China voices concerns over US troops in Australia

China has voiced its concerns over a US military deployment in Australia, the first long-term expansion of the American military presence in the Pacific since the end of the Vietnam War. The deployment was announced by US President Barack Obama during his trip to Australia. The move, widely interpreted to counter a rising China, has triggered worries that it may risk a stand-off between the world’s two largest economies. Although the US President Barack Obama says it’s not intended to isolate China, a heavier US military presence has prompted a sharp response from China. During a regular press conference, Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesman Liu Weiming said whether or not it is appropriate to intensify and expand military alliances at a time when the world’s economy remains in the doldrums and promoting development is the common consesus. He said there should be discussions on whether the move is in line with the common interests of the countries in the region. According to the plan, around 250 marines will be accommodated and begin training in the Northern Territory of Australia next year. The force will then be increased to a battalion strength group of one thousand by 2014 and will have a 2,500-strong Marine Air-Ground Task Force by 2016. US President Obama says the influence will be beyond Australia. Barack Obama, US President said "I am making it clear that the United States is stepping up its commitment to the entire Asia-Pacific." It is among the latest moves by the US as it makes its presence in the Asia-Pacific region a top priority. Earlier on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario signed a declaration calling for multilateral talks to resolve maritime territorial disputes. The Philippines has tried to put South China Sea disputes on the table at the ASEAN Summit, a proposal rejected by China and most ASEAN countries. Liu Weimin, Spokesman of Foreign Affairs Ministry said "South China Sea disputes will not, and should not be on the agenda of the ASEAN Summit. A third-party involvement will not help solve the problems, but will further complicate the issue." As the US reinvigorates defence ties with nations along China’s perimeter from traditional allies Japan and the Philippines to former enemy Vietnam, many fear the move could backfire, risking a stand-off between the world’s two largest economies.