U.S. hopes Japan, China resolve islands dispute through 'friendly' means

The senior U.S. diplomat for East Asian affairs has said he hopes China and Japan will settle dispute over the Senkaku islands and other disagreements in a peaceful manner.

Daniel Russel, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, expressed concerns over the persistent disputes among Asia's two biggest economies.

He said that the friction and tension between Tokyo and Beijing is a matter of concern to all neighbors and certainly to the United States.

Russel, told reporters in Beijing, the last leg of his five-country Asian tour, that he hope leaders on all sides will exercise restraint and sensitivity, and will consistently pursue diplomatic and friendly means to manage disputes or to resolve outstanding issues.

According to the Japan Times, Russel made the comments after meeting with senior Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Liu Zhenmin, vice foreign minister in charge of Asian affairs.

Russel said the international community is concerned about two such important nations remaining at odds at a time when "the global economy is too fragile."

Before arriving in Beijing on Friday for a two-day visit, Russel visited Brunei, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea on his first Asian trip since taking up his post in July, the report added.