Washington: The White House has said President Barack Obama’s visit to Asia-Pacific will focus on economy with the leader underscoring “the continued focus” that America has on the region.
National Security Advisor Susan Rice while calling Asia-Pacific the world’s largest emerging region said, “We increasingly see our top priorities as tied to Asia, whether it’s accessing new markets or promoting exports, or protecting our security interests and promoting our core values”.
President Obama’s week-long trip, due to begin on Tuesday, will see him travel to Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines. His administration is pursuing a strategy of rebalance to the region, by means of upgrading US alliances, participating in regional institutions, and building better and stronger relations with the emerging powers.
“At a time of ongoing regional tensions, particularly with regard to North Korea and territorial disputes, the trip offers a chance for the US to affirm our commitment to a rules- based order in the region,” Rice told reporters at a press briefing. “No other nation other than the US has a network of alliances and partnerships in Asia that match ours, and our alliances remain the foundation of our strategy,” she added.