U.S. to increase military activities in Australia from 2012: Obama

CANBERRA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday said the U.S. is stepping up its commitment in Asia-Pacific and announced the U.S. will boost its military activities in Australia from 2012.

In a joint press conference held after a meeting between Obama and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the pair announced the two countries have agreed to increase joint military initiatives to enhance the alliance between the two nations.

From 2012, the U.S. will boost its military activities in Australia in stages. A force of around 250 marines will begin training in the Northern Territory of Australia next year, increasing to a battalion strength groups of 1,000 by 2014 and a 2, 500-strong Marine Air-Ground Task Force by 2016.

Gillard said the increased U.S. presence would reinforce stability in the Asia-Pacific.