Jim Webb: “Political considerations have to come in play.”

There is no question for the United States that the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty obligation extends to the Senkakus.

Senator Webb, your efforts with respect to Burma have played an essential role in this regard.

It is imperative that the United States policy be based on a clear set of principles that everyone here at home and in the region can understand.

I have been in a number of meetings where each of you took us to the woodshed about needing to try harder.