasional foreignpolicy difference. The president appreciates her counsel and advice but more importantly her friendship, and thats why he looks forward to seeing her this evening. Was he upset [inaudible] im not going to get into a behind the scenes here. I will say the president appreciated her call yesterday, as he does every opportunity to chat with secretary clinton. Clintons folks put out a short read out of that call, but we are looking onwards and upwards. Can you talk about what is going to happen tonight [inaudible] sure. As im sure most americans watching who have a birthday party, they would all love you to join them. Expect access for this private social gathering of someones birthday. I understand the press interest, so we will try to get you a sense of some sort of readout of what happens after the fact. [inaudible] thats correct. Thats it . Jim. Try cute try. [inaudible] secretary clinton said she wanted to hug it out. I believe the president and secretary clinton have had many hugs over the past few years. I suspect many of them have been caught on camera. Again, i appreciate the request, but i do think this is a private social gathering for someones birthday, so it will be hard to bring all of you lovely people in. [inaudible] sure. Im not sure anyone in this room would contest that doing stupid stuff is a good idea, but i also dont think anyone at the white house would assert that that is describe our would approach to foreignpolicy. If you are looking for a description of how the president views the role of the United States in the world, i would urge you to look at the speech at west point a few months ago, which i think many of you were at. We do have sound fundamental organizing principles that dictate how the president views the role of the United States in the world. Number one, that is confronting any threat to the National Security interests of the united. Tates the president has said he will not hesitate on that front, and i would also urge you to read a little bit further in which he talks about how military action cannot be the only an primary component of our leadership in every instance. Just because we have a hammer does not mean we have to hit every nail. I think the president has taken a thoughtful approach to these issues and laid out his guidelines for you, but our bottom line is the United States will use military force unilaterally if necessary when. Ur core interest demand it most recently, you heard the president talk about our willingness to act on behalf of human dignity, and americas support for human rights goes beyond idealism. As the president said, it is part of our charge. Did the failure of the support of moderate rebels fuel the rise of isis . We have heard this critique. Secretary clinton wrote about it in her book. We know that was an honest policy difference that the president [inaudible] what is new here if she is saying that this failure thats her word of the president has fueled the rise of this terrorist group that we are. Ow bombing in Northern Iraq the president has been clear in a number of press conferences and interviews why he did not want to rush to provide military assistance to the syrian opposition. As you may recall, he talked about how it could have fallen into the hands of isis. Instead, we waited until we got to know the operation that the opposition better and work to provide them nonlethal assistance. Just because this has been a sore point in the past, if we are not going to be there, can you assure us there will be no other coverage meaning white of this eventage this evening . Meaning twitter or flickr. You are asking me to resend my invite . Your point is well taken. How comfortable is the president with the idea that republicans now running in midterm elections can quote Hillary Clinton in criticizing obama foreignpolicy, but a criticizing obama foreignpolicy . Im not going to do diagnostics of the midterms from here. I will say the president has been very clear. The Guiding Principles that guide each of his foreignpolicy decisions secretary clinton and the president have brought agreements on a wide range of issues. Thats why they worked so effectively for four years, even when there are small policy differences. The president had a. Undraiser a couple of days ago republicans do not even have to say dont listen to them but listen to the former secretary of state. I will not handicap potential Republican Campaign ads from the podium today. Is ang the Senate Majority priority for the president. Thats why he did attend the. Undraiser he looks forward to doing what he can to maintain the majority. [inaudible] any second thoughts about whether this was a good idea . As you know, the president is the president wherever he goes. He travels with a wide array of Communications Equipment and a to haveat allows us robust operational capabilities. In the strip, that includes National Security adviser stephen rice, deputy National Security adviser ben rhodes, deputy chief of staff, anita breckenridge, and very Capable Communications professionals. There are, of course, ongoing complicated situations in the world, and that is why you have seen the president stay engaged. He spoke with Prime Minister cameron, Prime Minister hollande, give an update from the south lawn and took questions. While here, he spoke with Prime Minister erdogan and Prime Minister renzi. He also had multiple National Security briefings. Theres never a perfect time for the president to take some time away with his family, but i think we can also all agree that valuable to recharge your batteries. I do not think the American People begrudge their president were taking some down time with his family. Week we mightast emergency about meetings. Care to shed some light on that . The president is still planning on returning to washington sunday for meetings at the white house. I dont have too much more detail about that. Well have more as the time comes. The president will be meeting with Vice President biden while hes back in washington. [inaudible] washington him to for that brief session with advisers. Some of us will be returning. Staying atwill be lovely marthas vineyard. Who will be returning . Ill give you the manifest as soon as i can. The reason i ask is that would indicate the level of seriousness of what is going on back in washington. Could you talk little bit about what the first family has been doing for the last couple of days . Have they been reading . Has the first lady been exercising, working out . Talk a little bit about what their day is like . I do think it is fair to call this a working vacation. I think probably an apt label for any president ial vacation. The president remains engaged, getting briefed with foreign leaders, updating you all on i cang situations, but also say the president is enjoying downtime with his family. They have dined out at some of marthas vineyards wonderful establishments and had a few meals in. The president attended a fundraiser to help keep the