Strategic Shifts in East Asia: A Critical Appraisal of American Presence, the Role of Its Allies and the Response of China

Abstract

Former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, declared the 21st century to be America’s Pacific Century. But the United States has always been a Pacific Power and has been a dominant player, if not the decisive actor, in the affairs of the Asia-Pacific since the conclusion of World War II. It achieved the enviable status of preponderant power after the demise of the communist bloc and established a regional order which is quite favorable for the protection and promotion of its national and security interests. This regional order has accorded it the occasion to not only set the rules and norms for the region but also its security agenda. The need for a new policy approach to the region is dictated by the emerging geopolitical realities. The state of affairs started to shift with the turnaround in the economic fortunes of China and correspondingly its growing diplomatic and military stature began to exert constrain on this regional order. The regional military balance is tilted in favor of Washington but the economic balance of power has shifted in the direction of Beijing which will have profound implications for the former. Hence Washington’s answer to these developments is reflected in its commitment to prioritize the region through its pivot policy. The underlying concept of the pivot is explained by structural realism while its fundamental objective is captured by the logic of sustaining the prevalent balance of power which will be realized through the active collaboration of America’s regional allies. This dissertation argues that Washington is re-balancing to sustain the status quo while Beijing is balancing to alter it. The net result will be a balance of power with new configuration of forces among the major players.