One of the precepts in ASEAN is that, if you are a member, then you are treated equally inside ASEAN, as a member.

I think this has been a very good opportunity for us to exercise some oversight, here in the Congress, on the evolution of policy.

We take one standard on electoral process in a place like Thailand, and then we'll say--or we will not say, to Vietnam or China, that they should even have elections.

I totally agree with you. We tend to forget, in this country, the amazing story of Japan since the end of World War II.

the promotion of democracy and human rights is an essential element of American foreign policy.

And this doesn't just to go into the China situation. It's to talk about, fundamentally, whether we have a consistent policy that people in all countries in Asia can understand.

I do believe that this is an issue that is part of our strategic dialogue with China.

the fate of these societies and their political evolution rests not with us, the United States Government or NGOs, it rests with the citizens.

democracy, human rights have to be part of the dialogue, on an ongoing, consistent basis.

For ASEAN to be effective, to be the dominant institution of Asia... it has to have a greater leveling effect.

It's an across-the-board concern that we have.

The United States is the leading power of Asia.