America.gov-East Asia and the Pacific

End Distractions and Take Serious Steps, Obama Tells North Korea

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:32:03 -0500

President Obama says North Korea can have economic sanctions reduced and enjoy greater integration with the international community, but it must take concrete action on ending its development of nuclear weapons. Obama also urges Iran to accept a proposal from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

China, United States Urge Comprehensive Climate Change Agreement

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:07:43 -0500

China and the United States, the world’s two largest consumers and producers of energy, agree that the December climate change summit in Copenhagen should produce a comprehensive agreement. In Beijing, President Obama and Chinese President Hu also discuss nuclear nonproliferation and human rights.

Societies Free of Internet Censorship Are Stronger, Obama Says

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:10:43 -0500

The more a country allows the free flow of information, the stronger its society becomes, President Obama told future leaders of China in Shanghai. He credits the lack of censorship in the United States with encouraging innovation and understanding, as well as strengthening democracy.

APEC Leaders Agree on Sustainable Growth Strategies

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:00:42 -0500

President Obama says quick, coordinated, unprecedented actions by many of the leaders in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum helped pull the global economy back from the brink of a deeper recession, but now is the time to begin putting balanced economic growth strategies in place.

United States Pursuing Renewed Engagement in Asia-Pacific

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:59:55 -0500

The United States is pursuing a new era of strengthened engagement in the Asia-Pacific region based on mutual interests and mutual respect, President Obama says. As an Asia-Pacific nation, the United States will be involved in the discussions that are shaping the future of the region.

United States, Japan Cooperating on Global Nuclear Disarmament

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:21:49 -0500

The United States and Japan, the only countries to have either used or been attacked by nuclear weapons, share a joint commitment to stopping their spread and ultimately realizing the goal of a world without them. Both countries issued a pledge to work together on steps to further that goal.

Obama, Hatoyama Agree to Revitalize U.S.-Japanese Alliance

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:57:08 -0500

President Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, at a joint press conference in Tokyo, agree that the U.S.-Japanese alliance must be revitalized to reflect the new challenges of the 21st century. Tokyo is the first stop of Obama’s four-nation, nine-day trip to East Asia.

U.S., Indonesia, Singapore Outline Road Ahead for APEC

Amor Safi — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:07:15 -0500

U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Indonesia Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Singapore Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam outline the importance of the agenda before Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members, who meet this week in Singapore.

United States Engaging North Korea, Burma in Intensive Diplomacy

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:48:04 -0500

The United States is sending its special representative to meet with North Korean leaders “in the near future,” and the purpose and limits of this visit have been made clear to Pyongyang, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says.

Additional Funds Push U.S. Filipino Relief to Nearly $20 Million

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:59:58 -0500

Secretary Clinton announces an additional $5 million in assistance to help the Philippines recover from the 2009 typhoons, bringing the total U.S. contribution to nearly $20 million. Thanks to a prior agreement, U.S. military forces were able to deploy quickly to help relief efforts.

Obama Seeks to Deepen U.S.-East Asia Engagement

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:58:59 -0500

President Obama wants to make it clear to East Asian leaders during his four-nation trip November 12–19 that the United States is a Pacific nation and it intends to deepen its engagement in the Asia-Pacific region, White House advisers say.

United States Unveils Plans for Pavilion at Shanghai Expo

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:13:06 -0500

Secretary Clinton will visit the site of the U.S. pavilion at the upcoming Shanghai Expo 2010 on November 16. The pavilion will showcase the Chinese-American experience, as well as how 21st-century technology is being used to promote greater environmental sustainability.

Asia-Pacific Region Seen as “Key Driver” of Global Economy

Bridget Hunter — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:03:38 -0500

In advance of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Singapore, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk underscores the importance of U.S. relationships with trading partners in the region. He also reiterates the Obama administration’s support for the pending free-trade pact with South Korea.

Filipino Judges Hone Skills in U.S.-Supported Legal Training

Bridget Hunter — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:41:20 -0500

Thanks to funding support from the ABA Rule of Law Initiative and the U.S. Agency for International Development, 127 newly appointed executive and vice-executive judges in the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao regions attend a series of three-day workshops conducted by the Philippine Judicial Academy.

First Lady Honors After-School Arts Projects That Inspire Youth

Jeffrey Thomas — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:30:40 -0500

First lady Michelle Obama honored 19 after-school programs at the White House November 4, presenting each with a Coming Up Taller Award. Youth programs in Mexico, China and Egypt were among the honorees. The programs exemplify how arts and humanities programs can affect the lives of young people.

Economic Recovery, Resisting Trade Protectionism Top APEC Agenda

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:05:43 -0500

Enhancing global economic recovery and resisting trade protectionism will be significant themes at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Singapore, says a senior U.S. diplomat. President Obama will be making his first trip to East Asia since taking office to attend APEC.

State’s Tong at Foreign Press Center on Upcoming APEC Meetings

Janelle Simmons — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:10:05 -0500

The State Department releases remarks by Kurt Tong, U.S. senior official for APEC, on the upcoming meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Singapore.

Young Leaders of Grass-Roots Movements Meet in Mexico City

Lauren Monsen — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:59:42 -0500

When Web-based activists gathered in Mexico City recently for the Alliance of Youth Movements Summit, they spoke about their experiences in using the power of the Internet to achieve positive social change. As their stories reveal, technology now facilitates civic involvement around the world.

United States to Engage with Burmese Officials

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:10:11 -0500

President Obama believes that “pragmatic engagement” with Burmese authorities is the best hope for advancing U.S. goals of a unified, peaceful, prosperous and democratic Burma, Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell tells a congressional committee.