democratic majority in the united dates senate, and as you know, he will be attending a social gathering this evening. You may notice the president has already enjoyed a few rounds of golf, and i suspect you could see more of that to come. What kind of activities are the president and first lady involved in . I dont have private moments on the familys vacation to read out to you right now from the podium. I can tell you that sasha arrives next week and malia will be traveling back with the president on sunday. [inaudible] immigration in addition to working on foreignpolicy issues this week. Can you give us an update . The update on that timing is that it remains the end of summer. The president has been looking at what he can do given that House Republicans failed to bring up the comprehensive immigration bill the bipartisan immigration bill that passed the senate, and he asked his team to take a look. We put that timeline at the end of summer. I think that still holds. [inaudible] they are very close friends. They came through a very heated primary contest in 2007. After that contest, the president asked i guess then senator clinton to be part of his administration. The president spoke about having a team of rivals be a member of his cabinet because he wanted strong, powerful voices who would offer candid advice. That is why i think they were such a Strong Partnership for the past four years in confronting challenges across the world and advancing americas interests in each of those instances. Since leaving the white house, i know they have been in touch regularly, both in person and over the phone, and again, they look forward to chatting tonight. Kathleen. [inaudible] has the president ever sought out secretary clintons advice on foreignpolicy . He definitely values her opinion, and they definitely both talk when they see each other, they talk socially and catch up on each others personal lives, but im sure they talk about the pressing issues of the day as well. [inaudible] is the president going to be money democrats to return contributed . No. Why not . [inaudible] know, we are not privy to the details and have no role in any individual companies plans, but the president is focused on stopping the problem, and stopping companies from announcing their citizenship test it get out of paying their fair share of taxes is something that cannot wait. Thats why the president called them to do this. We are going to continue to explore whether there are steps we can take with or without congress to further encourage companies to build businesses and create jobs here at home. [inaudible] i would understand skepticism or if we would not if we were not doing something to tackle the problem, but instead, we are going after any company that renounces its u. S. Citizenship in order to pay less in taxes. [inaudible] thee are announcing practice of using shifty renouncing we are the practice of using shifty accounting in order to avoid paying their fair share, which subsequently passes onto middleclass families. [inaudible] john, i had a lot of thoughts and suggestions for the president could designate to take this challenge, some of whom sit in this room. However, we think that the president is going to make a financial contribution instead. Said, the president has actually already made a financial contribution on this. [inaudible] i dont know if he does. Ill have to check. I dont have the amount for you. Quit the president put out a statement yesterday on the death of michael brown. Just wondering if the president has a response to these latest developments and what his personal thoughts are. I dont have a response to any latebreaking developments overnight. I will say that yesterday, the president and first lady sent their condolences to the family of michael brown. Officials at the department of justice have begun monitoring the situation and working with local investigators on a whole and the road investigation. Said yesterday he believes the best way to honor the memory of michael is through lm and reflection throughout the country as details emerge on what happened. The president and first family send their condolences to the family on this difficult time. The departmentt of justice has been dedicating resources to this, and we have been in touch with civil rights leaders, both in the area and nationally. Peter. [inaudible] i can assure you we are not anticipating a major announcement on immigration when the president is in washington this weekend. [inaudible] can you ask that again . [inaudible] know. Ont i dont have those meetings set up for you. As soon as i have those details, i will make sure we get them to you. [inaudible] as has been expressed, we are iraqitive of the steps government has been taking. We have seen real concrete progress over the last weeks and months on this front, and we have contact at all levels of the government both at the the vicevel president read out a call yesterday. The president has made a few calls and also members of the National Security team as well as over at the state department. Again, our belief is the people of iraq need to select their government, and youve seen quite a bit of progress on that front over the last few weeks. Will briefings potentially occur here or in washington . I do not anticipate briefings at the white house. [inaudible] i think the president was speaking generally about the opportunity to fill vacancies if they were to arise. He was not picking about any specific vacancy. [inaudible] to let youm going all decide your movements. We do not anticipate any major movements out of washington those next few days. As far as what is going on here, you just have to be in touch. We still have a few days before sunday. Thanks, guys. Forive now to the Center Strategic and International Studies for discussion on the trade relationship between south korea, japan, and the United States. It started just a few moments ago. Oure need to exercise to make sureorts that china becomes a constructive partner for peace and stability in asia. At the same time, we want to make sure through our concerted effort that this growing chinese power and influence does not work against the peace and stability of the region as well. If the u. S. China relationship gets strained, it has a direct on our relationship with china and perhaps our relationship with japan, as well. Is the u. S. China partnership gets polarized to countries like korea and japan, it is not a dilemma. Where this impact of changing u. S. China from a korean viewpoint, the u. S. China partnership certainly continues thee and prosperity president of the government has been maintaining very close, solid, robust koreau. S. , while at the same time developing a harmonious relationship with china, alliance with the United States, and Harmonious Partnership with china. For korea, most countries could become incorporate to a cooperative and beneficial partner for areas economy and free trade and also for the interkorean unification. Hat is our