Albright's stance on Asia old hat - US Secretary of State Dr. Madeleine Albright

Business Asia, August 17, 1998 by Cameron Cooper

For all her charisma and colour, US Secretary of State Dr Madelaine Albright is a politician.

A very polished politician, but a politician nevertheless.

So it is perhaps no surprise that her recent journey through the Asia-Pacific region was a dud in terms of addressing Asia's economic crisis.

Dr Albright was feted at every stage, first at senior-level talks with Asian officials in Manila, then in Australia and New Zealand. Pageantry aside, however, the visit produced little.

In her only public speech in Australia, made at the Sydney Opera House to the Australasia Centre of the Asia Society, Dr Albright touched on old ground.

She chastised Myanmar for its treatment of political rebel Aung San Suu Kyi. She castigated those responsible for recent nuclear tests in South Asia. She noted that economic engagement with China does not equate with endorsement of that nation's human rights record. And she bluntly intimated that Australia needs to do more to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

All worthwhile points, no doubt, but nothing new.

Criticism of her Australian speech for failing to address Asian economic issues is justified, especially given the forum. At a time when powerful actions and words are needed from political leaders to reverse Asia's malaise, Dr Albright missed a chance to play statesman.

Those who went to the Opera House seeking answers to the region's financial crisis instead came away with platitudes.

"... Both our nations have an interest in seeing that confidence is restored to the troubled economies of East Asia," Dr Albright said.

"... Misery can give rise to mistrust among nations; poverty can push desperate people across borders; economic despair can lead to disillusionment with economic and political freedom," she added.

The absence of suggested solutions left the audience hungry for more.

In a later interview, Dr Albright called on new Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi to reform Japan's economy.

"I think he knows that he doesn't have a great deal of time," she said.

"We are going to be watching very carefully."

To watch is all very well, but Dr Albright's Australian visit underlines the fact that politicians will have to do more than look on if Asia is to be turned around.

Leadership is required at the highest levels -- perhaps no more importantly than from the US and Japan.

Japan, the world's second-largest economy, is seen as the key to Asia's recovery from the region's crippling financial crisis.

America, as the largest economy, is perhaps the only one that can prod Tokyo and make sure it moves in the right direction.

Powerbrokers such as President Clinton, Prime Minister Obuchi and Dr Albright have much to do: more than Dr Albright displayed during her recent Asia-Pacific tour.