(VOVworld) - US President Barack Obama said Wednesday it will force China to respect international law in the East Sea and in other regions. He warned that the US is ready to respond to China’s provocation.

US President Barack Obama speaks at the meeting at the US Military Academy in West Point, New York on May28, 2014. (Photo: Reuteurs)

Obama made the statements at the US military academy in West Point, New York. During his speech, Obama defended his foreign policy decisions, denying that his administration is diminishing the US role in the international arena. He said the US withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan doesn’t mean US strength is declining. He said US military forces will always be the backbone of US leadership around the globe. Obama insisted that though the US has an interest in ensuring peace and freedom beyond its borders, it shouldn’t use military intervention in all cases. He promised to continue US efforts in Syria and Ukraine.