To what extent can the US compete with China if it does not offer more economic opportunities to Indo-Pacific countries, especially due to mounting doubts about its reliability as a security guarantor in the region?
We invite several experts to assess this state of affairs.
Read MoreWritten by Kyoko Hatakeyama
Moreover, since Japan has maintained a stable relationship with China — despite their territorial disputes — the region does not have to worry about backlash or anger from China just because they choose Japan over China.
Read MoreWritten by Benjamin Herscovitch
Without discounting the possible threats that nuclear-powered submarines are designed to head off, Australia’s immediate priority remains competition with China in numerous scenarios short of war.
Read MoreWritten by Jeffrey Wilson
There is nothing to fear in terms of RCEP becoming a vehicle for Chinese economic dominance of the Indo-Pacific. In fact, we should be more worried about the strategic implications of a RCEP failure than its success.
Read MoreWritten by Kyoko Hatakeyama
A more active and sustained defence partnership between Tokyo and Canberra could serve to supplement Washington’s commitments and military burdens across the Indo-Pacific region.
Read MoreWritten by Hunter Marston
It will take more than lofty speeches to bolster a shaky alliance with Manila and to raise the partnership with Hanoi to the next level, and an economic strategy, so far absent, should accompany a military presence if Washington is serious about reducing Beijing’s influence.
Read MoreWritten by Joe Varner
Nevertheless, a golden opportunity exists for Canada in the aftermath of the recent Quad anti-submarine warfare exercise to put itself forward to join the Quad, but the question is — given its spotty performance to date — will Canada be welcome?
Read MoreWith Hunter Marston
For the foreseeable future, small powers in Southeast Asia will cling to their independent foreign policies and seek to diversify their foreign relations in an attempt to find a balance that allows them more options and to avoid choosing sides in the brewing superpower rivalry.
Read MoreWritten by Tridivesh Singh Maini
The US and its allies need to provide an alternative economic narrative as merely criticising Beijing is not enough. Thus far the Biden administration has made the right noises by calling for a collaborative approach on economic issues. Nevertheless, it needs to strike a careful balance and can not ignore domestic political pressures.
Read MoreWritten by Elli-Katharina Pohlkamp
As a middle power, Japan has the potential to enhance its role. In maintaining its partnerships with the United States and in balancing its deep economic ties with China it can lay the course and mediate in policies that concern itself, the United States and others in Southeast Asia.
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