I agree.  Clearly, they are there to protect US interests in Asia.  The USA has a string of naval bases and presence around the world.   There's no reason for anyone else to protect them.  And I'm glad they ARE there.  They're mainly on our side.  But let's not pretend that those whose interests conflict with those of the US are operating on some lower moral plane.  They're often also acting out of self-interest, and for us to maintain world peace, we need to understand their perspective.  Here I'm thinking more of the Chinese than the N-Kers.