For many years, we have sought a stable region where each state is free to pursue prosperity in a secure, open environment. U.S. policies support internationally accepted standards of behavior. They help ensure that the pursuit of security and development by any state is accomplished transparently, through cooperation with its neighbors, and not at their expense. For example, the United States stands for freedom of navigation. This is no narrow American interest.
All states suffer when common standards are ignored or violated at sea or in the air.
The Asia-Pacific region is full of successes, failures and the complexities brought by technology, prosperity and political development. The writer is the U.S. assistant secretary of state-designate for East Asian and Pacific affairs. This comment was adapted by the International Herald Tribune from his confirmation hearing on April 27 before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.