Context
China lashed out angrily against remarks made by the US president regarding America’s interests in Asia. Barack Obama on Thursday told the Australian parliament, the US would deploy 2,500 troops in Northern Australia and would increase air force cooperation between the countries. “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 missions in the Asia-Pacific a top priority.”
China reacted angrily to these comments. The Chinese newspaper “The People’s Daily” said, “it is impossible for China to remain detached no matter what Australia does to undermine its security.” Analysts suggest China will view the statements by the US president as a challenge to its position in the region. The US president attempted to decrease the rift between the two countries; “The US will continue our effort to build a co-operative relationship with China,” Obama said on his tour of the region.
