US President Barack Obama has left for a tour of Asia aimed at reassuring allies of his commitment to the region.

Mr Obama's trip - from 23-29 April - comes nearly seven months after he cancelled a visit to the region due to a government shutdown. The US leader will visit Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The White House says the trip will focus on closer economic ties, but regional security - including China's increasingly powerful presence - is likely to dominate talks.

Obama's visit comes amid a strategic shift in the Asia-Pacific region

Asian allies are concerned over the US ability to focus on the region amid competing priorities, say analysts.

The trip was an opportunity to reinforce the importance the US placed on Asia and to re-establish ties at the leadership level, former US Assistant Secretary of State PJ Crowley told the BBC.

(Source: BBC)