FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
U.S.-China Military Ties Growing, Pacom Commander Says
By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 11, 2013 - The military-to-military relationship between the United States and China is deepening in a "quite commendable" way that may help improve overall engagement between the two countries, Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, told Pentagon reporters today.
During a news briefing, Locklear said he has spent the week here taking part in security, strategic and economic dialogues with Chinese officials, the last two gatherings hosted by the State Department.
"I think that the progress that we're making between our two militaries is quite commendable," the admiral said. "It's commendable because we are able to have very good dialogue on areas where we converge, and there are a lot of places where we converge as two nations, and we're also able to directly address in a matter-of-fact way where we diverge."
Those divergences are where the friction points occur, he said.
"And friction points are where militaries that understand each other can maybe not solve the friction," Locklear added, "but they can manage it so that diplomacy can continue to work."
Locklear said both China's military, the People's Liberation Army, and the U.S. military, starting with his own Pacific-based troops, understand that and are committed to it.
"I think that alone is significant progress," he added.
Locklear said the growing relationship is evident in events such as a large humanitarian relief exercise in which both nations' navies recently took part.
"U.S. and PLA ships and forces were working side-by-side," he noted. "That's substantial."
Locklear noted the Navy's USS Shiloh, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, completed a port visit in China. Pacom, he added, will open port visits for Chinese ships in the future, though dates have not yet been confirmed.
He noted that China has agreed to participate in the Rim of the Pacific exercise in 2014. "That's a big step for the Chinese military, Chinese navy," Locklear said. "They'll be entering a multinational three-week-long exercise that's basically run by the U.S. from the 3rd Fleet headquarters."
The Chinese sailors will be near Hawaii for the exercise and thus a long way from home, the admiral noted.
"But they're excited about it," he said. "They're excited about coming and participating. And we wish them all the success."
In response to a reporter's question, Locklear said the two nations' forces "have been able to conduct operations around each other in a very professional and increasingly professional manner," especially in areas close to China. As China's maritime capabilities increase, he said, the ongoing dialogue between it and the United States about rules of the road will become more crucial.
Because relatively young and inexperienced troops from both countries will encounter each other more often as China increases its reach and "the U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific is not going anywhere," Locklear said, "... we have to manage our ability to operate around each other."
The admiral acknowledged China has a sophisticated ballistic missile program, and that it will likely acquire increasingly sophisticated military equipment as its reach continues to grow.
"We're already seeing some examples of that," he said. "We're seeing Chinese operating today in places beyond the first and second island chain that we wouldn't have seen before. We've seen them be able successfully do [anti-piracy] operations alongside of us in the Gulf of Aden. I think it's a natural thing as their global, economic power grows for them to have security interests that go beyond their backyard."
The Chinese military is not a threat, but an opportunity, Locklear said in response to a question.
"If opportunity is not realized, then, as it would be with any other ... growing military, it potentially could become a threat," he said. "But I certainly view it and approach it as an opportunity. That's really the only best path forward."
Showing posts with label DIALOGUE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIALOGUE. Show all posts
Sunday, July 14, 2013
U.S.-CHINA STRATEGIC TRACK SELECT OUCOMES
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue V Strategic Track Select Outcomes
Fact Sheet
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
July 12, 2013
On the occasion of the Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) July 10-11, 2013, the United States and China agreed to, among other things:
Promote an open, cooperative, secure, and reliable cyber space: Prior to the S&ED, the United States and China held the first meeting of the civilian-military Cyber Working Group, where the two sides committed to work together on cooperative activities and further discussions on international norms of state behavior in cyberspace. Both sides commented positively on the candid, in-depth dialogue and agreed to hold the next meeting before the end of 2013.
Build healthy, stable, and reliable military-to-military ties: Senior civilian and military officials used the July 9 Strategic Security Dialogue to address some of the most sensitive issues in the bilateral relationship, expanding their discussion this year from cyber and maritime security to missile defense and nuclear policy. To build confidence, our two militaries agreed to actively explore a notification mechanism for major military activities and continue to discuss the rules of behavior for air and maritime activities.
Work toward shared goals on DPRK: Secretary Kerry and State Councilor Yang held in-depth consultations on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and agreed on the fundamental importance of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner and reiterated their joint commitment to continue high-level discussions to achieve this shared goal. The two sides called for full implementation of UNSCR 2094 and other relevant resolutions by all UN Member States, and for the necessary steps by all parties that would create the conditions for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.
