US Defense chief: Big populations, economy make Asia vital

MANILA, Philippines — The demographics and economy of Asian countries, including the Philippines, boost the region's global role and make it a center of United States strategy, US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said.

Recently addressing the Department of State, Carter said Asia has two of the world's most populous countries—India and China—with a rapidly growing middle class of 150 million people and 50 million, respectively.

This translates to a large chunk of the world's consumers, he said.

Carter said the expansion of the middle class with purchasing power, however, is not limited to India and China as the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam are also posed for an incredible growth.

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"Five years from now, the U.S. and European share of middle-class consumption will shrink to about 30 percent, while Asia’s will rise to 40 percent," Carter said, as quoted in a Department of Defense report Saturday.

"And this trend will continue as Asia’s 570-million-strong middle class grows to about 2.7 billion consumers over the next 15 years," he added.

He also insisted that no other region will affect the prosperity of the US more as Asia will become important for American manufacturers, American jobs and American consumers.

Carter explained that the demographic trend justifies US' aims to maintain a "strong security presence" in Asia-Pacific.

"American military leaders are also working with traditional allies such as South Korea, Japan, Australia, the Philippines and New Zealand to strengthen multilateral cooperation in the region," he said.

The central premise of America's overall Asia-Pacific strategy is the recognition that, in the 21st century, Asia holds the most potential for growth, development and prosperity, Carter said.