Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

Date: 01/20/2009 Description: Blue envelope icon, used for email subscriptions. State Dept PhotoSign up for East Asian and Pacific Affairs email updates

East Asian and Pacific regionThe Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, headed by Assistant Secretary Kurt M. Campbell, deals with U.S. foreign policy and U.S. relations with the countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Regional Overview of East Asia and the Pacific
Assistant Secretary Campbell (Mar. 3): "There should be no doubt that the United States, itself, is a Pacific nation. In every regard -- geopolitically, militarily, diplomatically, and economically -- Asia and the Pacific are indispensable to addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities of the 21st century. As the Asia-Pacific century emerges, defining the new international environment, the United States must enhance and deepen its strategic engagement and leadership role in the region. "  Full Statement»
U.S.-South Korean Relations
Date: 02/26/2010 Location: Washington, DC Description: Secretary Clinton meets with the press following a bilateral meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan. - State Dept Image Secretary Clinton (Feb. 26): "Our bilateral relationship is strong and durable, and we are so appreciative of the leadership shown by Korea on a range of important matters, both regional and global. ... we covered the usual topics of North Korea, the larger regional Pacific-Asia area’s concerns, Iran, and many other matters. " Full Text»Video»
Dealing With the Six-Party Talks
Date: 02/24/2010 Description: Special Representative for North Korea Policy Stephen Bosworth speaks to reporters at a hotel in Beijing, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010. - State Dept ImageSpecial Representative Bosworth (Feb. 27): " [W]ith regards to the Six-Party Talks, five of the six parties are prepared to move very quickly, and we would hope that the sixth - that is to say, the DPRK - will also decide to move ahead very quickly. There is a strong desire to get back to the table and to begin serious work on the very important issues that we face. In the end, of course, the decision as to whether they are going to come back and when is up to the DPRK, and they have to reach that decision on the basis of their assessment of their own interests."  Full Text»
Remarks on North Korea
Assistant Secretary Campbell (Feb. 3): "We believe that the essential next step in diplomacy in relationship to North Korea is a return to the Six Party talks. And as a part of that, North Korea needs to commit to abide by its commitments made in 2005 and 2007. We think a improvement of relations between North and South can be a critical component of that. And we welcome efforts by the South Korean president to reach across the divide to North Korea." Full Text»
Child Custody Case in Japan
Assistant Secretary Campbell (Feb. 2): "I've been meeting with these families now for months; many of their situations are tragic. And the situation has to be resolved in order to ensure that U.S.-Japan relations continue on such a positive course.  This issue left unresolved has the potential to raise very real concerns, something that all of us seek to avoid." Full Text»

Principles of U.S. Engagement in the Asia-Pacific
Assistant Secretary Campbell (Jan. 21): "Our economic relationships demonstrate the mutual importance of the interactions between the countries of the Asia-Pacific and the United States. The region is home to almost one-third of the Earth’s population. The Asia-Pacific accounts for almost one-third of global GDP and is a key driver for technological innovation. American and Asian economies are growing increasingly interdependent while assisting the global economic recovery." Full Statement»

The Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.