U.S. President Barack Obama has bid farewell to Asia, wrapping up his whirlwind tour of Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines.
One place conspicuously left off his itinerary was China.
The president wanted to reaffirm America's commitment to defend its Asian allies and counter China's rise in the region.
Connie Lee tells us whether it was mission accomplished. It's a wrap... for U.S. President Barack Obama--
His time in the Philippines on Monday marked the last leg of his week-long Asia tour.
And here... the U.S. reach a 10-year defense deal... to allow for more U.S. troops in the Philippines.
The signing of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement,... and President Obama's entire Asia trip,... was seen as an effort by the U.S. to counter Chinese aggression in the region.
However, at a press conference in Manila, President Obama said that the U.S. wasn't trying to "counter China"... but only wants to make sure that territorial disputes are handled peacefully.
"We don't even take a position on the disputes between nations, but as a matter of international law and international norms, we don't think that coercion and intimidation is the way to manage these disputes."
The Philippines... as well as Japan and South Korea have ongoing territorial disputes with China.
President Obama... who visited Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia this past week... did not swing by China.
At each stop along the way,... the U.S. president reaffirmed America's commitments to defend its Asian allies... in the face of China's rising power.
For South Korea... this means... diplomatic commitments from the U.S... against the threat from North Korea.
During his tour, the president also tried to press Japan and Malaysia on joining Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations.... but will go home to Washington without any firm commitments.
The 12-nation trade deal... that extends from Asia to Latin America... does not include China.
Connie Lee, Arirang News.
