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| The Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, headed by Assistant Secretary Daniel R. Russel, deals with U.S. foreign policy and U.S. relations with the countries in the Asia-Pacific region. |
Assistant Secretary Russel: "The well-being and future of the United States is inextricably connected to the peaceful development of the Asia-Pacific region, as you pointed out. Four and a half years ago, President Obama deliberately decided to make engagement in the region a strategic priority for the United States of America, and I’m proud to have a continuing role in developing the Asia rebalancing |
U.S.-Vietnam Peace Corps Agreement
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Supporting Burma's Democratic Transition Secretary Kerry (May 22): "The recent seating of Myanmar’s first democratically-elected, civilian-led government since 1962 was an historic event for this country, but it wasn’t just historic for this country; it was really a historic cause for democracy worldwide." Full Text» DipNote»Trip Page» |
U.S.-Vietnam
Assistant Secretary Russel (May 10): "The visit will highlight that a strong, secure, prosperous and independent Vietnam that respects universal human rights and the rule of law is not only in the best interests of the people of Vietnam, it’s very much in America’s interest as well." Full Text» |
Korean PeninsulaAssistant Secretary Russel (May 3): "We’ve unpacked America’s strategic priorities and guiding principles, rigorously examined them, taken a close look at what our partners tell us, analyzed what we were getting from the North Koreans as well as our own assumptions about them, asked ourselves what we might be missing, and – having done all that – put together options and strategies for dealing with the Korean Peninsula." Full Text» |
U.S.-China RelationsDeputy Secretary Blinken (Apr. 27): "The relationship that we have been working on with China paved the way for a landmark joint announcement on climate change that galvanized the international community to reach a global climate agreement in Paris." Full Text» Testimony on the Obama Administration Policy in the Asia-Pacific» |
North Korea
Deputy Secretary Blinken (Apr. 18): "But right here in the region, the main area of concern is North Korea and the actions that it continues to take to develop its missile and nuclear programs. And we’re working very closely together on that." Full Text» |
Budget Priorities for East AsiaAssistant Secretary Russel (Apr. 19): "The “Rebalance” to the Asia-Pacific reflects a profound recognition that our nation’s security and prosperity will be largely defined by events and developments in the region over the next century." Full Statement» |
Secretary Kerry (May 24): "Having the Peace Corps ... having young Americans come here – not always young – to be able to teach English in Hanoi and in Ho Chi Minh City is the next step forward in building the relationship between the United States and Vietnam." 