U.S. ties with allies emphasized.

Excerpts of address made by Hisahiko Okazaki, former Japanese ambassador to Thailand and coordinator of the symposium.

The new U.S. administration can be characterized, briefly, by its principle of putting priority on its ties with U.S. allies.

U.S. President George W. Bush said the United States will "work together with its allies," and would not consider China as a strategic partner of the United States yet.

With regard to issues related to the Far East, the Bush administration has made clear its stance of emphasizing the importance of its relationship with Japan.

In his inaugural address to the nation as president, Bush said he intended …