US President Barack Obama is meeting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for talks on regional security and trade, on the first full day of his Asia tour.

Mr Abe is likely to seek US assurances of support over a territorial row with China over East China Sea Islands.

On Wednesday, Mr Obama said the US opposed any attempt to undermine Japanese control of the islands.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss a trade deal and the issue of North Korea.

The US president arrived in Japan late on Wednesday ahead of stops in South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines.

He is not going to Beijing but relations with China are expected to dominate his meetings with regional leaders.

(BBC)