US admiral: Forces pivoting to Asia-Pacific despite global concerns

MANILA, Philippines — A top American military official dismissed speculations that the United States is reconsidering its strategic rebalance to the Asia Pacific as security environment in Europe has worsened.

Admiral Samuel Locklear III, commander of the US Pacific Command, said the military aspect of President Obama's foreign policy pivot is "moving forward" despite the unrest in Russia and Ukraine.

"We're seeing tangible evidence across all elements of the rebalance, not only in force structure ... so I think we remain on course," Locklear said in a briefing with Pentagon reporters last week, as quoted in a US Navy report.

"I don't get the sense that we're backing away from the Asia-Pacific rebalance because of other events occurring in the rest of the world," he added.

He noted the start of withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, some of whom were returned to the Asia-Pacific, where seven of the 10 largest armies in the world are. This includes Japan and China, among the regional parties locked in a maritime dispute.

"It makes good sense for us to have good cooperation, good interaction between our armies," Locklear explained.

He said the Army is increasingly getting involved, especially in a plan called Pacific Pathways that develops small units that will be forward-deployed for quick response to humanitarian emergencies of regional threats.

The plan is part of the US' efforts to modernize its alliances in the region such as with Japan and the Philippines without establishing bases.

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