US President Barack Obama has said that the Asia-Pacific region will play a key role in defining the world's future.

美国总统奥巴马称，亚太地区对于世界未来的发展将起到关键作用。

"The United States is a Pacific power, and we are here to stay," he stated in a speech to the Australian Parliament, sending a clear message to Beijing.

His comments came after Australia agreed to host a full US Marine¹ taskforce in the coming years.

Speaking in Canberra, Mr Obama said the US was now turning its attention to the region.

"Let there be no doubt: in the Asia-Pacific in the 21st century, the United States of America is all in," he said.

Key player

Mr Obama said that given its size, resources and the economic growth that the region had witnessed in recent years, Asia-Pacific countries were playing an increasingly important role globally.

"With most of the world's nuclear powers and some half of humanity, Asia will largely define whether the century ahead will be marked by conflict or co-operation, needless suffering or human progress."

"As a Pacific nation, the United States will play a larger and long-term role in shaping this region and its future by upholding core principles and in close partnership² with our allies and friends."

Mr Obama continued by saying that, as the world's biggest economy, the US was keen to increase its presence in the region and play a bigger role in its development and progress.

At the same time he told the Australian Parliament that the US was working towards getting its own economy back on track.

He said the US had taken some hard decisions to cut its deficit³ and will continue to do more to ensure that growth rebounded⁴.