U.S.: Military Not Seeking New Bases In Asia - Admiral

The United States is not seeking basing options anywhere in the Asia-Pacific theater, head of the U.S. Pacific Command Adm. Robert Willard said Jan. 27, Reuters reported. The U.S. military wants to have a network of places near western Pacific sea lanes that forces can visit on rotation but that do not incur the maintenance cost of bases, he said. The United States would like to build closer military ties with China to overcome differing philosophies, trust issues and other disputes, Willard said, adding that he is not satisfied with the current military relationship between the two countries.