National Interest we recently welcome president xi. Inping to korea he visited the country, came to seoul, met with the president , and they issued a joint statement that the two countries will expand, develop, this strategic partnership, send a thatmessage to north korea we oppose the development of Nuclear Weapons by north korea. The also agreed to finish koreachina fta, hopefully before the end of this year. Andof this Partnership Cooperation is continuing at the moment. Important part of our relationship with china. China has proposed to the United States the new style of great in theelationship california sunny lands. I would like to interpret this proposal as something benign, something positive, said the constructive. But also at the same time, we have to make sure that this great power relationship, the new style of great power relationship with the United States, do not exclude the sovereignty and interest of the countries in asia, including. Orea the dialogue in beijing should continue, to closely consult with each other to develop a Constructive Partnership and to conflict. Unnecessary it is my view that it is not a good idea for the United States so that chinana can feel sort of intimidated by the u. S. Policy, nor is it desirable that china try to exclude the United States from asia. The two countries should move towards Constructive Partnership. Next, i want to talk about china, japan relationship. This is the most important. Egional relationship in asia we have seen in the past that china and japan we are moving a a different direction for collision course. China is a continental power in asia. Apan is a maritime power with Strong Alliance with the United States across the pacific. Korea is in between these two powers. We have seen the sino japanese war erupting 120 years ago, and korea was devastated between the two powers colliding against each other. We have experienced the korean war started by north korea, but china sent in forces and made a military intervention during the korean war. Japan was not directly involved in the korean war, but japan gave area support to the United States so that they can exercise military operation in south korea against north korea and china. Again, in the korean war, giant dust china and japan were standing china and japan were standing on the other side. Has risen. Japan is trying to research the National Prestige and power. So in the 21st century, we are trend of sinother japanese rivalry in the region. In politics as i have experienced, rivalry is not always a bad thing. End of being in the present, indicates the case of korea. The famous two kims episode. Rivals actually contribute to the development of the other side. If it is a benign rivalry. If it becomes a malign rivalry, i think it will create big problems. Not just for these two countries, but for other countries, like korea which is right in the middle of these two powers. We know that between china and japan, they have historical issue how to interpret the past history. ,hey have a territorial dispute and this is the most important source of regional frictions and conflict in northeast asia. We have seen the chinese declaration of the air Defense Identification Zone in northeast asia. Japan declared its own, and this region was over letting between china and japan actually, overlooked with the korean maritime as well, so when we proclaimed our own korean and Defense Identification Zone, this is very graphic evidence that we are living to closely to each other. There is a kind of geographical proximity. While it encourages rich cultural and Economic Partnership in a military and security area, we are living dangerously. We should make every effort to prevent any incidental or accidental clash of competing jurisdictions in this area. From talk with my friends a group of 10 countries in southeast asia, and they have another problem of their own which is South China Sea issue. They try to explore some sort of a code of conduct in this area to prevent any unnecessary conflicts or direct clash with which claim its maritime territorial rights in this region. So in northeast asia, too, i think we should make efforts to find some sort of a modest code acceptablewhich is to all the parties concerned. Still doto europe, we not have multilateral framework. We do not have nato or eu, but i think that crisis creates opportunity. This maritime territorial issue could be a good forum where we can start to think about a multilateral Security Framework to make sure that this can be maintained. Have an islands dispute. We have had a very dangerous contact between the two and also, chinajapan a United States airplane coming into the area. Inis a kind of a time bomb northeast asia. We should not wait for this time bomb to explode. We should actually diffuse this time bomb so that we can live peacefully. In that sense, i think it was very fortunate that china and japan began to talk to each other through a high level meeting in myanmar, a Regional Forum with the Chinese Foreign minister and Japanese Foreign minister getting together to sit down and talk about the common issues. It was the first foreign almostrial meeting after two years, and this is the first such meeting after the integration of Prime Minister abe in his second cabinet. I understand that there was some sort of a preliminary diplomatic activity going on between the thees, some sort of former Prime Minister is known to have visited china and met with president xi jinping to propose a high level meeting and see if china can come to the table and talk about the common issue. And i think that this communication between two rifle countries certainly contributes to the peace and stability of the region between these two val countries contributes to please and stability. That is an hour interest. We do not want china and japan running towards a colliding course. Expands our rule for maneuver between china and japan, because you have to deal with the two countries together. Finally, this chinajapan communication and dialogue would contribute to the Regional Cooperation amongst korea, another triangle in northeast asia. So i think that president obama, should. Government, continue to develop its Strategic Dialogue with china, on the one hand, and manage alliance with japan, on the other. Playfore, exercise and this role as a strategic balancer between china and japan. No other country can do it better than the United States. The reason is that we do not tot either china or japan become an expansionist and dominate power in the region. That is exactly koreas interest, and that is exactly a thing of american interest. Next, koreanjapan relationship our relationship is supposed to be very close. We always said japan is the closest neighbor, but right now the relationship is very much strained. Geographically, we are in close neighbors, but politically, we live far apart. During the last one and a half seen a summit not meeting, top level, president ial meeting, between the president