Japan's Kyodo news reports the U.S. government says it hopes South Korean President Lee Myung-bak’s visit to the Dokdo Islets will not affect relations between South Korea and Japan.

Spokesman Patrick Ventrell of the U.S. State Department reportedly said he hopes the two allies of Washington will maintain their good relationship, when asked about the U.S.’s stance on the issue.

He declined to answer whether he was informed in advance of President Lee’s planned visit to the islets.