Rice added that she is still considering who is to succeed outgoing Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick.

Zoellick's successor must be a person who recognizes the importance of Asia and has a special interest in the region.

"He (Zoellick) recognizes the importance of the region. And I think anybody who becomes deputy will recognize the importance of the region," she said.

Zoellick has tendered his resignation and is expected to leave office this month. However, his successor is still to be named.