US President Barack Obama will use troop withdrawals in Iraq and Afghanistan to bolster forces in the Asia-Pacific - the strongest sign yet that Australia will be at the centre of a new world order.
Announcing yesterday, during a historic speech to the Australian parliament, that he had already told his national security team to draw up plans, Mr Obama gave his strongest vow to date about more US involvement in our economic zone, The Daily Telegraph reported.
He also promised planned cuts to US defence spending to tackle the country's debt crisis would not apply to the Asia-Pacific, where existing bases would be strengthened with a greater and more flexible military presence.
The hawkish push into the region was met with a frosty reception from Beijing.
Chinese officials yesterday questioned the US plan, accusing it of "flexing its muscles over the South China Sea issue".
"The move may not be in the interest of countries in the region," a spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
An opinion piece on China's People's Daily website also warned that "Australia will be caught in the crossfire" if it uses its military bases to help the US harm Chinese interests.
"Australia surely cannot play China for a fool," it stated.
"It is impossible for China to remain detached no matter what Australia does to undermine its security. One thing is certain - if Australia uses its military bases to help the US harm Chinese interests, then Australia itself will be caught in the crossfire.
"Australia should at least prevent things from growing out of control. Australia should cherish its friendship with China and show this, not merely spout soothing words."
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd last night said: "We are not going to have our national security policy dictated by any other external power ... We don't seek to dictate to the Chinese what their national security policy should be."
The move to switch troops from the two war zones into our region was first raised by Mr Rudd at last year's Ausmin meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Mr Obama and Prime Minister Julia Gillard arrive in Bali today for the high-powered East Asia Summit, at which the issue of China's provocative claims over natural resources in the South China Sea will be a focus.While most ASEAN countries will privately welcome the tough talk on China, analysts acknowledge yesterday's announcement may hamper security talks today when Mr Obama will be the first US president to attend a meeting of the East Asia Summit.
Russian and Indian leaders will also attend for the first time, in an expanded forum established by Australia and which has now become the leading world group for economic and security issues.
Mr Obama said that as wars in Iraq and Afghanistan wound down, he would make the Asia-Pacific region a key priority.
"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," he said.
"As a result, reductions in US defence spending will not, I repeat will not, come at the expense of the Asia-Pacific."
He said the US would seek co-operation with China, including communication between militaries to foster understanding and avoid "miscalculation".
"We will do this even as we continue to speak candidly to Beijing about the importance of upholding international norms and respecting the universal human rights of the Chinese people," he said.
President Obama and Bob Brown have a brieft chat, as PM Julia Gillard looks on in the background. Picture: AFP
Mr Obama also turned his attention to US domestic issues while outlining his Pacific priorities, saying the region was crucial to achieving his country's economic goals.
"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," he said.
"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 co-operation, needless suffering or human progress.
"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. In an interconnected world we all rise and fall together." In a historic joint meeting of senators and MPs in the house of representatives in Canberra, the US President described his country's alliance with Australia as never stronger and the values of the two nations as just as important as any wartime partnerships
"The bonds between us run deep," he said.
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