New US Indo-Pacific strategy includes a stronger presence in Southeast Asia
- Many of the strategy’s provisions appear aimed at countering China’s economic clout, military power and Belt and Road Initiative
- ‘This is not our China strategy,’ says a senior US official, but ‘it clearly identifies China as one of the challenges that the region faces’
American officials have stressed that China is not the sole focus of their regional initiatives. But many of the strategy’s provisions – including a larger role for European allies in the Taiwan Strait and beyond, as well as stronger regional trade, economic and infrastructure linkages and an empowered India – appeared squarely aimed at countering China’s economic clout, military power and Belt and Road Initiative.
“This is not our China strategy,” said a senior US official. But “it clearly identifies China as one of the challenges that the region faces and in particular the rise of China, China’s much more assertive and aggressive behaviour.”
In a bid to support the administration’s outlined pivot to Asia – even as the chaotic pull-out from Afghanistan, Iran nuclear concerns and risk of a Russian invasion of Ukraine demand Washington’s immediate attention – the plan pledges to open new US embassies and consulates throughout the region, expand the Peace Corps, launch an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and expand the role of the US Coast Guard.
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The US also said it hoped to change conditions outside China rather than trying to alter Beijing’s thinking. “Our objective is not to change China but to shape the strategic environment in which it operates, building a balance of influence in the world that is maximally favourable to the United States, our allies and partners, and the interests and values we share,” it said.