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In two sentences, Obama managed to ensure that China was taken on as a strategic partner, not as a competitor, in the manner of his predecessors; and |furthermore, both the US and China would work together on multilateral platforms to advance global peace and prosperity.

Obama reiterated the US does not seek to contain China and the rise of a strong and prosperous China can be a source of strength for the community of nations. In the speech, he also praised China's engagement in the world issues of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Korean Peninsula - and pledged to deepen strategic and economic dialogue with Beijing and improve communication between the militaries.

In short, the US wants a powerful but cooperative China. By visiting Japan first, Obama emphasised the importance of the six-decade US-Japan security alliance. Striking a balance between US-Japan and US-China relations is not always easy.

Given the new regional dynamics, Obama seemed to pull it off this time with his debut in Asia.

"In an interconnected world, power does not need to be not a zero-sum game. Nations need not fear the success of others. By cultivating spheres of cooperation, not competing in spheres of influence, will lead to progress in the Asia Pacific," he said.

Under Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Japan is also more confident in asserting its diplomatic clout commensurate with its status as the world's No 2 economic power. He has called for an equal partnership with the US, |which Obama responded to well in his speech.

Fortunately, in line with his preference for focusing more on Asia, Hatoyama has perceived US-China relations as complementary to the US-Japan alliance, not weakening it - a win-win approach. That kind of confidence has appeared only recently as China and Japan come to terms with their past and agree to look forward to future cooperation. The resumption of tripartite meetings including South Korea has already made much progress. Their relations would serve as a foundation for broader economic cooperation and integration with the rest of East Asia.

In this connection, Obama said the US sought broader engagement through East Asia because closer ties and stronger cooperation across the Pacific will benefit all. What was conspicuously absent was any mention of Taiwan and its security relations with the US. In previous presidencies, Taiwan was the highlight of US policy on Asia, especially the Taiwan Act of 1979.

Somehow, this time, Obama chose to zero in on relations with old allies in the Asia region, including the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Australia and Thailand. What is new has been the Obama administration's attitude towards the US alliance. His willingness to listen and consult more with the alliance has already made huge differences. With his birth in Hawaii and childhood experience in Indonesia, Obama has pronounced himself the first Pacific US president and has made known his preference for Asia. During the Bush administration, the preference was obviously for Europe and Latin America.

"These alliances continue to provide the bedrock of security and stability that has allowed the nations and peoples of this region to pursue opportunity and prosperity," he said, adding that what happens here has a direct effect on our lives at home.

"Our commitment to Asia's security is unshakeable, and it can be seen throughout the region."

For the first time, in a US president's speech, Asean has been given due recognition. "Asean will remain a catalyst for Southeast Asian dialogue, cooperation and security and I look forward to becoming the first American president to meet with all 10 of its leaders."

To prove he meant business, at the first Asean-US Leaders' Meeting yesterday, he endorsed Asean's centrality in the future construction of the region, something which Washington has been reluctant to do. The historic Singapore meeting was a success as the US and Asean leaders agreed to meet again next year. In his Tokyo speech, Obama highlighted two regional issues - Burma and North Korea.

He called on the Burmese junta leaders to take a clear step in releasing all political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi and take a path to "true security and prosperity".

He repeated the same message at the meeting with the Asean leaders yesterday. He stressed that existing sanctions will remain until there are concrete steps toward democratic reform.

As for North Korea, he urged Pyongyang to return to the six-party talks and continue with the denuclearisation programmes.

Obviously, Obama has chosen the bottle half-full approach in his speech, dwelling on common tasks and values that US and Asian countries, particularly China, could build on together. Apart from ignoring Taiwan, he also failed to mention Tibet - the favourite topic of US presidencies. He often stressed that issues related to human rights and democracy could be raised in different forums.

He prefers a balanced and pragmatic approach that will focus more on multilateral undertakings than the unilateral or bilateral ones of the past.

Furthermore, the speech gave the imperatives to sustainable and balanced economic growth as well as myriads of transnational issues, including non-nuclear proliferation and climate change, that require common efforts and cooperation over the usual narrowly defined military objectives and partnerships.

The president has inevitably put his personal stamp on US policy in Asia. He knows intuitively his presidential legacy will lie on this vast region of the world.