President Obama talks security and free trade with Japan's Shinzo Abe during a trip to assure Asian allies concerned about China's rise.
President Obama reviews troops during a welcome ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Thursday. (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press / April 24, 2014)
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TOKYO — Declaring that "the United States is and always will be a Pacific nation," President Obama launched an Asia tour designed to assure leaders of ally nations that they have a strong U.S. backup at a time of rising regional tension.
Appearing with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday morning, Obama said the "U.S.-Japan alliance is the foundation not only for our security in the Asia-Pacific region but also for the region as a whole."
