Now US President Barack Obama's Asia tour has taken him to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and we'll see him in the Philippines on this Monday.
Despite skipping China, however, the NY times says the Washington's eye remains firmly on Beijing. The US Daily says Obama's tour of the region has reassured America's allies of its support, while discouraging the Chinese from trying to open a second front on the Pacific Rim.
Obama vowed to defend Japan from territorial disputes with China but urged Tokyo to show restraint. In South Korea, he pledged to defend Seoul from any threats from Pyongyang, China's traditional ally. Some experts view Obama's visit as a containment tour, skipping Beijing, but Obama has said he welcomed a rising China as long as it is peaceful.