By IANS,
Canberra : The US wants close ties with Asia-Pacific countries including China, US President Barack Obama Thursday said in an address to the Australian parliament here.
“As the world’s fastest-growing region – and home to more than half the global economy – Asia is critical to achieving my highest priority: creating jobs and opportunity for the American people,” Obama said while addressing MPs and senators.
The US seeks further cooperation with China, Xinhua quoted Obama as saying.
“With most of the world’s nuclear powers and nearly half of humanity, this region will largely define whether the century ahead will be marked by conflict or cooperation, needless suffering or human progress,” he said.
“As president, I’ve therefore made a deliberate and strategic decision – as a Pacific nation, the US 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,” he said.