Security issues will top the agenda for United States President Barack Obama’s (picture) visit to Asia next week, but trade will not be far from his mind as Washington seeks to underline its commitment to the region amid rising tensions between China and its neighbours over territorial disputes.

A key objective of Mr Obama’s four-nation trip — which will take him to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines from next Wednesday — is reassuring US treaty allies and partners in the region of its support in countering an increasingly assertive China, even while Washington aims to tamp down the tensions, analysts said.

“The administration has consciously avoided making China a part of his visit, so it appears to be a signal to its allies and strategic partners that the US is here and it continues to be a player in Asia,” said Assistant Professor Evan Resnick, coordinator of the United States Programme at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.