Why America sees its future in the Pacific

With war abating, the US is determined to play a larger role in this region.

After a decade in which we fought two wars that cost us dearly, the United States is turning our attention to the vast potential of the Asia-Pacific region. In just a few weeks, after nearly nine years, the last American troops will leave Iraq and our war there will be over.

In Afghanistan, we've begun a responsible transition so Afghans can take responsibility for their future and coalition forces can draw down. And with partners like Australia, we've struck major blows against al-Qaeda and put that terrorist organisation on the path to defeat, including delivering justice to Osama bin Laden.

So make no mistake, the tide of war is receding, and America is looking ahead to the future we must build.

Our new focus on this region reflects a fundamental truth - the United States has been, and always will be, a Pacific nation. Asian immigrants helped build America, and millions of American families, including my own, cherish our ties to this region. From the bombing of Darwin to the liberation of Pacific islands, from the rice paddies of south-east Asia to a cold Korean peninsula, generations of Americans have served here, and died here. So democracies could take root. So economic miracles could lift hundreds of millions to prosperity. Americans have bled with you for this progress, and we will never allow it to be reversed. Here, we see the future.

With most of the world's nuclear powers and some half of humanity, Asia will largely define whether the century ahead will be marked by conflict or co-operation, needless suffering or human progress.

As a Pacific nation, the United States will play a larger and long-term role in shaping this region and its future, by upholding core principles and in close partnership with allies and friends.

First, we seek security, which is the foundation of peace and prosperity. We stand for an international order in which the rights and responsibilities of all nations and people are upheld. Where international law and norms are enforced. Where commerce and freedom of navigation are not impeded. Where emerging powers contribute to regional security, and where disagreements are resolved peacefully.

As the United States puts our fiscal house in order, we are reducing our spending. After a decade of extraordinary growth in our military budgets we will make some reductions in defence spending. As we consider the future of our armed forces, we have begun a review that will identify our most important strategic interests and guide our defence priorities and spending over the coming decade.

So here is what this region must know. As we end today's wars, I have directed my national security team to make our presence and mission in the Asia-Pacific a top priority. As a result, reductions in US defence spending will not come at the expense of the Asia-Pacific. We will preserve our unique ability to project power and deter threats to peace. We will keep our commitments, including our treaty obligations to allies like Australia.

And we will constantly strengthen our capabilities to meet the needs of the 21st century. Our enduring interests in the region demand our enduring presence in this region.

The United States is a Pacific power, and we are here to stay.

The initiatives that the Prime Minister and I announced will bring our two militaries even closer. We'll have new opportunities to train with other allies and partners, from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean. And it will allow us to respond faster to the full range of challenges, including humanitarian crises and disaster relief.

We see America's enhanced presence in the alliances we've strengthened. In Japan, where our alliance remains a cornerstone of regional security. In Thailand, where we're partnering for disaster relief. In the Philippines, where we're increasing ship visits and training. In South Korea, where our commitment to the security of the Republic of Korea will never waver. Indeed, we also reiterate our resolve to act firmly against any proliferation activities by North Korea. The transfer of nuclear materials or material by North Korea to states or non-state entities would be considered a grave threat to the United States and our allies. And we would hold North Korea fully accountable for the consequences of such action.

We see America's enhanced presence across south-east Asia. In our partnership with Indonesia against piracy and violent extremism, and in our work with Malaysia to prevent proliferation. In the ships we'll deploy to Singapore, and in our closer co-operation with Vietnam and Cambodia. And in our welcome of India as it plays a larger role as an Asian power. Meanwhile, the United States will continue our effort to build a co-operative relationship with China.

All of our nations - Australia, the United States, all of our nations - have a profound interest in the rise of a peaceful and prosperous China, and that is why the United States welcomes it. We've seen that China can be a partner, from reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula to preventing proliferation. And we'll seek more opportunities for co-operation with Beijing, including greater communication between our militaries to promote understanding and avoid miscalculation. We will do this, even as we speak candidly to Beijing about the importance of upholding international norms and respecting the universal human rights of the Chinese people.

A secure and peaceful Asia is the foundation for the second area in which America is leading again - and that's advancing our shared prosperity.

This is an edited text of the speech to Parliament by US President Barack Obama.

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