trust in the alliances with many east asian countries , he withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement . This damaged the trust and strained many alliances in a time where we must band together when the threat of North Korea looms over the horizon . What we must do is establish continuity . As we progress the United States must establish relations not only through trade but interpersonally through our leaders . Overall our allies have been balancing internally . Japan has been working towards not restricting defense spending and strengthening the relations amongst their neighboring counties .
CEO of Sasakawa USA , Ambassador Zumwalt , began by breaking down the treaties of the United States and east asian countries . The United States acts as a big brother with promises of defense , but this aspect is
not reciprocal . Japan provides bases for our military having more U . S . military personnel than any other foreign country . Japan has expanded its Missile defence system which uses an X-band radar to detect or predict missiles . This is a strong deterrent towards attacks from North Korea , as we can quickly detect and defend from incoming attacks . Our treaties promote regional security . Many East Asian countries dislike each other because of a history tattered with war and conflict . The United States creates a platform for various countries to negotiate and settle their differences . An prominent example of this is Japan and South Korea . It is important that we strengthen not only our relations with east asian countries , but the relations amongst themselves . North Korea wants to split the alliances , because our bases in Japan and South Korea act as logistical support for one another in the case of an attack . Does North Korean missile capability weaken the trust that our allies have in our willingness to continue to provide extensive deterrents ? Ambassador Zumwalt ’ s opinion laid along the lines of is that we our defending ourselves from this threat and in turn defending our allies . Our commitment will continue and it is not only a deterrent role but a reassurance role . Maintaining and strengthening our alliances are of utmost importance in insuring peace .
Dr . Satu , the Director of East-West Center in washington , highlighted the importance in our trade with Japan . Japan is top 5 worldwide in United States investment , tourism , trading partner , sister city relationships , exports , and employment by trade . They are one of our strongest allies . They are deeply intertwined in all aspects of the United States . Texas is 3rd in United States exports to Ja-
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Award-winning Hammond organist / keyboardist Vel Lewis is an accomplished singer , producer , and arranger , whose music can be found on well-known TV shows The Sopranos , Mad About You , Friends , and many more . He began touring with popular vocal groups “ The Futures ” and “ The Delfonics ”, and later joined legendary songstress Dionne Warwick on a World Tour for three years , performing on the stages of the Sydney Opera House , Suntec Center in Singapore , and before the King and Queen of Norway , before embarking on his own solo career .
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44 iF Magazine | October 2017