Asian nations urged to boost terror fight

SINGAPORE (AP) — Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Saturday urged Asian nations to do more to defeat a global terrorist threat and to ensure that Afghanistan not be allowed to slip back into chaos.

His remarks to the annual Shangri-la conference on international security touched only lightly on China, whose military buildup had been a central focus of previous conferences. And while he mentioned the war in Iraq, he focused more on broader themes of terrorism and U.S. commitments in Asia.

"In particular, the challenge posed by terrorists inspired by radical ideologies cannot be overcome by any one nation — no matter how wealthy or powerful," he said, alluding to U.S. efforts to build a lasting coalition.

In remarks later in response to questions from his audience, Gates said that while the United States and other countries have made progress against al-Qaida and affiliated terrorist organizations, it is too early to judge which side is winning. And he said that the terrorist networks are continuing to expand.

"We have not made enough progress on trying to address some of the root causes of terrorism," Gates said, whether it be despotism or poverty. "The danger remains very great."

In a speech notable for the absence of sharp jabs at other countries, Gates cited the largely peaceful conclusion of the Cold War as an example of how international cooperation can overcome a shared threat.

Gates emphasized the broad scope and historic basis of American interests and obligations in Asia and the Pacific.

"Some people have suggested that the United States may be neglecting Asia, because we have been too focused on Iraq, Afghanistan, and other hot spots. In reality, far from neglecting Asia, the United States is more engaged than ever before," he said.

"We have been extraordinarily busy in recent years as we reshape and strengthen our security ties based on shared interests."

He mentioned as examples a strengthening of military ties with India, Pakistan and Indonesia, as well as a U.S. push for a regional approach to addressing humanitarian crises and to countering terrorism.

"Based on this record it should be clear that the United States is not neglecting Asia, and will not do so in the future," he said. "We are an Asian power with significant and long-term political, economic and security interests. Our commitments elsewhere notwithstanding, we will fulfill our commitments in Asia."