Asia tensions simmer as Obama set to arrive in Tokyo


U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a Civil Rights Summit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas April 10, 2014. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama arrives in a tense Asian region on Wednesday, faced with the delicate task of assuring Japan and other regional allies of America's commitment to their defence without hurting Washington's vital ties with a rising China.

That difficult diplomatic balancing act was highlighted on Monday, when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a ritual offering to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, seen in parts of the region as a symbol of Japan's past militarism.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

France's Simon stages comeback to win women's 15km individual biathlon gold at Milan-Cortina
Chinese snowboarder Liu Jiayu confirmed free of spinal injury after crash in Olympic women's halfpipe
Chinese Spring Festival celebrations introduce Europeans to Chinese traditions
Ghana state water service provider beefs up efforts to improve revenue, service expansion
Slovak court pauses legal change limiting cooperating witness testimony
Real Madrid reaches agreement with UEFA to officially end Super League project
Ghana to license medicinal, industrial cannabis use
Defending champion Anthony's mistake hands moguls gold to Olympic debutant Lemley
South Sudan cuts cholera deaths, new cases amid sustained response
Zambia urges Africa to strengthen water management cooperation

Others Also Read