and Prime Minister abe. That thisoncerned stalemate and nondialogue make an beginning to impact on the Public Opinions of both sides. This worries me. I would argue that if this deadlock becomes too much prolonged, then we may pass the point of no return, and it will be difficult to recover our sense of friendship and trust between the two countries. We have recent opinion polls in korea which shows that korean perception of japan is getting worse. At the same time, japanese perception of korea is also moving in the wrong direction. Those japanese with a moderate view, those japanese who are interested in koreajapan partnership are all still affected. That is not good news between the two sides. If the stalemate continues, then china is certainly in a position to seek an opportunity dividecise leverage to japan and korea. President xi jinpings speech at the Seoul National university postop he mentioned about the history. He mentioned about the japanese barbaric invasion and acquisition of the territory which made korea and china suffer together. Ourentioned that because of cooperation, we could overcome this japanese aggressive behavior. So it seems to me that it oficates the chinese idea pertaining japan on the other side by trying to create some ont of a united front history, visavis japan. What can the United States do to improve the situation . United states is an important partner and a common ally of korea and japan. So you will certainly have to be conscious and aware of the friends, from both korean reaction and the japanese reaction. I have been in politics for 10 years, and i have been leading the delegation from korea to participate in a trilateral parliamentary legislative exchange in u. S. And korea and japan. And i found that when we talk about sensitive issues between as an issuepan such on our territory, the sex slave issue very emotional, and the ,hrine issue which is explosive our Japanese Counterparts from tokyo tended to behave very without american sense. Maybe our Japanese Counterparts think that koreans behave well with our american friends, as well. So i think there is some kind of a spirit, a dialogue, a partnership, even when we talk about sensitive issues the between the two sides. Mind you, United States cannot issues, the phony issues between korea and japan. U. S. Was the leading International Leader after the arrangement for japan and for korea, including sensitive issues, including u. S. Support for koreajapan diplomatic normalization, including our trilateral Security Framework to the turner northkorean to deter korean threat. So this is a matter for the United States, as well. In retrospect, the United States have played, whether it wanted or not, directly or indirectly, to close the gap, bridge the relationship between korea and japan. As i mentioned, with normalization of diplomatic relations between korea and japan, they were quite controversial response from domestic population. A man was abducted from, the bil relationship got to the bottom. The United States was there. To help improve the situation. Was another incident where our first lady was taken by a koreanjapanese who grew up in japan and who came to korea and assassinated the first lady. Inre was another disaster the relationship between korea and japan. Japan said we are not responsible. So the United States acted as a bona fide mediator. So this is not something new. View,en this is, in my the inescapable destiny of the United States to act as a or mediator between the two sides as long as the United States maintains alliance with japan and korea at the same time. The friction between korea and japan seriously weakens the synergy among the triangle, korea, u. S. , and japan and it undermines peace and stability and in asia. I think president obama and the Obama Administration should not prolonged stalemate between korea and japan. Threewaynse, the conference among president obama in therime minister abe netherlands to talk about common issues of security, north Korean Nuclear issues and how to promote the Nuclear Situation in a dangerous world was well done. I say that the u. S. Government did the right thing at the right time. It should have occurred last year on the occasion of the apec in indonesia where the three leaders could get together. At that time, president obama could not participate in the meeting because of the issue in washington. I think it was well done. Have ase that we should summit meeting between Prime Minister abe in the near future. Two countries could make serious efforts to make it happen. Have not been taught talking to each other for too long. Even in a family between husband and wife, they talk each other. Not, this is a serious family issue. The United States should make its own efforts to facilitate this encounter, friendly encounter between the two sides. Assume that a serious dialogue is going on between china and japan. As i mentioned, we have seen the countries,ween two china and myanmar. And who knows . There could be china, japan, summit meeting. We cant exclude that possibility between china and japan. Japan can getnd agreed to holding this summit meeting, why can we have a meeting between korea and japan . It does not make sense. The relationship between korea and japan should not be a zero sum game. It would be a positive sum game for someone else. Fatal to the National Interest of both sides. Korea and japan are not enemies. Certainly there is a potential antijanines antijapanese areiment in korea, but we not enemies. I recollect the history of the , egypt and israel, reluctantly got to agree 1978et at camp david in and signed the documents. Conceded the sinai peninsula, the guy iaza strip. We have another crisis, but if user zero and egypt could get and signed this agreement, why cant korea and japan do it . Aso we have seen in europe reconciliation between britain and ireland. Which has been there a long time. The friction and resentment and the conflict could be overcome. This is the art of politics and theomacy that we can create new history. That ifonally, i think we, korea and japan, can agree to hold the summit meeting before leaders can do it, it is much better, in my view. Canoing so, korea and japan be in a much more comfortable position to talk with china. Countries share democracy, economy, and respect for human rights. Next monthortunities in new york at the United Nations summit meeting, all of the leaders will get together, from korea, President Park from japan, Prime Minister abe, and china. That is a good opportunity, in my view. Short it is a very time left. In also, we have g20 brisbane, australia in november. That is another opportunity for a koreajapan dialogue and we pec summit meeting hosted by china. There is the possibility perhaps in beijing china and japan can agree to meet. Because china is a host, japan is a guest. The host should treat the guests well. So why not a dialogue. And if japan could send the former Prime Minister to beijing to arrange the meeting and