U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to Asia next week demonstrates Washington's strong commitment to allies and partners in the region, the top American diplomat for East Asia, David Stilwell, said Friday.

Pompeo said earlier on Friday he would go ahead with the trip to Japan, South Korea and Mongolia, even after President Donald Trump tested positive for the coronavirus.

In a briefing call on the trip for reporters, Stilwell said the United States saw the decision by new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to host Pompeo as a reaffirmation of an ever-strengthening partnership.