(VOVworld) – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China need to engage in discussions to solve problems faced by countries involved in the East Sea conflict. Former US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Christopher R. Hill, made the remark in his speech entitled “Continuity and Change in US Engagement with Asia” at the 27^th Asia-Pacific Roundtable in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. Hill said countries involved in the conflict should be alert to the situation and take positive steps to solve the problem, while avoiding confrontation. He affirmed that maritime conflicts should be solved through diplomatic means, meaning that all countries involved in the East Sea issue should engage in negotiations. He stressed that discussions were the best way to preserve relations between ASEAN and China. Moreover, he added frequent talks were more effective because a range of opinions and problems could be discussed and settled together right at the talks.