perhaps a summit meeting, japan can also send a special envoy to korea. So we can begin our dialogue. To take thisike opportunity to state my views to Prime Minister abe and the government in japan. Japan is trying to become a froml state, which means the perspective of the japanese a full, japan is not state. Something has to be changed in order for japan to become a normal state. In my view, for japan to become a normal state, the first thing it has to do is to come to terms with its own history. To squarely face the past history. If it is a wrong history, you should learn lessons from it. If it is a wrong history, you should regret and apologize. If it is a wrong history, you should make sure the same stakes will not be repeated. That is the message that neighboring countries in asia want to hear. That is the message korea wants to hear from japan. Of course the japanese government says we have made many apologies. Which were acceptable to korea, viewpoint,e korean we are not sure that whether japan has made a sincere, genuine regret an apology to korea, the number does not matter. This is not a political issue. This is something on a different dimension. Year, the day after christmas, Prime Minister abe made a surprising visit. It took many koreans, it was kamikaze visit by the Prime Minister, which shocked many countries. It was an unpleasant surprise to the United States as well. A very fatal blow to the perception of sincerity by the koreans. Again, recently japanese government came out with an idea the we should review admission of the mistakes and made an apology. Statement, thee chief cabinet secretary. He was a deputy Prime Minister and the leader of the democratic hardy. He was the governments top spokesman. We wonder why japan, at this time, has to review this statement. Not have started in the first place. It gave the impression japan was trying to see if the legitimacy wrong. Actuality was thatost important thing is through the review itself, japanese government, abe government, has reconfirmed the content of the gulf corner statement. That is an important aspect of this drama. I want to tell my japanese friends and japanese government that comfort women issue, the sex slave issue, wartime sex slavery, is not a political issue. It is not a legal issue. It is a moral issue. It is a universal human rights issue. If japan wants to move toward then this issue has to be resolved by japan itself voluntarily. The economics by the Prime Minister of japan very highly. Japan have gone through more than 20 years of recession and mics is pouring in a vitality to the japanese economy. Interest and i also appreciate japan is offering the military base in the country so operate ons. Could the korean peninsula, peacetime and wartime. Playing this indirect security role. Traditionale our tradition. We share democracy and freemarket. And we have achieved a remarkable economic development. In that process, korea learned lessons from japan. And we got economic assistance from japan. Many countries in the world are miraculousthe success of japan and korea and they want to study how this is possible. Next year, the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between korea and japan. This is a historic year. We have been engaged for half a century. Unfortunately, the current relationship is going in the wrong direction. E should change this look at europe, france, and germany and what they could achieve, a historic reconciliation because germany apology with an honest and genuine repentance about its own wrong past. Germany certainly learned from theyainful history and made an apology and also the same mistake will not be repeated again. To conceal not try the history. Campmade the concentration into a holocaust museum. Us is the real lesson we should learn from history. I would like to remind the japanese government of the importance of learning lessons from the past history. This is legitimate way for japan to become a normal state. Government has actually made its position clear on this issue. President obama, when he visited korea, mentioned the comfort women sex slavery is terrible and egregious, which everyone agreed. The u. S. Congress has passed a on theion unanimously comfort women issue. The state department in washington has also announced its clear position on this issue. Government should continue to send a clear message that any careless remarks which reminds people of the military past and japan should not be repeated and that is the interest of everyone. Let me say briefly about this abe governmenthe is pursuing the idea of collective selfdefense. The cabinet has introduced this concept, the first of july, three cabinet decision. Selfdefense should not in the peace and security in the region. For the u. S. Government, for the Obama Administration, which is asia, morebalance to proactive japan security role is something that could be acceptable or maybe something that could be welcomed. The sensitive issue can occur between japan and the neighboring countries. We have seen the postwar japan faithfully comply to the in aipal of selfdefense very restricted way. The cabinet has made consistent interpretation of the constitution in the following way, in japan if they want to exercise selfdefense, it has to satisfy three conditions. Imminent action against japan. The right of selfdefense should be exercised when no other means are available. Exercised in a minimum necessary level. These are painstaking principles japan has established during the last 70 years in order to keep in line with the spirit of the peace constitution and Prime Minister abe is changing it. Not by the parliamentary decision, not by the public referendum, but by the decision of the japanese cabinet. So that creates a concern on the koreanskorea when many. Till remember japan past this can create security and political problems as well as diplomatic problems. It is true the United States apan ands. Bases in j japan support is necessary, but this should be exercised within the parameters of u. S. Japan alliance. Fromis a different matter japans unilateral decision to its pacifist principles and to expand by participating in an armed clash. I look at the japanese opinion polls and i see that the majority of the japanese are concerned about this selfdefense and they are concerned it should if japan could be entangled in an Armed Conflict against the will of the people, because that is the principle of the constitution. And also the needs political parties, like the one that was critical of the selfdefense idea, there are domestic constraints on this pursuit of selfdefense. Other governments would say no, this is a proactive contribution to peace. In my view, it is a problematic contribution to peace. Ideapan pushes this without prior consultation with other countries coming including korea, obviously people in korea suspect this is a new attempt for japan to militarize itself. The United States, therefore, as an ally with japan should make sure this