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US underrates APEC issues as Kerry rants on shutdown woes
Signs of the weakening US commitment to the so-called âpivot to Asiaâ has gradually been cemented as visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry was more occupied with issues at home on Saturday than on the topics discussed at the prestigious Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit
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igns of the weakening US commitment to the so-called 'pivot to Asia' has gradually been cemented as visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry was more occupied with issues at home on Saturday than on the topics discussed at the prestigious Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.
At the APEC 2013 stage provided by the summit's organizing committee, Kerry addressed the international media audience ' only small part of which were Americans ' to discuss the US' woes.
'There is a disappointing situation back home, which regrettably has prevented President Obama from attending this APEC summit,' Kerry said instantly after briefly greeting Indonesia's APEC organization committee.
'For the moment, some things that are affected. For instance, our security assistance for Israel, our closest ally in the Middle East is being delayed,' he added.
'The US Congress can address this quickly by reopening the government.'
Other regional issues were also mentioned but they looked to be used only to embolden the Barack Obama administration's suggestion that the Republicans should help reopen the government immediately.
'Republicans should think long and hard about the message that we send to the world when we can't get our own act together,' he said.
It was the most anticipated APEC press conference of the day as the room was packed with hundreds of journalists from all around the globe, some of whom had even queued for two hours just to enter the venue.
Most of the journalists were from Indonesia, the host of the summit, whose people are still struggling to deal with Obama's last-minute cancellation.
One of Kerry's comments about Indonesia was his appreciation for Southeast Asia's biggest economy's APEC leadership this year, saying that Indonesia's potentials and resources have contributed significantly to the region and the world.
'We view Indonesia as a very important partner in terms of securing the rules and standards of trade, which are so critical to the transparency, capability and the willingness of people to invest capital and grow the economy,' he said.
But a significant part of his statements addressed the ongoing domestic political battle, an issue that might not be too interesting for the international media, reinforcing suggestions that domestic matters have taken Obama's priorities over the distracted superpower's regional and global role.
The summit of 21 Pacific-Rim leaders is expected to not only address ways to breathe renewed life into the World Trade Organization, but also to commit to open trade and investment, as well as finding ways to end global economic uncertainty.
Analysts have suggested Obama's cancellation as indicative of US weakness and diminishing commitment to it's 'pivot to Asia' policy that Obama tabled during his first term in office.
It was Obama's fourth canceled visit to Indonesia, a country that has the largest economy, population and territory in Southeast Asia.
His absence at the summit has also led to concern that the US would no longer be able to counter China's growing engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.
China President Xi Jinping visited Indonesia and Malaysia, where he pledged massive assistance.
Kerry rejected the suggestion. 'I want to make it clear. Our commitment and engagement in Asia, including our reference to perform trade and investment and appearance in the region, remains one of our prime priorities,' Kerry said, adding that the shutdown was only a temporary moment in politics.
'When we get this moment of political silliness behind us, we will be back on a track that the world will respect and want to be part of,' he added.
Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa defended Kerry's arguments.
'[Obama's absence] won't bring any fundamental impact to US engagement in the region. This is something extraordinary and we believe Secretary Kerry is able to voice support previously planned to be brought by President Obama.'
US Trade Representative Michael Froman, who was also present at the conference, said the Trans-Pacific Partnership countries were strongly committed concluding negotiations this year.
