US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel (Photo: Yonhap/VNA)

Mr. Russel said that with its strategic position, the Asia-Pacific region will continue to be the focus of the US’s diplomatic policy. Earlier this week, US President Barack Obama made budget proposals with foreign aid dedicated to the Asia-Pacific region increasing by 8 percent.

Regarding the East Sea, Mr. Russel reaffirmed the US’s neutral stance but Washington criticized China’s behavior. The US is also concerned about the unexpected impacts of China’s behavior toward neighboring countries. Russel remarked that President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry had said clearly that the US also benefits when China has good relations with neighboring countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia.