TOKYO, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates urged Japan to lead the region and the world in seeking security and stability.
Gates said in Tokyo that Japan and Pacific nations must work together to achieve regional stability, a U.S. Department of Defense release said.
The secretary said the United States is working with other powers in the region to safeguard peace.
"We are working with South Korea to establish a new vision and force posture that goes beyond the current security situation on the peninsula and meets the future global needs of both nations," he said.
"The U.S. alliance system has been the cornerstone of peace and security in Asia for more than a generation," Gates said. "These alliances are enduring and indispensable. But we would like to see more engagement and cooperation among our allies and security partners, more multilateral ties rather than hubs and spokes."
The official also said the United States' relationship with Australia is changing.
"A newer and welcome development is that Australia is taking a larger role in regional and global security affairs with their leadership role in East Timor and their deployments in recent years to the Middle East and Central Asia," Gates said.
