U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton kicked off a nine-day trip to the Asia-Pacific region on Tuesday by unveiling the U.S. policy toward the region, in which she stressed that American's future is linked to the future of the Asia-Pacific.
Clinton delivered the policy speech at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, from where she will travel to Papua New Guinea, New
Zealand and Australia from Jan. 14 to Jan. 19.
The top U.S. diplomat told the gathering of some 150 people that the trip will be her fourth to the Asia-Pacific region in the last 11 months. "I want to underscore that we are back to stay."
The region is a priority of the United States, she said, adding "America's future is inextricably linked to the future of the Asia-pacific, and the future of this region depends on America."
In the speech, Clinton outlined the Obama administration's policy toward the Asia-Pacific region from eight aspects:
First, she will bolster friendship and alliances with Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Australia. "Alliance relationships are the cornerstone of U.S. regional involvement," said Clinton.
Second, she will address global challenges with China. According to Clinton, the Obama administration is committed to strengthening relationship with China and other key players in the region.
Other aspects include: strengthening the U.S.-India relationship; building cooperation with Southeast Asia; curbing proliferation; engaging
directly with people beyond governments; engaging with Myanmar; pursuing shared interests through multilateral engagement.
The secretary said the Obama administration has been looking forward to expanding its engagement and working with partners in the Asia-Pacific region. "The United States is back."