Call on Iran to satisfy its obligations: The United States and China discussed Iran’s nuclear program, agreed that Iran should fulfill its international obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and called for full implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The United States and China reaffirmed their commitment to taking active part in the P5+1 negotiations with Iran and called on Iran to take concrete actions to satisfy the concerns of the international community through negotiations with the P5+1.
Push for a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria: The United States and China reiterated their shared commitment to preparing for the Geneva Conference on Syria and to resolving the crisis through political means in order to bring about a Syrian-led peaceful political transition that establishes a transitional governing body. We reaffirmed opposition to the use or proliferation of chemical weapons and called for measures to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.
Combat Climate Change and Protect the Environment: The United States and China agreed to accelerate action on climate change through five new action initiatives on heavy-duty and other vehicles; carbon capture, utilization, and storage; greenhouse gas data collection and management; smart grids; and energy efficiency in buildings and industry. These reflect the first of the recommendations made by the Climate Change Working Group that Secretary Kerry announced in April. They will also work together to implement the agreement of Presidents Obama and Xi on HFCs. The United States and China announced new efforts to share best practices in air quality planning, pollution reduction, environmental law and adjudication, and the study of greenhouse gases, as well as agreement to work together to combat wildlife trafficking..
Support Global Energy Security: The United States and China discussed measures to drive energy innovation and investment. They agreed to address barriers to further development of their energy production potential, including regulatory and pricing issues. Both countries agreed to cooperate on energy efficiency, renewable energy, emergency responses, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and sharing data on energy supply, demand, and reserves.
Enhance Cooperation on Global Development: The Unites States and China agreed to carry out joint projects in Afghanistan and Timor-Leste and announced a new Dialogue on Global Development – the first-ever regular mechanism for the two sides to exchange views on development issues and jointly advance our shared goals of poverty reduction, economic growth, and sustainable development.
U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue V Strategic Track Select Outcomes
Fact Sheet
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
July 12, 2013
On the occasion of the Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) July 10-11, 2013, the United States and China agreed to, among other things:
Promote an open, cooperative, secure, and reliable cyber space: Prior to the S&ED, the United States and China held the first meeting of the civilian-military Cyber Working Group, where the two sides committed to work together on cooperative activities and further discussions on international norms of state behavior in cyberspace. Both sides commented positively on the candid, in-depth dialogue and agreed to hold the next meeting before the end of 2013.
Build healthy, stable, and reliable military-to-military ties: Senior civilian and military officials used the July 9 Strategic Security Dialogue to address some of the most sensitive issues in the bilateral relationship, expanding their discussion this year from cyber and maritime security to missile defense and nuclear policy. To build confidence, our two militaries agreed to actively explore a notification mechanism for major military activities and continue to discuss the rules of behavior for air and maritime activities.
Work toward shared goals on DPRK: Secretary Kerry and State Councilor Yang held in-depth consultations on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and agreed on the fundamental importance of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner and reiterated their joint commitment to continue high-level discussions to achieve this shared goal. The two sides called for full implementation of UNSCR 2094 and other relevant resolutions by all UN Member States, and for the necessary steps by all parties that would create the conditions for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.
Call on Iran to satisfy its obligations: The United States and China discussed Iran’s nuclear program, agreed that Iran should fulfill its international obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and called for full implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The United States and China reaffirmed their commitment to taking active part in the P5+1 negotiations with Iran and called on Iran to take concrete actions to satisfy the concerns of the international community through negotiations with the P5+1.
Push for a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria: The United States and China reiterated their shared commitment to preparing for the Geneva Conference on Syria and to resolving the crisis through political means in order to bring about a Syrian-led peaceful political transition that establishes a transitional governing body. We reaffirmed opposition to the use or proliferation of chemical weapons and called for measures to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.
Combat Climate Change and Protect the Environment: The United States and China agreed to accelerate action on climate change through five new action initiatives on heavy-duty and other vehicles; carbon capture, utilization, and storage; greenhouse gas data collection and management; smart grids; and energy efficiency in buildings and industry. These reflect the first of the recommendations made by the Climate Change Working Group that Secretary Kerry announced in April. They will also work together to implement the agreement of Presidents Obama and Xi on HFCs. The United States and China announced new efforts to share best practices in air quality planning, pollution reduction, environmental law and adjudication, and the study of greenhouse gases, as well as agreement to work together to combat wildlife trafficking..
