US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel has suggested it is important to seek deterrence not only on military terms but also on political and economic terms as China increases its military pressure on Taiwan.

Emanuel gave an exclusive interview with NHK on Wednesday.

He said the status quo should be preserved and should not be changed through military action. He said what China is doing is dangerous and destabilizing.

The ambassador stressed the importance of strengthening political and economic collaboration with partners and allies, including Japan, in countering China.

Asked about what approach the US and Japan should take to project their values in Asia, Emanuel said that Asian countries are desperate for the US presence as a counterweight against China.

He also expressed hope that Japan should play a leading role in winning trust from Asian nations, as the country is highly regarded in the region.