U.S. President Barack Obama addressed Australia's Parliament in Canberra on Thursday, saying the U.S. sees future in the Asia-Pacific region, and will seek continued cooperation with China.

Despite there were comments saying that the U.S. is increasing its military presence in Australia because of the threat it felt on the rise of China, Obama reaffirmed that this is not the picture.

He said the U.S. sees bright future in the region, and it would continue its efforts to build a cooperative relationship with China.

"All of our nations have a profound interest in the rise of a peaceful and prosperous China, and the U.S. welcomes it," Obama said while addressing a special sitting of members of parliament and senators in a packed House of Representatives.

He said the U.S. would also seek more opportunities for cooperation with China including "greater communication" between our militaries to promote understanding and avoid "miscalculation. "

Meanwhile, the president again affirmed the nation's commitment in the Asia-Pacific region, saying that further cooperation in the fast growing region will help the U.S. overcome economic difficulties.

"As the world's fastest-growing region - and home to more than half the global economy - Asia is critical to achieving my highest priority: creating jobs and opportunity for the American people," he said.

"With most of the world's nuclear powers and nearly half of humanity, this region will largely define whether the century ahead will be marked by conflict or cooperation, needless suffering or human progress," Obama said.

"As President, I've therefore made a deliberate and strategic decision - as a Pacific nation, the United States will play a larger and long-term role in shaping this region and its future, by upholding core principles and in close partnership with allies and friends," he said.

Obama arrived in Canberra of Australia on Wednesday afternoon. After addressing the parliament on Thursday, the president will later head to Darwin, Northern Territory of Australia, before leaving Australia to the East Asia Summit in Bali of Indonesia.

Former U.S. president George W. Bush addressed Australia's Parliament when he visited the country in 2003, and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard addressed a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress when she visited Washington in March this year.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2011)