Obama Begins Malaysia Press Conference Lashing out at Press for Questioning Value of Visit

“Let me begin by once again thanking the government and people of Malaysia for hosting us at the US-ASEAN and East Asia Summits. These gatherings are enormous undertakings. But thanks to Malaysia’s leadership and incredible hospitality, they have been a great success. 

Earlier this week, as I headed to this region, there was a headline in one of our publications back home that asked ‘Obama’s Asian distraction?’ The premise seemed to be that this region was somehow disconnected from pressing global events. I could not disagree more. This region is not a distraction from the world's central challenges, like terrorism. The Asia Pacific is absolutely critical to promoting security, prosperity and human dignity around the world. 

That's why I have devoted so much of my foreign policy to deepening America's engagement with this region. I'm pleased on this trip we made progress across the board. With my fellow leaders from Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, I reaffirmed  that our threaty alliances has remained the foundation of regional security. 

The United States is boosting our support for the Philippines maritime capabilities, and those of our regional partners.
At the US-ASEAN and East Asia Summits, the key topic was the South China sea and many leaders spoke about the need to uphold international principles, including the freedom of navigation, an overflight, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. And to make sure we keep deepening our partnership here in South East Asia, I invited all ten ASEAN leaders to the United States next year. I'm pleased they accepted and i look forward to continuing our work."