SIEM REAP, Cambodia: US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta sought to promote Washington’s strategic shift to the     Asia-Pacific and a tentative rapprochement with Myanmar as he met regional counterparts on Friday in Cambodia.

Wrapping up a tour of Asia before President Barack Obama visits the region next week, Panetta joined 10 defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in the Cambodian resort of Siem Reap.

In his talks, Panetta was expected to outline Washington’s cautious steps toward reopening ties with Myanmar’s military, as well as a bid to “rebalance” to the Asia-Pacific, officials said.

The US tilt to Asia as well as warming relations with Myanmar reflect a concerted effort by the Obama administration to assert American influence in the face of China’s growing economic and military might.

Next week, Obama will be the first sitting US president to visit Cambodia as well as Myanmar, following a series of dramatic political changes in a country emerging from decades of military rule.

Panetta’s trip, which included earlier stops in Australia and Thailand, came as China unveiled a new leadership team headed by Xi Jinping, a transition sure to feature in Friday’s talks among Asean ministers.

Reflecting Washington’s new approach to Myanmar, the Pentagon chief had no scheduled meeting set with his Myanmar counterpart but was open to an informal conversation, a senior US defense official told reporters.

Pentagon officials are considering cooperating with Myanmar’s armed forces on non-lethal programs focused on military medicine, education and disaster relief exercises.