Obama: US to stay a Pacific power, China reacts
During a state visit to Australia, the US president confirms the deployment of US troops in the region, a top “priority” for Washington. The move worries Beijing because it could undermine its influence in the area.
Canberra (AsiaNews/Agencies) – "The United States is a Pacific power, and we are here to stay," US President Barack Obama said this morning during a state visit to Australia. Signalling his country’s intention to boost its economic and military commitment, the US leader vowed to expand US influence in the Asia-Pacific region and play a key role in defining the future of that part of the world even as it reduces defence spending.
China reacted by expressing concern over Obama’s announcement that a US military base would be set up in Australia. Beijing is worried that its growing power in the region, seen by Chinese leaders as their backyard, could be limited by enhanced US influence.
Although Obama tried to allay Chinese concerns by pledging greater cooperation with Beijing, Communist leaders are particularly concerned about the strategic implications of US military redeployment from Iraq and Afghanistan to elsewhere in Asia, especially in Southeast Asia, because it will likely give US forces greater flexibility.
In fact, “As we end today’s wars,” the president said, “I have directed my national security team to make our presence and mission in the Asia Pacific a top priority.”
At the same time, “we’ll seek more opportunities for cooperation with Beijing, including greater communication between our militaries to promote understanding and avoid miscalculation. We will do this, even as we continue to speak candidly to Beijing about the importance of upholding international norms and respecting the universal human rights of the Chinese people."
China reacted by expressing concern over Obama’s announcement that a US military base would be set up in Australia. Beijing is worried that its growing power in the region, seen by Chinese leaders as their backyard, could be limited by enhanced US influence.
Although Obama tried to allay Chinese concerns by pledging greater cooperation with Beijing, Communist leaders are particularly concerned about the strategic implications of US military redeployment from Iraq and Afghanistan to elsewhere in Asia, especially in Southeast Asia, because it will likely give US forces greater flexibility.
In fact, “As we end today’s wars,” the president said, “I have directed my national security team to make our presence and mission in the Asia Pacific a top priority.”
At the same time, “we’ll seek more opportunities for cooperation with Beijing, including greater communication between our militaries to promote understanding and avoid miscalculation. We will do this, even as we continue to speak candidly to Beijing about the importance of upholding international norms and respecting the universal human rights of the Chinese people."
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