Abstract
The United States is a long-term stakeholder in the Asia-Pacific. China recognizes that the United States is an irreplaceable “security anchor” in the entire region. Basically the U.S. role of “balancer” against any uncertainties in Southeast Asia — indispensible and tenacious — is an integral part of stability, peace, and prosperity at the regional level. Simultaneously Beijing understands the significance of close bonds between the United States and the ASEAN region — Southeast Asia needs the United States to counter-balance a rising China.
Yet, in China’s perception the Obama administration’s “rebalancing” moves portend a worrying trajectory for the Sino-American strategic relationship. Diplomatically, in China’s perception, the Obama administration has continually sought to keep China cornered and subdued with regard to the South China Sea issue by aligning with Vietnam, opening new military facilities in the Philippines, and excluding China from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). From a military perspective, the United States has sought to increase its preparedness through the Air-Sea Battle concept, a response to China’s anti-access and area denial (A2/AD) strategy, and moves like selling advanced F-16 C/D jetfighters to Indonesia and establishing a new military base in Darwin, Australia.
Read full article here (with subscription)