Support Global Energy Security: The United States and China discussed measures to drive energy innovation and investment. They agreed to address barriers to further development of their energy production potential, including regulatory and pricing issues. Both countries agreed to cooperate on energy efficiency, renewable energy, emergency responses, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and sharing data on energy supply, demand, and reserves.
Enhance Cooperation on Global Development: The Unites States and China agreed to carry out joint projects in Afghanistan and Timor-Leste and announced a new Dialogue on Global Development – the first-ever regular mechanism for the two sides to exchange views on development issues and jointly advance our shared goals of poverty reduction, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
U.S., EU MEETING REGARDING INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE ON EXPORT CONTROLS
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
U.S. and EU Jointly Hold International Dialogue in Brussels to Discuss Export Controls
Fact Sheet
Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation
June 26, 2013
Representatives from 34 countries and administrative regions, as well as experts from industry and nongovernmental organizations, came together the last three days to discuss how countries can reduce the threat of global proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) through cooperation to strengthen strategic trade controls. The International Export Control Cooperation and Outreach Dialogue, held at the European Commission Headquarters, was jointly organised by the European Union’s (EU) Export Control in Dual Use Goods programme and the U.S. Department of State's Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program. Attendees included licencing and customs agencies, export control authorities, NGOs and exporters from across the world.
During the dialogue, experts shared best practices and expertise in managing trade in strategic goods. The discussions focused on meeting emerging challenges in preventing unauthorized transfer of expertise, materials, and technology that contribute to the development of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. Dialogue participants discussed topics such as promoting free trade zones, regulating new forms of information technology transfers, and government outreach to industries to ensure responsible compliance with export control laws and regulations.
The Dialogue highlighted the continuing cooperation between the European Union and the United States in countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Through the EU Outreach programme on dual use items and the EXBS Program, the EU and the United States are assisting more than sixty countries around the world to bring their national strategic trade management systems in line with international standards.
Background
In 2003, the European Union (EU) adopted the European Security Strategy, identifying the proliferation of weapons of mass destructions (WMD) as a key threat to European security. One area of cooperation under Priority 1 of the Instrument for Stability (IfS) refers to capacity building to ensure effective export control of dual-use goods by providing export control and related border control assistance to third countries. The EU and the United States are running multi-year, long-term comprehensive strategic trade control cooperation and capacity-building programs reaching many countries around the world.
The EU has an export control strategy on dual use items, set up to provide advice to countries on key areas of export controls (eg enforcement, legal matters, licensing, and raising awareness) and is part of the EU's Instrument for Stability. The European Commission (EC) is operating an important Export Control outreach activity providing support to third countries on the key areas of export controls (legal, licensing, enforcement, awareness, and penalties), implemented by the German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). These actions are financed under the IfS programme. Their implementation is the responsibility of the Commission's Directorate General (DG) DEVCO, while the European External Action Service (EEAS) is responsible for elaborating the strategy and multi-annual programming.
The U.S. Department of State´s Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) program, within the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, assists partner countries to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and destabilizing accumulations of advanced conventional weapons by developing and strengthening their national systems to manage trade in sensitive goods and secure their borders against unauthorized transfers of such items
U.S. and EU Jointly Hold International Dialogue in Brussels to Discuss Export Controls
Fact Sheet
Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation
June 26, 2013
Representatives from 34 countries and administrative regions, as well as experts from industry and nongovernmental organizations, came together the last three days to discuss how countries can reduce the threat of global proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) through cooperation to strengthen strategic trade controls. The International Export Control Cooperation and Outreach Dialogue, held at the European Commission Headquarters, was jointly organised by the European Union’s (EU) Export Control in Dual Use Goods programme and the U.S. Department of State's Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program. Attendees included licencing and customs agencies, export control authorities, NGOs and exporters from across the world.
During the dialogue, experts shared best practices and expertise in managing trade in strategic goods. The discussions focused on meeting emerging challenges in preventing unauthorized transfer of expertise, materials, and technology that contribute to the development of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. Dialogue participants discussed topics such as promoting free trade zones, regulating new forms of information technology transfers, and government outreach to industries to ensure responsible compliance with export control laws and regulations.
The Dialogue highlighted the continuing cooperation between the European Union and the United States in countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Through the EU Outreach programme on dual use items and the EXBS Program, the EU and the United States are assisting more than sixty countries around the world to bring their national strategic trade management systems in line with international standards.
