Pat Dollard | Young Americans

TOKYO- Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned on Friday that Japan and its neighbors must do more to confront security problems in Asia, calling it one of the “last places on earth with the potential for a nuclear confrontation.”

It will take more than one or two countries to overcome the threats from North Korea and nuclear proliferation, Gates said in a speech at Sophia University that stressed the United States’ continued commitment to Asia yet cautioned that other allies must step up.

“Japan has the opportunity—and an obligation—to take on a role that reflects its political, economic and military capacity,” Gates said. “We hope and expect Japan to accept more global security responsibilities in the years ahead.”

While Gates did not spell out specific missions Japan should undertake, he offered a few thoughts on that Thursday, saying there are “a number of international peacekeeping and other activities where we believe Japan could play a constructive role.”

Speaking in a country well within missile reach of North Korea, Gates used the university speech to caution the Japanese to be mindful that unrest in the Middle East could reach their shores, too.

“As we’ve learned on more than once occasion, instability or failed states halfway around the world can have serious implications at home,” he said. “It is worth remembering that Japan imports 80 percent of its oil from the gulf to power its economy.”

Gates’ remarks came as Japanese officials remained at odds over Tokyo’s recent decision to pull warships from their Indian Ocean refueling mission in support of the U.S.-led coalition operations in Afghanistan. In a pointed reference to that action, Gates said the U.S. alone can’t block the flow of weapons to terrorists in the Middle East, which is why partners are needed for security operations and to interrupt shipments.

Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in a press conference Thursday, referred to ongoing efforts by the government to reach a compromise to resume the refueling mission, saying it is important for Japan’s national interests. Speaking through an interpreter, he said “the more the suspension continues, our posture will be deemed as more negative regarding the war on terror.”

Senior U.S. defense officials traveling with Gates stressed that this will not be a lobbying mission by Gates to overturn the Japanese decision on the tankers. But he will have lunch later Friday with Japanese officials, including some in the government’s main opposition party who are against the Afghanistan mission.

(AP)