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US President Barack Obama has left for a tour of Asia aimed at reassuring allies of his commitment to the region, the BBC reported.

The US leader will visit Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The White House says the trip will focus on closer economic ties, but regional security - including China's increasingly powerful presence - is likely to dominate talks.

Asian allies are concerned over the US ability to focus on the region amid competing priorities, say analysts.

The trip was an opportunity to reinforce the importance the US placed on Asia and to re-establish ties at the leadership level, former US Assistant Secretary of State PJ Crowley told the BBC.

"Many traditional allies... [also] value a strong US presence in the region to balance against an assertive China," Mr Crowley said.

Mr Obama's visit comes amid a "period of very significant tension among American allies, and between American allies and China", he added.

Mr Obama's trip - from 23-29 April - comes nearly seven months after he cancelled a visit to the region due to a government shutdown.

Stops include a private dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as well as bilateral meetings with the South Korean, Malaysian and Philippine leaders.

The US leader is expected to balance the need to bolster US ties with each Asian nation while improving communication among them, particularly between South Korea and Japan.