pursuit of collected littlefense should be a limited concept which operates within the parameters of the u. S. Japan alliance and should not impair peace and stability in northeast asia nor infringe upon the National Interest and security of the korean peninsula. Therefore the role is to resolve conflict between the sides. And if this suspicion and distrust of the japanese result is resolved, then we can talk about the general security information. The agreement between the two sides. Which was derailed relief recently between the countries. Finally, let me talk about north korea. Three countries should strengthen its cooperation to deal with north Korea Nuclear threat. The situation has got worse and worse and worse. Strategic patience of the United States in dealing with north korea. We have tried sanctions, we have tried persuasion, we have tried diplomacy, we have tried deterrence. Neither of them worked. So i know there is a north korea fatigue in town. But the more important thing is issue ase leave this thisrth korea is there and Nuclear Issue can be resolved, it is a terrible mistake. More and moreith dangerous situations from north korea. Situation in the middle east, the u. S. Airstrikes in important from the global Foreign Policy, from the white house. If you allow north korea to their plutonium extraction and uranium enrichment, we will have to pay even greater price in the future. North korea is concentrating on Nuclear Warheads and development of the middle and longterm missiles. If they are combined, they can enrich not only the u. S. Military bases, but also alaska and california. Time, there is evidence north korea has been working with the countries in the middle east like syria or iran. If this connection, which is between north korea and the middle Eastern Countries is developed, the crisis could become beyond control. It could escalate beyond control. Genuineve to make some active efforts now among the three countries. Koreae choice to north whether they want to pursue this course of danger or make a different choice. We should maintain sanctions on north korea as a means of pressure. At the same time, we should not recoil from the idea of talks with the north. We want to find out what they need about the Current Situation and what can be done. Dialogue is better than confrontation. This progress. Ce we have to make a breakthrough. Otherwise things will become more dangerous. , i mentioned at the beginning the three countries should try to expand the free trade regime. We are negotiating with china. Koreais a member and expressed its willingness to join. , they are in as ,eadlock because of our problem conflicts with japan. And also between japan and china. Two emerginge freetrade locked in asiapacific blocks in asiapacific. Including korea, japan, china, new zealand, and 10 other countries. On the asiapacific side, we have the emerging tpp which is in negotiation. Counterbalancing trade blocs. Maybe. I think it should somehow accommodate each other of a freetrade network. You might have a different idea. Can you think about asiapacific freetrade without china . Eastan you think about asian freetrade without United States . I dont think it makes sense. That is where korea can play its role. We are a strong ally of the United States. We will have a benchmark fta. Negotiations, all of the countries are trying to see some can introduce principles into the regime. Is playing a role, carrying the big ship. And also through our negotiations with china, we are doing our Important Role of liberalizing the china market. So they can except the global standard, including products, production, intellectual property, as one. So eventually the negotiation of fta with china could be a good entrance for china to be invited to the tpp, if they want. If china doesnt want, there is no entry. But if china wants, we want to have china, which is more open a greatercreate asiapacific freetrade network. I think ive spent my time enough. I will stop here. Thank you for your patience and i would invite your questions. [applause] thank you, dr. Park. You touched upon many important points about the relationships in that pink our audience has many takeaways from today. Thank you very much. And i think our audience has many takeaways from today. Thank you very much. If you have questions, raise your hand. The microphone is going around the room. Please identify yourself if you have a question. This gentleman. Please identify yourself. Thank you very much for your speech. I agreed with you when you said japan and south korea should have a summit meeting. The sooner the better. ,he fact it has not happened himself,ister abe demand for the precondition japan should meet. So maybe you can react to that precondition. You spent a lot of japan they way we have chosen to pay tribute to the war dead and all of that. Japan has notas come to terms with its history and japan has not learned the lessons from its history, especially when they are here, is uncalled for. This is not the proper forum. Precondition,r japan has to come to terms with its own history before we have a summit meeting. What is the connection . You come in and you demand this and that. Have we ever done that to your country . That is uncalled for. Is that your precondition for the summit meeting . Thank you. That is my question. Is there any other question . Scott thompson with samsung. Im serious about the connection between trade and you politics in the sense of tpp in particular. Joins, could it improve Market Access between korea and japan and lower prices . To lessen tensions on the bilateral security front, is there no connection between the two or could negotiations in the format even heighten tensions between korea and japan along the way . The gentleman over there. Hi, thank you. I wanted to ask if you could share your thoughts on japans negotiations to resolve the object the abductee issue. One more. There. Gentleman over georgetown university, thank you for your interesting remarks. You talked about history of the biggest goal obstacle onto the summit is the problem of history. Would you think are the concrete steps the United States can take in order to exercises leverage on japan. My second question concerns the recent decision to appoint a new ambassador to japan. It is known to be a good friend. Thank you for your question. Thank you for your response to my speech. We have this difficult problem between japan and korea. Our post war arrangement for korea and japan still remains unsolved in my view. We have to go our current mistrust and resentment toward each other. Thats the duty of the political leaders of both countries. You mentioned preconditions. And the japanese government itself came to a conclusion. This creates room for a talk. By doing so, we can create a better environment of stability in asia. It japan and korea cannot come to terms with each other, what can be done . Should we build a barrier between the two sides and japan goes your way and korea it