Kerry to reaffirm positive US-China ties

WASHINGTON -- US Secretary of State John Kerry will reaffirm US commitment to pursuing a positive relationship with China in his upcoming visit to Beijing, State Department said on Sunday.

From February 13 to 18, Kerry will make his fifth trip to Asia in the past year, travelling to the capital cities of South Korea, China, Indonesia and United Arab Emirates, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.

In meetings with Chinese officials, Kerry will "relay the message that the United States is committed to pursuing a positive, cooperative, comprehensive relationship and welcomes the rise of a peaceful and prosperous China that plays a positive role in world affairs," Psaki said.

The top US envoy will also discuss regional issues including the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) as well as highlight the importance of US-China collaboration on climate change and clean energy, Psaki added.

In Seoul, Kerry will reaffirm US-ROK alliance and continue the coordination of the two countries on DPRK. In Jakarta, he will meet with Le Luong Minh, Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, according to Psaki.