Asian leaders have congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump on his stunning election victory yesterday and pledged to work with him to strengthen ties.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, one of the United States' alliance partners in the region, praised Mr Trump as "a very successful businessman with extraordinary talents". He called the US-Japan partnership an "alliance of hope".

"Japan and the United States are unwavering allies tied firmly with the bond of universal values such as freedom, democracy, basic human rights and the rule of law," he said in his congratulatory message.

He stressed that the stability of the Asia-Pacific region is a driving force of the global economy, and would bring peace and prosperity to the US.

Mr Abe also instructed his special adviser on diplomatic affairs, Mr Katsuyuki Kawai, to visit Washington next week to quickly forge a "relationship of trust" with the incoming administration.

Mr Kawai will likely discuss Japan's desire to strengthen its security alliance with the US, as well as the quick ratification of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak lauded Mr Trump's win in a statement, saying "politicians should never take voters for granted". "Opinion polls, and established political figures, all underestimated the strength of his support," he said.

"His appeal to Americans who have been left behind - those who want to see their government more focused on their interests and welfare, and less embroiled in foreign interventions that proved to be against US interests - has won Mr Trump the White House."

Datuk Seri Najib said both countries elevated their relationship to a comprehensive partnership in 2014 and "are firm allies in the worldwide fight against terrorism and extremism".

"We look forward to continuing this partnership under President- elect Trump. I congratulate him on this extraordinary victory, and look forward to meeting him again soon."

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has hurled abuse at the US almost daily, was en route to Malaysia for a state visit when he was informed of Mr Trump's win.

Mr Duterte said in a statement that he "looks forward to working with the incoming administration for enhanced Philippines-US relations anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit and shared commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law".

Chinese President Xi Jinping noted that his country and the US - the world's two biggest economies - shared responsibility for promoting global development and prosperity.

"I place great importance on the China-US relationship, and look forward to working with you to uphold the principles of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation," said Mr Xi.

In her congratulatory message, South Korean President Park Geun Hye expressed hopes that South Korea and the US can continue to reinforce bilateral cooperation, strengthen their security alliance and address pending issues, including North Korea.

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the kingdom "welcomes the result of the US presidential election" and that "Thailand will continue to work closely with the United States to further enhance Thai-US partnership".

•Reporting by Walter Sim in Tokyo, Raul Dancel in Manila, Chang May Choon in Seoul and Tan Hui Yee in Bangkok