Background
In 2003, the European Union (EU) adopted the European Security Strategy, identifying the proliferation of weapons of mass destructions (WMD) as a key threat to European security. One area of cooperation under Priority 1 of the Instrument for Stability (IfS) refers to capacity building to ensure effective export control of dual-use goods by providing export control and related border control assistance to third countries. The EU and the United States are running multi-year, long-term comprehensive strategic trade control cooperation and capacity-building programs reaching many countries around the world.
The EU has an export control strategy on dual use items, set up to provide advice to countries on key areas of export controls (eg enforcement, legal matters, licensing, and raising awareness) and is part of the EU's Instrument for Stability. The European Commission (EC) is operating an important Export Control outreach activity providing support to third countries on the key areas of export controls (legal, licensing, enforcement, awareness, and penalties), implemented by the German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). These actions are financed under the IfS programme. Their implementation is the responsibility of the Commission's Directorate General (DG) DEVCO, while the European External Action Service (EEAS) is responsible for elaborating the strategy and multi-annual programming.
The U.S. Department of State´s Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) program, within the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, assists partner countries to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and destabilizing accumulations of advanced conventional weapons by developing and strengthening their national systems to manage trade in sensitive goods and secure their borders against unauthorized transfers of such items
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
STATEMENT ON U.S.-BANGLADESH PARTNERSHIP DIALOGUE
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Joint Statement of the Second U.S.-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
May 27, 2013
U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy R. Sherman and Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque co-chaired the Second Bangladesh-U.S. Partnership Dialogue in Dhaka May 26-27, 2013. The two leaders highlighted the robust and growing bilateral ties between Bangladesh and the United States and affirmed that the relationship is based on shared values and common goals of the two countries and their people. The two leaders recognized the significant progress that has been made in the bilateral relationship since the signing of the Partnership Dialogue agreement in Dhaka May 5, 2012, noted the productive discussions at the inaugural Partnership Dialogue meetings held in Washington September 19-20, 2012, and reaffirmed their commitment to further broaden and deepen the partnership.
Under Secretary Sherman offered deep condolences on the Rana Plaza and Tazreen Fashions tragedies, noting that the thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the families of the victims. Foreign Secretary Haque and Under Secretary Sherman committed to intensifying the ongoing efforts to work together to enhance workers’ rights and safety standards to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.
Under Secretary Sherman praised Bangladesh as a secular and pluralist democracy that has achieved remarkable social and economic progress while addressing transnational challenges, including terrorism, trafficking and climate change. Secretary Kerry asked Under Secretary Sherman to convey his regards to the Bangladeshi people and reiterated his strong support for this important partnership. The two leaders surveyed the wide array of ongoing cooperative activities, declared that the Bangladesh-U.S. relationship has never been better, and pledged to improve it further. The wide-ranging discussions on bilateral and regional issues included the following:
Development and Governance: The co-chairs underscored the Bangladesh-U.S. partnership on President Obama’s signature global initiatives on health care, food security and climate change as well as cooperation on women’s empowerment. They recognized Bangladesh’s leading role for countries that are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. They acknowledged Bangladesh’s vibrant and varied civil society and agreed to consider the possibilities of organizing a joint civil society event in the next Partnership Dialogue. The two delegations also discussed other issues relating to governance, human rights, the Rohingya, and the Millennium Challenge Account.
Regional Integration: The co-chairs acknowledged Bangladesh’s leadership role in promoting greater connectivity in the region. They discussed the security landscape in the region, including Afghanistan and Burma. In the context of regional security, they recognized that the free movement of ideas, goods, and people enhances regional peace and prosperity.
Trade and Investment: The co-chairs discussed the status of labor law reform, registration of unions in the garment sector, fire and structural safety standards, and the prospects for a Better Work program in Bangladesh. The two delegations discussed market access, including Bangladesh’s request for duty free garment exports to the United States and the ongoing U.S. review of a petition concerning Bangladesh’s eligibility for trade privileges under the Generalized System of Preferences. The co-chairs highlighted the start of a bilateral energy dialogue and underscored U.S.-Bangladesh leadership in organizing the first Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) program to explore avenues for expanding electricity access, promoting renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency.
