US Cooperation in the War on International Terrorists in Southeast Asia

摘要

Southeast Asia is a dynamic, evolving region. Be it with longstanding concerns such as the war against terrorism or unexpected catastrophes like the December 2004 tsunamis, the fortunes of the United States are heavily tied to development and stability in the region. There can be little doubt that Southeast Asia is—and will remain—of the greatest importance to the United States. The region's combined gross domestic product is over $750 billion and is growing quickly. US two-way trade with the nations of Southeast Asia totalled over $136 billion in 2004 and continues to grow. Home to over five hundred million people, Southeast Asia is the fifth largest market for US exports. US direct investment in the area reached over $90 billion in 2003.