This paper will examine the determining factors through the questions posited in the course outline regarding a gradual change of focus of U.S. foreign policy from terrorism to citing fomenting predictions and future tenses that China would be a ‘threat’ in the Asia-Pacific region as well to the world. Utilizing ‘Hedging,’ one of foreign policy’s options, as the tool or instrument to achieve its purpose, carry-out goals, and implement policies.
In 2000, Pres. George W. Bush labeled China as the United States’ leading strategic and military competitor. (Twining 2007) In his rhetoric, what changes in U.S. strategic and defense relationships in the Asia-Pacific region, if any, are needed to respond to major developments in the region, particularly China’s emergence as a major power, the continuing potential for inter-state conflict, and the struggle against militant Islamists? (Vaughn 2007)
Table of Contents
1. United States of America’s Foreign Policy in the Security of Asia-Pacific Region
2. What are the bases of U.S. foreign policy in Asia-Pacific region?
3. How should one characterize the nature of U.S. foreign policy?
4. To what extent does security as a general consideration inform U.S. foreign policy?
5. U.S. concerns, bases, or reasons and determining factors to hedge against China
6. How do these factors impact on the United States’ relationship with the Asia-Pacific region? Shaping and Hedging against China
7. The grand strategy to counter China
7.1 Japan
7.2 India
7.3 Indonesia
7.4 Vietnam, Laos, & Cambodia
7.5 Taiwan
7.6 Europe
8. Concluding Remarks
Research Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy within the Asia-Pacific region, specifically analyzing the move from counter-terrorism to a hedging strategy against the perceived rise of China as a military and economic competitor.
- The transition of U.S. foreign policy focus toward China.
- The nature of American interests and the application of hegemonic influence.
- Factors driving the U.S. military "hedging" strategy, including regional naval and submarine modernization.
- Strategic cooperation and security partnerships with nations like Japan, India, and Indonesia.
Excerpt from the Book
U.S. concerns, bases, or reasons and determining factors to hedge against China
Continuing China’s military expansion in a non-transparent way. Since 1992, Chinese defense spending has grown at an annual double-digit rate. The Pentagon estimates that total defense-related expenditures were between $50 billion and $70 billion in 2004 and as high as $90 billion in 2005, placing China third in defense spending (in nominal dollars) after the United States and Russia. On March 6, 2006, China announced another 15 percent increase in military spending, on top of 13 percent in 2005, giving China the world’s fastest growing peacetime defense budget. This led Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to muse, “Since no nation threatens China, one must wonder: Why this growing investment?”
However, budgets do not tell the whole story. For example, Beijing’s military is rapidly increasing its ballistic missile capability. Short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) production has doubled from 50 per year in 2002 to over 100 per year by 2006. In addition, China is fielding growing numbers of medium-range and intercontinental-range missiles, such as the DF-21 and DF-31 and the submarine-launched Julang-1. Chinese media reports indicate that a new DF-31A intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of 10,000 kilometers (km) and an improved Julang-2 SLBM with a range of 8,000 km will enter service in four years.
Summary of Chapters
1. United States of America’s Foreign Policy in the Security of Asia-Pacific Region: Provides an overview of the shifting U.S. foreign policy focus from terrorism toward managing China's rise.
2. What are the bases of U.S. foreign policy in Asia-Pacific region?: Explores the pillars of American national interest, defined by domestic, regional, and global security requirements.
3. How should one characterize the nature of U.S. foreign policy?: Analyzes the U.S. role as a hegemon or balancer within the international system.
4. To what extent does security as a general consideration inform U.S. foreign policy?: Discusses the impact of regional conflicts and geopolitical shifts on U.S. alliance structures.
5. U.S. concerns, bases, or reasons and determining factors to hedge against China: Details specific Chinese military advancements, such as missile capabilities and naval modernization, that cause U.S. concern.
6. How do these factors impact on the United States’ relationship with the Asia-Pacific region? Shaping and Hedging against China: Outlines strategic recommendations for the U.S. to exert pressure and protect regional democratic interests.
7. The grand strategy to counter China: Evaluates specific bilateral approaches the U.S. is taking with regional partners like India, Japan, and Taiwan to maintain security balance.
8. Concluding Remarks: Speculates on the future of American hegemony in the face of rising regional powers and changing economic landscapes.
Keywords
U.S. Foreign Policy, Asia-Pacific, China, Hegemony, National Security, Military Expansion, Hedging Strategy, Regional Alliances, Ballistic Missiles, Geopolitics, Democracy Promotion, Strategic Dialogue, Balance of Power, Defense Spending, International Relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines how U.S. foreign policy is gradually shifting its focus from anti-terrorism to a comprehensive "hedging" strategy against the emergence of China as a strategic and military competitor in the Asia-Pacific region.
What are the central themes discussed?
The central themes include the evolution of U.S. grand strategy, the nature of American hegemony, China's military modernization, the importance of maintaining regional security through alliances, and the geopolitical implications of rising powers like India and China.
What is the ultimate goal of U.S. foreign policy in this region?
The primary goal is to maintain a secure, democratic, and prosperous world order that protects American interests while preserving U.S. global leadership and managing the potential threats posed by rival nations.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The paper utilizes a qualitative analysis approach, synthesizing security strategy documents, historical developments, intelligence assessments, and international relations theories to interpret U.S. policy directions.
What does the main body cover?
The main body details the specific bases of U.S. interests, analyzes China's rapid naval and missile build-up, and discusses the strategic responses the U.S. is developing in cooperation with regional allies.
What key terms characterize the research?
The research is characterized by terms such as "hedging," "hegemonic stability," "multipolarity," "strategic dialogue," and "military preeminence."
How does China's naval modernization affect U.S. strategy?
China's naval growth, particularly its submarine fleet and anti-ship capabilities, forces the U.S. to bolster its own naval and air presence in the Western Pacific to maintain its strategic advantage and reassure allies.
What role does democracy play in U.S. policy in Asia?
Democracy is considered a pillar of American "soft power" and a mechanism for security cooperation, helping to unify the U.S. with other regional states and providing a normative basis for trans-Pacific cooperation.
Why does the author suggest downgrading the strategic dialogue with China?
The author argues that the current "senior dialogue" has proven fruitless and suggests that the U.S. should reduce diplomatic engagement until China demonstrates evidence of becoming a responsible international stakeholder.
What are the potential future scenarios for U.S. involvement in Asia?
The paper anticipates a potential relative decline in American hegemony, leading to a more multipolar order where the U.S. acts as a balancer of power rather than the sole dominant force, requiring strong bilateral alliances for stability.
- Citation du texte
- Nassef M. Adiong (Auteur), 2008, United States of America’s Foreign Policy in the Security of Asia-Pacific Region, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/139270
