Threat Perceptions in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore

摘要

Three countries, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore, each represent a different security relationship with the U.S. The U.S. has had a long security tie with the Philippines. Although there are no longer house American forces, the Mutual Defense Treaty remains in effect. Malaysia has taken a approach to its national security by employing a more neutral orientation by not antagonizing China. Singapore has been more proactive in developing its security ties with the U.S. It has taken specific steps in the effort to keep the U.S. engaged in the region. The first section outlines the nature of the U.S. military presence in East Asia from the Cold War to post-Cold War periods. The second identifies some real and potential security threats in the region from the American perspective. The final section reports the results of a series of more than 50 interviews conducted in Washington and in each of the three countries, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore, based on questions of vital national security objectives and threats.