U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has outlined the U.S. security strategy for Asia and the Pacific, saying an "active and engaged United States" is critical to the success of regional cooperation.
During a speech in Honolulu, Hawaii, late Tuesday, Clinton said the futures of the U.S. and Asia are linked by both economic and security cooperation. She said nations in the region should work together to counter security threats like nuclear proliferation, territorial disputes and military competition.
She said lowering trade and investment barriers will enhance economic development, and political progress will result from protecting human rights and promoting open societies.
She mentioned the long-stalled six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program, calling them an example of the potential to advance shared interests.
Earlier Tuesday, Clinton toured Pearl Harbor, a U.S. naval base that was the target of a 1941 air attack by Japan. That attack killed 2,400 Americans and forced the U.S. into World War II.
Tuesday's events came on the first stage of Clinton's Pacific tour, which also will take her to Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Australia, ending January 19.
