US seeks to expand military presence in Asia
Baku, November 7 (AZERTAC). US Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said the US wants a larger military presence in Asia.
On his way to Australia for annual security talks, Mr. Gates said closer ties with Australia would help the US expand its role in South East Asia.
The US would focus on fighting piracy, improving counter-terrorism, disaster aid and cyber-security, he said.
He said the US move was not to contain China, which is engaged in various territorial disputes in the region.
Mr. Gates said Washington had no plans for more bases in the region.
But he expressed hopes for increased co-operation on issues such as missile defense and "space surveillance".
"We`re looking at a number of different options," he said.
Concerns have intensified around the region since China published maps earlier this year claiming the entire South China Sea as part of its territory.
But Mr. Gates said: "This isn`t about China at all."
"It is more about our relationships with the rest of Asia than it is about China," he told reporters travelling with him.
A senior US defense official told reporters that the Pentagon is "looking at how we can make sure our forces are not just oriented in north-east Asia, but are looking down to south-east Asia and then into the Indian Ocean as this part of the security environment becomes more important".
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