is our way . This is not helpful to anybody. That trying to suggest even the oldest difficulties and these misunderstandings, still there is room for korea and japan to see get together and talk about the future together because we are not enemies. I had a chance to study in japan my cell. I studied the japanese history and culture. In the 18th century, there was a peaceful relationship between the two sides without any war. Korean gelling geisha and delegation to japan and we had a political dialogue based on communication and trust. Spiritt we produce the of communication and trust in the 21st century if we can learn lessons from the past history. It is always possible for us to create a new relationship. I appreciate your question. Let me agree to disagree with you. Thats the reason why we should meet and talk. [inaudible] thank you. About your question, the ieral relationship think it is in the interest of all the countries in the region to move towards multilateral. Relationship especially in the area of trade and partnership. Because we are interdependent with each other and we are inseparable. In fact, the recent data of trade, volumes and transactions along with countries in asia especially korea, japan, and china shows error intra rational trade is growing faster than with america and europe. That is why korea expressed its intention to join the tpp well we are negotiating with china. We can play a role on both sides as i mentioned. Promote the Chinese Market opening on the one hand and contributing to the tpp on the other. I think they will both grow and korea can serve which is a model fta and the benchmark for the multilateral framework. [inaudible] lowerould help to koreanjapanese tension . Absolutely, if korea joins the tpp, it has the effect of concluding the fta with japan which we dont have. Thats the beauty of the multilateral agreements. That is the way we should move forward. Korea is the only country in asia now which has fta with both europe and america. Successfully finishes its fta with china will be the only country in the world that has fta with all three major markets u. S. , china, and europe. I think that puts korea at the center stage of the diversifying global fta. Im looking at it with great and just on the one hand and rate concern on the other. Like we are having to tweak our relationship with china and japan. Traditionally, north korea was perceived as a close ally of china. Is a close neighbor of japan. Now there are new trends moving in a different direction. We know the tension between china and north korea to the president of the visiting pyongyang and the president is now talking with. Orth korea about returning thate no conviction weathered north korea can actually deliver what japan wants in terms of bringing back the [inaudible]. If they are alive, they should come back and if they are not alive, they should have the remains. I think there are limits to what north korea can do. Know, we aree all imposing sanctions on north ea, the United States and the United Nations, the United States and korea, too. Concern a potential that if japan somehow takes this opportunity to change his policy toward north korea and change the sanction regime, it could work in a different direction with the current Multinational International sanction regime of north korea. Fundamentally, i think there are limits to what north korea can do. I hope that japan can bring all the ftps back from a humanitarian viewpoint. I wish it could happen. Then there might be some room for further progress of bilateral relationship. I see the limits on the front. Koreay, japan and bilateral summit, there are obstacles what can be done. That we agree to disagree but there is not a reason for that alone. Since the japanese government thatome to the conclusion error statement is indelible, it remains valued but its a difficult start. Abehink Prime Minister should make it clear that if he wants to improve the situation with south korea, he should take the initiative. If japan can send it special envoy to china, why not to korea . When he to talk. We need to start our serious dialogue between the two sides. About the new ambassador designate to japan i was surprised, too. He is a very respected and distinguished korean political leader of the country. It was a former chairman of Foreign Affairs commission in the national assembly. He had a career in korean politics. I was surprised. Myself, there might be reason why the korean seniorent has chosen the political leader to japan. I think the possible reason could be to strengthen political dialogue between the two countries. Beyond some kind of diplomatic negotiation. Essence ofgo to the the problem, the issues between the two sides. Could perhaps be to communicaten with the japanese political community. I understand he was a friend of the former foreign minister, the father of the Prime Minister abe. Friendly to koreajapan relationship. For thethat is the area new ambassador designate and how he could contribute to a deeper withore serious dialogue the japanese political leadership. I have not seen him yet. That is my tentative assessment. Would you like to take one or two more questions . Theretle man over you said that the United States should play a mediator role. Would you please specify how they can mediate between korea and japan. You have refused to be a mediator. They dont want to take the risk of mediating between the two allies. They want to be a facilitator. Can i take a couple of more questions . Ok, the gentle man over there. Hello, dr. Park. I enjoyed your speech heard much. I am from georgetown university. Nongovernmental exchanges between japan and korea you emphasize in your space the common confusion tradition between the two countries. I believe in the past decade there has been many exchanges between intellectuals and scholars and students who emphasize on this common heritage. Brieflyu please speak about the cultural and Educational Exchange initiatives between the two countries . Do you believe this could lead to a foundation for perennial understanding between japan and korea . Good question one more question. One last question over there. Thank you. Concernioned your regarding the new models of major power relationships. Could you elaborate more what is exactly the concerns . Has pushed back to this new proposal and are asking for details. Interest of south korea that the United States and china have difficulties to establish their relationship . Let me respond to the three questions, first about the role between the u. S. And japan with the was is a mediator. I dont think the u. S. Will politically mediate the relationship between the two countries. It could be counterproductive. Back at the history of the three country relationship. States that the united directly or indirectly tried to facilitate the improvement of relationship to join the two countries. That that it was not just for the sake of the japankorean relationship of the interest of the u. S. On its