The commander of US forces in the Pacific has sought to reassure allies across the Asia-Pacific region that they can continue to count on America under the incoming administration of Donald Trump. 

Admiral Harry Harris said on Wednesday the US would continue to push back against the “assertive, aggressive behaviour” of Beijing in the South China Sea by conducting freedom of navigation exercises. He also announced that US fifth-generation F-22 fighter aircraft would be deployed in northern Australia in 2017, as part of the latest expansion of the countries’ military alliance. 

“My point is that you can count on America now and into the future,” said Adm Harris in a speech at Sydney’s Lowy Institute. “I say that confidently because it’s in our national interest to continue our engagement in this vital region as we support the rules-based international order.”