Obama reaffirms commitment to Japan on tour of Asia allies

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (2nd R) pours sake for U.S. President Barack Obama (R) as they have dinner at the Sukiyabashi Jiro sushi restaurant in Tokyo, in this picture taken April 23, 2014, and released by Japan's Cabinet Public Relations Office. REUTERS/Cabinet Public Relations Office/Pool

TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama assured ally Japan on Thursday that Washington was committed to its defence, including of tiny isles at the heart of a row with China, but denied he had drawn any new "red line" and urged peaceful dialogue over the islands.

His comments drew a swift response from China, which said the disputed islets were Chinese territory.