Does former President Clinton deserve his reputation in Tokyo for snubbing Japan?
The fact of the matter is that President Clinton came here five times. No other U.S. President had ever been to Japan more than twice. I do think that there was a period when the Administration came into office where there were fairly tough trade policy discussions [with Japan]. But I don’t accept the criticism that the last Administration was inattentive to Japan. Q: What has been the impact on U.S.-Japan relations of the U.S. Navy submarine sinking a Japanese ship off the coast of Hawaii? A: While it has caused anger and anguish in Japan, the U.S.-Japan security relationship is based on history and common interests, and it will survive and be sustained. The President has apologized to the Japanese people, I have apologized to the Japanese people, the Secretary of Defense has apologized, and also the Secretary of State. I don’t know how the U.S. government and people of the United States can more adequately express their regrets and deepest apologies. Q: The submarine accident followe
