Clinton in Australia for Defense Talks

Looks to expand US military presence there

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Australia Tuesday for annual defense talks aimed at deepening military and political cooperation between the two nations, including greater use of Australian military bases.

The visit will likely be Mrs. Clinton's last to Australia in her current role. She is widely expected to step down early next year even though President Barack Obama last week won a second term in office. She'll be joined by U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta as part of a tour through Asia that includes Singapore, Thailand and Cambodia.

Both President Obama and Mrs. Clinton will visit Myanmar on Nov. 19 before concluding their regional tour at a summit of Asian leaders in Phnom Penh.