Biden reiterates importance of Australia in U.S. military pivot to Asia

Australia is key to the core of the United States' Asia-Pacific pivot as each country has the other's back, visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said as he ends his visit here on Wednesday.

Biden has been on a four-day public relations tour of Australia in a bid to boost its presence in the mind of locals.

In an address hosted by think-tanks in Sydney on Wednesday, Biden played to the nostalgic heart strings of a century of linkages in a bid to get a tired Australian public back on side following a series of pessimistic local commentaries towards their Asia pivot.

"The partnership between Australia and America is at the core of our vision for the region's future," Biden told the audience which included three former Australian prime ministers Tony Abbott, John Howard and Bob Hawke.

"Here in the early years of what's truly going to be the Pacific century, it's critical America and Australia look to one another for mutual support... because together, I am absolutely confident we can write a better future for all our children, and for this whole region."

Thus, the United States isn't backing away from their Pacific policy, said the U.S. vice president, confirming more than 60 percent of the U.S. fleet will be based in the Pacific by 2020.

"At the same time, we're stronger and more effective when we work side by side with our closest and most trusted partners," Biden said, hinting to the "five eyes" intelligence alliance, of which Australia is included.

"Today our partnership with our allies and other security partners in the Pacific are stronger than they have ever been, especially here in Australia," Biden said.

Biden also noted that the U.S. has made important progress to "center" their relationship with China and "enhance cooperation and responsible competition."

"I've spent a great deal of time with President Xi Jinping... probably more time alone than any world leader," Biden said.

The U.S. however is a "Pacific nation" and that posture will be maintained "as long as we exist," Biden said.

"Anyone who questions America's dedication and staying power in the Asia Pacific is simply not paying attention," Biden said.

Biden flies to New Zealand later on Wednesday where he will meet with Prime Minister John Key. Endit