A DECISION to increase the US military presence in Australia was a clear signal to the Asia-Pacific region that ''we're here to stay'', the US President, Barack Obama, declared last night.

In Australia for his first visit as president, Mr Obama said the decision to station Marines in the Top End and increase the visits of aircraft and, eventually, ships and submarines, should be seen as a ''clear message of our commitment to this region - a commitment that has endured and is unwavering''.

He said the US did not fear China, which has reacted suspiciously to the announcement, but given that the Asia-Pacific was the fastest growing economic region, ensuring its stability was critical to US military and economic interests.

''We're here to stay. This is a region of huge strategic importance to us,'' he said.

''We're going to be in a position to more effectively strengthen the security of both of our nations and the region.''