Most Asian countries hate the idea of taking sides, despite widespread misgivings about China’s intentions
WHAT DO YOU buy the Asian defence minister who has everything? How about a “beautiful” photo-book of North Korean ships illegally transferring oil at sea? Patrick Shanahan, America’s acting defence secretary, presented the collection of grainy aerial shots to his Chinese counterpart, General Wei Fenghe, at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual gathering of military bigwigs in Singapore from May 31st to June 2nd.
Mr Shanahan’s notion of responsible competition—in contrast to the no-holds-barred clash of civilisations favoured by some of his head-banging colleagues—is laudable. It is also savvy. Asian states are likelier to sign up to FOIP if they are persuaded that America is not spoiling for a fight. But on both counts—stabilising the relationship with China, while rallying partners to push back against it—America has an uphill task.
One might think that such bluster would send Asians rushing to sign up to FOIP and into America’s arms. In some cases, it has. Narendra Modi will deepen defence ties with America in his second term. Japan is beefing up its armed forces and sending its navy into the South China Sea. Officials from America, Australia, India and Japan—the “Quad”—now confer routinely, most recently on May 31st.
Mr Shanahan did his best to assuage these concerns. He pointed out that the Indo-Pacific was America’s “priority theatre”, with four times as many American forces as any other American military command. America’s freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea were also growing more routine: unusually, there were two in May alone.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
America’s vision for the Indo-Pacific gets a lukewarm receptionAsian countries may not like China’s hectoring, but they have their qualms about America, too
Weiterlesen »
How the trade war between China and America is changing global businessA decade ago Chinese banks were peripheral in Asian high-finance. Now Wall Street firms are not as essential as they used to be
Weiterlesen »
China releases official document blaming America for the trade warU.S. media outlets have reported that Beijing backed out from basically all negotiating points during talks with the United States several weeks ago.
Weiterlesen »
U.S.-China tensions dominate gathering of Asian defense leadersChina’s defense minister on Sunday rejected U.S. allegations of aggressive behavior in Asia and vowed Beijing would take military action to defend its claims over Taiwan and the contested South China Sea.
Weiterlesen »
China cannot easily weaponise its holdings of American government debtNeither China nor America seem to understand why America's economic position is so commanding
Weiterlesen »
China announces South China Sea military training exercisesBEIJING (AP) — China began two days of military training in the South China Sea Sunday, as its defense minister warned that China's armed forces would 'resolutely take action' to defend Beijing's...
Weiterlesen »
Taiwan urges China to 'repent' for Tiananmen, China paper says event is merely historyChina must 'sincerely repent' for the bloody crackdown on pro-democrac...
Weiterlesen »
Apple CEO Cook says he doesn't see China targeting Apple in U.S.-China trade disputeApple Inc Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said China has not targeted the compa...
Weiterlesen »
35 Actors That Made People Say, 'FINALLY, Someone Who Looks Like Me!''It's very inspiring to hear others' stories and the different ways we relate to seeing others on screen.'
Weiterlesen »
Asian shares edge up but growth worries cap gainsShares in Asia inched higher and safe-haven assets gave up some overnight gains ...
Weiterlesen »