Cummins Inc. Powers Community Involvement in China

Erica Marrero — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:08:35 -0500

Diesel engine manufacturing company Cummins Inc. is selected as a finalist for the State Department’s 2009 Award for Corporate Excellence for its community engagement in China and for the company’s help after a earthquake struck China’s Sichuan province in May 2008.

Donated Helmets Saving Cyclists’ Lives in Vietnam

Jane Morse — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:47:25 -0500

Protec, a small factory in Vietnam, makes tough, lightweight motorbike helmets, promotes safety laws and donates helmets to children. For its donation and safety campaigns, the Protec factory is a finalist for the U.S. State Department’s 2009 Award for Corporate Excellence.

Diwali Lights Symbolize Search for Knowledge and Goodness

Alexandra Abboud — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:43:57 -0500

On the occasion of Diwali, one of the most popular festivals in India, celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, the Talking Faith blog interviews Anju Bhargava, senior vice president at Bank of America and a member of President Obama's Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Clinton: China, Russia Trade Pacts Show Economic Interdependence

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:36:16 -0500

Trade agreements recently announced between China and Russia, including a mammoth natural gas arrangement, illustrate a world of greater economic interdependence and interconnectedness, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says in a recent Moscow interview.

U.S. Seeks Enhanced Trade with Asia-Pacific Forum Members

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:23:52 -0500

The 20th anniversary meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Singapore in November represents the beginning of a two-year period in which the United States will seek to enhance economic and trade relations with the Asia-Pacific region, say senior U.S. officials.

Remarks by President Obama at Diwali Event at White House

Amor Safi — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:29:46 -0500

President Barack Obama makes remarks at a Diwali ceremony where he signs an executive order to restore the White House Commission and Interagency Working Group to address issues concerning the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

White House Executive Order on Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders

Amor Safi — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:20:41 -0500

The White House releases an executive order signed by President Obama in an East Room ceremony October 14 that restores the White House Advisory Commission and Interagency Working Group to address issues concerning the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community.

United States Delivers Disaster Assistance to East Asia

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:56:23 -0500

The United States continues to provide relief supplies, medical care, disaster response teams and other humanitarian assistance across East Asia and the Pacific following a tsunami, earthquakes, typhoons, flooding from torrential rains, and mud-soaked landslides.

Countries Hit by East Asian Disasters Receive U.S. Assistance

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:41:39 -0500

In less than one week, the East Asian region was hit by three major natural disasters. The United States is providing personnel, relief supplies, equipment and money to help those affected by the Indonesian earthquake, Typhoon Ketsana, and the tsunami that hit the Samoan islands.

Eid Observances in America Share Common Theme of Family

Howard Cincotta — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:41:44 -0500

Eid al-Fitr celebrations in America revolve around family, faith, food and children. Learn about how three Muslim-American families observed the traditions of Ramadan and Eid in 2009 and interacted with Muslims and non-Muslims in their communities.

Remarks by State Department Official at Senate Hearing on Burma

Amor Safi — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:53:20 -0500

Kurt M. Campbell, assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, makes opening remarks before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on U.S. policy toward Burma.

United States Sending Assessment Teams to Tsunami-Stricken Areas

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:10:28 -0500

The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency is sending two disaster assessment teams to American Samoa, along with a team from the U.S. Coast Guard, to assess the impact of an earthquake, the ensuing tsunami and extensive flooding, the White House says.

Chinese and American Writers Explore Culture in the Desert

Howard Cincotta — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:55:12 -0500

The Chinese city of Dunhuang drew a group of American and Chinese writers together for a bold experiment in intercultural and literary collaboration. The program continues in October with a set of workshops and presentations in Iowa, along with visits to Chicago and Washington.

Direct Talks Between U.S. and Burma Expected in New York

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:05:13 -0500

The United States and Burma’s military rulers will hold their first direct, substantive talks on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, says Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell. Campbell will be the U.S. representative to the talks pending President Obama’s appointment of a coordinator.

United States Will Directly Engage Burma, but Keep Sanctions

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:38:11 -0500

The Obama administration says targeted sanctions against Burma’s military rulers and their associates will not by themselves encourage democratic and human rights reforms. The Obama administration says it will keep the sanctions but will also directly engage the military junta.

China, United States Renew Pact on Agricultural Cooperation

Bridget Hunter — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:22:04 -0500

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and China's minister of agriculture, Sun Zhengcai, conclude talks in Washington by renewing an agreement on bilateral cooperation in scientific research and agricultural trade. U.S.-China agricultural trade is valued at nearly $15 billion.

Obama and China’s Hu Hold Talks on U.S.-China Relations

Merle David Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:48:40 -0500

President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao, meeting for the second time this year, discuss major issues such as nuclear weapons programs in North Korea and Iran, climate change, global economic recovery, and specific economic and trade issues between the United States and China.

China Expected to Urge North Korea’s Return to Six-Party Talks

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:25:16 -0500

North Korea’s partners in the Six-Party Talks aimed at ending the country’s development of nuclear weapons share an “essential focus” on the need to return to the multilateral framework. A U.S. official says North Korea’s traditional ally China has “been clearest and firmest” about that policy.

Nations Aim to Mitigate Effects of Climate Change in Mekong Basin

Lauren Caldwell — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:41:52 -0500

A growing partnership between the United States and countries bordering the lower Mekong River focuses on combating climate change, which is likely to be especially harmful to the Mekong River basin. Partners also are seeking ways to improve health, education and economic development.

U.S. Tells China Climate Change Is National Security Priority

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:49:40 -0500

Under the Obama administration, climate change has “risen up to the top of the U.S. national security set of priorities,” a State Department official says, and administration officials are working with their Chinese counterparts to find an agreement on reducing carbon dioxide emissions.