Obama: US still a global leader

In his speech at the US Military Academy at West Point, New York on Wednesday, Obama said the US will continue to be a global leader well into the 21st century, even after a "long season of wars."

He defended current US foreign policy in his speech to the newest class of graduating military officers, particularly from domestic critics who argue that the president's approach has been too cautious. Obama reaffirmed his decision not to insert American troops into Syria's ongoing civil war, instead urging non-combat support for opposition rebels fighting the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

Obama urged Congress to back a proposed $5 billion (3.7 billion-euro) counter-terrorism fund to aid US partners in combating terrorism around the world "which will allow us to train, build capacity and facilitate partner countries on the front line."

The fund would support Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq - all countries housing Syrian refugees and struggling with militant rebels moving across Syria's borders.

Responding to 'aggression'

"The United States will use military force, unilaterally if necessary, when our core interests demand it," he said, adding that unchecked regional aggression "could draw in our military" if it impacts allies in southern Ukraine, the South China Sea or "anywhere else in the world."

The US is ready to respond to what Obama called China's "aggression" but said Washington should lead by example and ratify a key treaty.

"It's a lot harder to call on China to resolve its maritime disputes under the Law of Sea Convention when the United States Senate has refused to ratify it - despite the repeated insistence of our top military leaders that the treaty advances our national security," said Obama.

"That's not leadership; that's retreat. That's not strength; that's weakness," he added.

Senators from the opposition Republican Party have thus far refused to ratify the UN convention, saying it would override US sovereignty.

Continuing drone strikes

Obama said that terrorism remained the most direct threat to Americans. He said he would continue his controversial drone policy and would "take direct action" by ordering strikes against suspected terrorists "when necessary to protect ourselves."

Despite consistent criticism for civilian deaths from US drone attacks, Obama contended that no strike should occur unless there is "a near certainty" no civilians will be harmed.

Obama added that he wanted to see the drone program move from the CIA to the military.

"I will increasingly turn to our military to take the lead and provide information to the public about our efforts," he said.

dr/mz (AFP, AP, Reuters, dpa)