Countering China, Obama asserts US a Pacific power
Monday, November 14, 2011
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) -- President Barack Obama says the U.S. will play a larger and long-term role in shaping the Asia-Pacific region. He vows to increase the United States' military presence in the region, a part of the world where China is by far the biggest and most powerful country.
Obama tells members of Australia's parliament that the United States is a Pacific power. "We are here to stay," he said Thursday.
Obama addressed the parliament a day after announcing a commitment to send military aircraft and up to 2,500 Marines to northern Australia.
He says a U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific region is a top priority of his administration and stresses that any reductions in U.S. defense spending will not come at the expense of that goal.
More like this
Obama opens long-delayed visit to Australia
