(LinkAsia: November 23, 2012)
Yul Kwon:
President Obama has just concluded a whirlwind visit to Southeast Asia. His trip included stops in Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. It was billed as a campaign to win over so-called "swing states" - countries that both the US and China are trying to bring into their respective spheres of influence. Perhaps the most important part of the trip was the six hours that Obama spent in Myanmar. Until recently, the country was seen as a client of China, mostly because China was one of the few nations that did business with the former Burmese military regime. But now, after a year of reform, western countries are crowding in with investments and aid. Here's how Japanese public broadcaster NHK covered Obama's visit.

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NHK World NEWSLINE
Airdate: November 19, 2012

Reporter:
Obama met with President Thein Sein. He referred to the nation for the first time in public as Myanmar, the name made official by the military. The US government usually calls it Burma.

Barack Obama:
I shared with President Thein Sein, our belief, the process of reform he has taken is one that will move this country forward.

Reporter:
Local people lined the streets waving US flags to welcome the American president. Obama then met with long-time democracy activist, Aung San Suu Kyi, at her home.

Barack Obama:
I'm proud to be the first American president to visit this spectacular country. We've seen some very encouraging progress.

Aung San Suu Kyi:
We are working to a genuine success for our people and for the friendship of our two countries.

Reporter:
Some human rights activists called the visit premature. But Obama said they should take the opportunity to encourage what he called "the better impulses in the country."