US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said the US wants a larger military presence in Asia
On his way to Australia for annual security talks, Mr Gates said closer ties with Australia would help the US expand its role in South East Asia.
The US would focus on fighting piracy, improving counter-terrorism, disaster aid and cyber-security, he said.
He said the US move was not to contain China, which is engaged in various territorial disputes in the region.
Mr Gates said Washington had no plans for more bases in the region.
But he expressed hopes for increased co-operation on issues such as missile defence and "space surveillance".
"We're looking at a number of different options," he said.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11705355
Note:7 November 2010 Last updated at 09:17 GMT