US Secretary of State John Kerry
(VOVworld) – The US Secretary of State said as a country in the Asia-Pacific, the US pays special care for its interest in the region. John Kerry made the point in his speech at the East-West Center in Honolulu on Wednesday following his 8-day tour of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Australia, and Solomon island.

In his speech about the US’s vision for Asia-Pacific engagement, Kerry said that America’s security and prosperity are closely and increasingly linked to the Asia Pacific. That’s why President Barack Obama asked to redouble his own efforts in the region over the next two and half years, focusing on creating sustainable economic growth, powering a clean energy revolution, promoting regional cooperation, and empowering people.

Regarding the US relations with Asia-Pacific countries, Kerry said a constructive relationship between the United States and China will contribute to maintaining regional peace and stability. Washington commits to avoiding the trap of strategic rivalry and intent on forging a relationship in which they US can broaden its cooperation on common interests and constructively manage differences and disagreements.

Kerry said the US firmly opposes the use of intimidation and coercion or force to assert a territorial claim by anyone in the East Sea. The US also firmly opposes any suggestion that freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea and airspace are privileges granted by a big state to a small one.