30 January 2012

News Story: INTERVIEW/ Admiral Robert F. Willard: Japan-U.S. alliance to rise in prominence as U.S. shifts strategy

Robert F. Willard (Wiki Info)
By YOICHI KATO/ National Security Correspondent

HONOLULU--The Japan-U.S. alliance will rise in prominence as Washington shifts its strategic focus to the Asia-Pacific region, Adm. Robert F. Willard, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said in a recent interview with a delegation of Japan National Press Club in Honolulu.
He described the buildup of China's military capabilities as "impressive to watch" and stressed the importance of developing technologies and TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures) to overcome challenges to freedom of actions in the global commons.
He also warned that "North Korea is the most urgent threat in the Asia-Pacific region," and pointed out that the United States continues to be prepared for "any untoward events that could occur in the future."
The opening statement by Adm. Willard and excerpts of the interview follow.

Read the full story at The Asahi Shimbun