Asian leaders yesterday signalled their respect for Barack Obama’s remarkable achievement in winning the US presidential race, welcoming the dynamism and fresh ideas his administration would bring.

Manmohan Singh, India’s prime minister, expressed the region’s awe most eloquently, saying Mr Obama’s “extraordinary journey to the White House” would inspire Americans and the world’s citizens alike.

But in Asia’s three largest economies, the Democratic candidate’s victory also brought a tinge of regret for the demise of the Republican administration of President George W. Bush.

The outgoing president still has a relatively high reputation in Beijing. Chinese officials generally tend to be more comfortable with Republicans because of their stronger support for free trade and their more muted criticism of human rights.

Chinese diplomats said they did not expect an Obama administration to take a very different approach on trade issues. “We think it will be like the Clinton administration, with some tough talk but a generally pragmatic approach,” said one official.

Japan greeted the election of Mr Obama with public cheer. But there were private expressions of concern that a Democratic presidency would be less accommodating towards Japan, which depends on the US for trade as well as for its own national security.