Security Cooperation: The co-chairs recognized the vital and active role Bangladesh plays in ensuring security and stability, regionally and globally. They noted the productive meetings of the Second U.S.-Bangladesh Dialogue on Security Issues in Washington in April 2013. They reviewed the continued collaboration in countering extremism, counterterrorism, security assistance, United Nations peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian assistance.
Private Sector Forum: The co-chairs highlighted the success of the Private Sector Forum, which underscores the value business and people-to-people contacts could add to the overall bilateral relationship. The Private Sector Forum brought together U.S. and Bangladesh business representatives to focus on deepening links between their respective private sectors, to discuss impediments to enhanced two-way trade and investment, and to identify opportunities for moving forward.
The second Partnership Dialogue was held in a warm and cordial environment. The co-chairs agreed to hold the third Partnership Dialogue in Washington, D.C., in 2014.
Joint Statement of the Second U.S.-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
May 27, 2013
U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy R. Sherman and Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque co-chaired the Second Bangladesh-U.S. Partnership Dialogue in Dhaka May 26-27, 2013. The two leaders highlighted the robust and growing bilateral ties between Bangladesh and the United States and affirmed that the relationship is based on shared values and common goals of the two countries and their people. The two leaders recognized the significant progress that has been made in the bilateral relationship since the signing of the Partnership Dialogue agreement in Dhaka May 5, 2012, noted the productive discussions at the inaugural Partnership Dialogue meetings held in Washington September 19-20, 2012, and reaffirmed their commitment to further broaden and deepen the partnership.
Under Secretary Sherman offered deep condolences on the Rana Plaza and Tazreen Fashions tragedies, noting that the thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the families of the victims. Foreign Secretary Haque and Under Secretary Sherman committed to intensifying the ongoing efforts to work together to enhance workers’ rights and safety standards to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.
Under Secretary Sherman praised Bangladesh as a secular and pluralist democracy that has achieved remarkable social and economic progress while addressing transnational challenges, including terrorism, trafficking and climate change. Secretary Kerry asked Under Secretary Sherman to convey his regards to the Bangladeshi people and reiterated his strong support for this important partnership. The two leaders surveyed the wide array of ongoing cooperative activities, declared that the Bangladesh-U.S. relationship has never been better, and pledged to improve it further. The wide-ranging discussions on bilateral and regional issues included the following:
Development and Governance: The co-chairs underscored the Bangladesh-U.S. partnership on President Obama’s signature global initiatives on health care, food security and climate change as well as cooperation on women’s empowerment. They recognized Bangladesh’s leading role for countries that are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. They acknowledged Bangladesh’s vibrant and varied civil society and agreed to consider the possibilities of organizing a joint civil society event in the next Partnership Dialogue. The two delegations also discussed other issues relating to governance, human rights, the Rohingya, and the Millennium Challenge Account.
Regional Integration: The co-chairs acknowledged Bangladesh’s leadership role in promoting greater connectivity in the region. They discussed the security landscape in the region, including Afghanistan and Burma. In the context of regional security, they recognized that the free movement of ideas, goods, and people enhances regional peace and prosperity.
Trade and Investment: The co-chairs discussed the status of labor law reform, registration of unions in the garment sector, fire and structural safety standards, and the prospects for a Better Work program in Bangladesh. The two delegations discussed market access, including Bangladesh’s request for duty free garment exports to the United States and the ongoing U.S. review of a petition concerning Bangladesh’s eligibility for trade privileges under the Generalized System of Preferences. The co-chairs highlighted the start of a bilateral energy dialogue and underscored U.S.-Bangladesh leadership in organizing the first Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) program to explore avenues for expanding electricity access, promoting renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency.
Security Cooperation: The co-chairs recognized the vital and active role Bangladesh plays in ensuring security and stability, regionally and globally. They noted the productive meetings of the Second U.S.-Bangladesh Dialogue on Security Issues in Washington in April 2013. They reviewed the continued collaboration in countering extremism, counterterrorism, security assistance, United Nations peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian assistance.
Private Sector Forum: The co-chairs highlighted the success of the Private Sector Forum, which underscores the value business and people-to-people contacts could add to the overall bilateral relationship. The Private Sector Forum brought together U.S. and Bangladesh business representatives to focus on deepening links between their respective private sectors, to discuss impediments to enhanced two-way trade and investment, and to identify opportunities for moving forward.
The second Partnership Dialogue was held in a warm and cordial environment. The co-chairs agreed to hold the third Partnership Dialogue in Washington, D.C., in 2014.
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