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Gates pledges US continued commitment in Asia

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates on Saturday stressed his country's continual commitment in Asia.

Dr Gates said the US military would maintain a robust presence across Asia backed up with new high-tech weaponry to protect allies and safeguard shipping lanes.

Speaking at the Shangri-la Dialogue, an international security conference in Singapore on Saturday, he assured Asian allies that Washington's commitment to
the region would not be scaled back.

"Irrespective of the tough times the US faces today -- where the tough budget choices we confront in the years to come -- America's interest as a Pacific nation, as a country that conducts much of its trade to the region will endure," Dr Gates said. 

"And the United States and Asia will only become more inextricably linked over the course of this century."

This year's 10th edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue will be the last Dr Gates is attending as US Defence Secretary.

He said he is stepping down at the end of the month after more than four years as Pentagon chief.

Even as Dr Gates is leaving office, he said the US military is planning to deepen engagement with countries across the Pacific.

Dr Gates admits there are questions being raised about the sustainability and credibility of US commitments around the world.

"Now, I acknowledge there are some myopic souls who will argue that we cannot sustain our role in Asia-Pacific," Dr Gates said.

"That there are some voices of gloom and doom who would also argue that the best days of the United States are behind it. 

"No doubt, the challenges America faces as a nation are daunting. But as I end my career in government, I remain completely optimistic about the prospects of the United States because I have seen first-hand the staying power and adaptability of America over the course of my life."

Dr Gates' speech came as countries facing a rising China watch the US for signs of its long-term security plans in Asia. 

20:32 | |

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