Obama Bolsters his ‘Pacific President’ Credentials in Asia Trip: The president’s trip to East Asia Summit marks a renewed focus on the region

Following his announcement of a U.S. “pivot” toward the Pacific region, President Obama is in Bali, Indonesia, this weekend for the East Asia Summit. His visit marks the first-time the United States has attended the regional meeting. While few expect anything concrete to emerge from the conference, Obama’s symbolic visit could help the country win points—especially over China—with regional players seeking more U.S. attention.

Obama Bolsters his ‘Pacific President’ Credentials in Asia Trip: The president’s trip to East Asia Summit marks a renewed focus on the region

Following his announcement of a U.S. “pivot” toward the Pacific region, President Obama is in Bali, Indonesia, this weekend for the East Asia Summit. His visit marks the first-time the United States has attended the regional meeting. While few expect anything concrete to emerge from the conference, Obama’s symbolic visit could help the country win points—especially over China—with regional players seeking more U.S. attention.