own. This position and the role of the United States i think does not change. It has not changed. Isfact, the u. S. Government already working in that direction in my view. The convening of the three country leaders is one good example. As i mentioned, in the united beijing, why in have another trilateral meeting . I think we should talk about something beyond our security issue or strategic issue. We can talk about our economic structure in asia including the financial structure. The chinese leader made a asianal in seoul about interest structure investment bank, aiip. B,. There is a concern in the United States about the chinese proposal because the u. S. Will work with the world bank and the Asian Development bank is in operation. The korean president did not make any commitment. It. Said let me think about i think we can talk about this position or proposal by china about setting up aiib in a trilateral meeting about whether this is a meaningful proposal and would it help the Asian Financial situation and the Asian Development or it works in discord with the existing Financial System in asia and in the world. I think this is a relevant topic for three countries to discuss. Before we make our decision, we need to make sure that the chinese proposal is in line with the global governments and the global standard of governance. It has to do with the ownership of the bank in terms of the propulsion of the fund that korea can contribute and the koreans responsibility and the rights in running this bank which is not at all clear. I think this could be a relevant topic. Momentums that this for a threeway communication among the top leaders in korea, u. S. , and japan should continue in some way possible. Thats the way the United States can play its role as a facilitator of the trilateral dialogue. I think its different from over mediation. History, the United States is making its position clear. President obama statement and the state departments statement all indicate that this is a moral issue, this is a universal not just theissue, past history between korea and japan. Maintaining ais neutral position between japan and korea but on this issue, the u. S. Position to me is quite clear. Question, i think this is really important, perhaps more than the political or security issue we have discussed. This is for the future generation of leaders between the two sides, the intellectual and scholastic and the Cultural Exchange should be strengthened between japan and korea. The history between the two sides, they have been communicating for more than 230 years. Is the history that we should look into much more seriously. How come the two countries after two bloody wars could manage to send and receive its largescale cultural and diplomatic delegation reaching out to about 500 people for one year going back and forth and talking with the Japanese Counterparts. Viewpoint, itn was necessary perhaps to bring our people back. 75,000 people from japan to korea. At the same time, maintain peace. Tokogawa government standpoint, it was good to establish its domestic and political legitimacy and to stabilize the situation in japan. Korea wanted peace and japan wanted stability. I think it was a Common Ground upon which this largescale regular diplomatic and cultural contact could be made. I will be delighted to see the reproduction of this spirit of communication and trust between the two sides. The younge can create leaders from college and the Civic Society to visit japan. We can also invite the japanese Young Leaders, their counterparts to, to come to korea and talk. Report by Korean High School students who spent five days with her counterparts in japan are it the koreajapan cultural program. It was and just things to see in the memo she said i dont like japan. I did not like japan and i dont like japanese people. I think japanese dont like us, too. I was reluctant to join this program. Because my mother wants me to study more. I stayed there for five days. After five days, my thought has changed. She said the japanese are very polite people. They are friendly. Theyre compassionate and sympathetic, i like them. Maybe in the future, i would like to find a job about some sort of cultural relationship between korea and japan. She said my parents are worried because i became too friendly to japan. This is a fantastic memo, a fantastic report that i saw from a cultural and Educational Exchange program. I would like to let you know that there is a foundation, the koreajapan cultural ambition which is doing a fantastic job of providing the golden ridge between the Young Leaders for the future. Question about hong kong this sounds great. Its a great power relationship. As i mentioned, the should not country ite for any is the u. S. Or china to push ahead its own agenda without due respect and regard for the National Interests and sovereignty of the countries in or otherher its korea countries in the area. You said the United States pushed back the idea. Maybe there are some reasons. The reason is perhaps related to my observation that if china wants to use this concept to push ahead its own agenda to be, kind of dominant power in asia, the u. S. Cannot accept it. Than is another concept what the u. S. Administration is thinking about. Perhaps we can develop it into a more constructive concept. It, as ibrand you name mentioned at the beginning of my talk, having a Constructive Partnership with china from the u. S. Viewpoint is in the interest of two powers and also in the interest of all the powers involved. Korea, from our viewpoint, should continue to play, to send a message to the u. S. And to china and perhaps to japan that in order to create a stable and constructive international , u. S. Chinaasia relationship first of all should be stable, peaceful. The chinajapan relationship should be effectively managed and korea should contribute to make it happen in whatever way possible. That is in the interest of south korea and the future of our Foreign Policy. I think this is a good way to conclude the event. At the beginning of the event, i was a little skeptical about the future direction of the u. S. Japan relationship because next year, as you said, it marks the 50th anniversary of establishing the bilateral ties between japan and korea. It marks the sevenyear anniversary of koreas independence from japanese colonial rule. I think the bilateral relationship between japan and korea stands as very important this year. Both governments will do this year, we will have that it will have a big impact on the relationship for the remaining time of the abe government. I am relieved to hear your comments today and im delighted you could join us today and give information and remarks. Please join me in thanking dr. Park jin. [applause] as this Program Comes to a close, quick note we joined in progress so we missed the first two minutes but you can see it in its entirety on our website, cspan. Org. The new Veterans Affairs secretary is looking at a number of va