Obama seeks greater Asian engagement

In a major speech in Tokyo, US President Barack Obama has pledged to pursue greater engagement with Asia, pragmatic cooperation with China and a push for deeper trade ties with the region.

His visit to Japan marks Obama's first trip to Asia since assuming office. In the speech, he reaffirmed Washington's alliance with Japan. US-Japan ties have been strained as of late by a row over a US military base and questions about the future of the relationship as both countries adapt to a rising China.

Obama said it is important to pursue pragmatic cooperation with China on issues of mutual concern. He added that "no one nation can meet the challenges of the 21st century alone," and the US and China will both be better off meeting these problems together.

Obama's nine-day Asian tour also takes him to China for talks likely to feature climate change and trade imbalances. He will also travel to South Korea, where the DPRK's nuclear issue will be high on the agenda.

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