US vice president Biden kicks off Asia visit

WASHINGTON - U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden on Sunday embarked on a week-long visit to Japan, China and the Republic of Korea, in the administration's latest effort to rebalance toward Asia.

"In each country, the vice president will meet with key leaders to discuss a full range of bilateral, regional and global issues," the White House said in a statement, as Biden left the Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington for Tokyo.

"The trip will reaffirm our enduring presence as a Pacific power, promote our economic and trade interests, and underscore our commitment to rebalancing US foreign policy towards the Asia-Pacific," the White House said.

Atop Biden's agenda will be the efforts to complete the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, help lower tensions in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and boost US economic ties with China, senior administration officials said.