Chinese Perspectives on the U.S. Role in Southeast Asia

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. The ramifications of Beijing-Washington relations extend far beyond their immediate bilateral terrain, and will clearly decide the landscape of the AsiaPacific region in a much broader sense. Any balance of power system will not automatically promote the highly valuable regional economic vigour which has now spread throughout the Asia-Pacific. Enduring economic growth at the very least reduces security concerns even if it does not produce security. China, contributing substantially to regional economic prosperity, will not be alone