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                Obama in Philippines for Influential APEC Summit

   by Mary Alice Salinas

   President Barack Obama is in the Philippine capital, Manila for talks
   with Asia-Pacific leaders as he seeks to increase America's influence
   in the region, but security will also be a key focus following Friday's
   deadly terror attacks in Paris.

   Security is heightened in Manila for the influential Asia-Pacific
   Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which will include the leaders of
   21 economies and other heads of state.

   The summit is expected to center on trade and the massive Trans-Pacific
   Partnership agreement, a key component of the Obama administration's
   rebalance to the Asia-Pacific.

   The White House has pointed to the region as a populous, vibrant, and
   economically promising part of the world where America must engage more
   closely with its allies on security and the economy.

   "If we're going to continue to succeed in securing our nation and our
   allies, then we're going to have to be a player and help establish the
   economic and security architecture in that region for this century and
   the centuries to come," the U.S. leader said.

   Obama has urged the 12 nations who are party to the TPP agreement to
   ratify the deal as required.

   The TPP faces tough resistance in the U.S. Congress where some critics
   argue it does not do enough to protect American workers and interests.
   The Obama administration says the agreement is good for U.S. business,
   workers and national security.

   ''

   During his trip to Manila, Obama will take part in a series of
   bilateral meetings with other key allies and partners, including the
   leaders of Australia, Canada, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and
   Malaysia.

   The topics are expected to range from the TPP, counter-terrorism,
   cyber-security, maritime security, climate change and human rights.

   The president's six-day trip to the region demonstrates American
   leadership on "political and security issues that are critical to
   sustaining the rules-based order in Asia," said Susan Rice, U.S.
   national security advisor.

   ''

   Later in the week, President Obama will travel to Kuala Lumpur,
   Malaysia to take part in the annual summit meeting of the Association
   of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).  Administration officials say he
   will meet with the prime minister of Laos as that country prepares to
   take on the role as ASEAN chair in 2016.

   The White House says the U.S. plans to outline new ways to bolster the
   U.S.-ASEAN partnership.

   Authorities in Manila say they have stepped up protective measures for
   the high-profile gathering including at seaports, airports and railway
   systems, following the terror attacks in Paris that killed more than
   130 people.
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   3061271.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-in-philippines-for-apec-summit/3061271.html