Clinton on Asia
Judging from her record as secretary of state and her statements on the campaign trail, Hillary Clinton would largely continue most U.S. policies in Asia. Here's a selection of her past statements about countries in the region.
Clinton on Asia
Judging from her record as secretary of state and her statements on the campaign trail, Hillary Clinton would largely continue most U.S. policies in Asia. Here's a selection of her past statements about countries in the region:
China
As first lady in 1995, gave a forceful speech on human rights, declaring: “Women’s rights are human rights.”
- Took a consistently vocal stance against China’s aggressive actions in disputed areas of the South China Sea.
- Initially supported the TPP free trade deal, but later reversed course, saying it didn’t meet her standards.
- Was the public face of the U.S. economic and military rebalance to Asia, seen as a response to China’s growing influence.
Japan
In 2009, Clinton made Japan the site of her first official overseas visit as secretary of state.
- During a 2013 visit, called the U.S. alliance with Japan the “cornerstone of American engagement with the region.”
North Korea
Clinton worked to secure tough United Nations sanctions on North Korea following its second nuclear test in 2009.
- Helped oversee a policy that demanded Pyongyang commit to denuclearization before returning to six-party nuclear talks.
- Under her time as secretary of state, North Korea made significant nuclear and missile advancements.
South Korea
During her 2008 presidential run, Clinton opposed the U.S.-South Korea free trade deal, calling it “inherently unfair.” Once she became secretary of state, she supported the deal, calling it “profoundly in America’s interest.”
Myanmar
Clinton regularly points to Myanmar’s opening up as one of her main foreign achievements.
- In 2011 became the first U.S. secretary of state to visit to visit Myanmar since before a military dictatorship took over in 1962.
Philippines
As secretary of state, Clinton helped oversee a significant expansion of military relations between Washington and its former colony.
- Famously referred in 2011 to the South China Sea as the “West Philippine Sea,” using Manila’s preferred name for the disputed body of water.
- Supported Manila’s decision to take its territorial dispute with China to an international tribunal.
Vietnam
Clinton has repeatedly slammed Vietnam’s human rights record, even as she helped expand U.S. economic and military ties with Hanoi’s Communist government.
- At an ASEAN regional forum in Vietnam in 2010, Clinton issued an open challenge to China, warning against countries using “coercion” to resolve disputes in the South China Sea.
- Clinton’s husband, ex-President Bill Clinton, normalized U.S. relations with Vietnam, winning him many friends in the Southeast Asian country.