The United States’ Indo-Pacific strategy against the Chinese Communist regime is making progress with the establishment and expansion of multiple alliances. However, as the CCP continues to vie for influence and control in the Indo-Pacific region, the U.S. still has a lot of work to do.
From the U.S. Pacific coastline to the Indian Ocean, the Indo-Pacific region is the main battlefield for intense competition between the U.S. and China. Currently, the U.S. holds the dominant position in this region, with over half of the world’s population, nearly two-thirds of global GDP, and seven of the largest military forces, as stated by the White House. Hence, this region is where the highest concentration of U.S. military personnel and bases overseas is located.
On February 11, 2022, the White House released the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) aimed at promoting freedom and openness in the region, strengthening security cooperation, and countering the influence of the CCP. The IPS document points out, “From economic threats to Australia, conflicts along the Line of Actual Control with India, increasing pressure on Taiwan, and CCP’s bullying of neighboring countries in the East and South China Seas, our allies and partners in the region bear the brunt of the People’s Republic of China’s harmful behavior.” The People’s Republic of China is the formal name of China, while the CCP has always positioned itself internationally as the representative of China.
The IPS document explains that from the end of World War II to the collapse of the Soviet Union, the U.S. focused on the Cold War with Russia. Now, geopolitical realities have shifted U.S. priorities towards countering the CCP regime in the Indo-Pacific region.
The IPS aims to promote cooperation with allies, partners, and institutions within and outside the Indo-Pacific region to enhance prosperity and maintain stability. The Indo-Pacific strategy emphasizes Washington’s commitment to upholding a rules-based international order and countering the CCP’s escalating influence through various channels like strengthening military capabilities, forming strong alliances, and taking economic measures.
The Indo-Pacific region, involving major participants such as the U.S., China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, the UK, France, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), collectively shapes the region. The U.S.’ strategic focus is on maintaining regional stability, promoting economic growth, and countering CCP’s regional influence through alliances like the Quad (consisting of Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.), AUKUS (incl. Australia, the UK, and the U.S.), and the Five Eyes (comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the U.S.).
The CCP seeks to exert influence through economic investments and military actions such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and aggressive actions in the South China Sea. Additionally, Beijing is trying to find willing Indo-Pacific countries to sign security agreements and accept CCP military bases. Japan, as a major economic power, plays a crucial role in multilateral frameworks and often acts as a neutral agent for U.S. interests, making other Asian countries feel less threatened and more willing to align their policies with the region.
The U.S.’ Asia-Pacific strategy has successfully strengthened alliance relationships and allied capabilities. Since 2022, the U.S. has enhanced defense agreements with Japan, Australia, the Philippines, South Korea, and the Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea, bolstering military capabilities and cooperation against CCP’s regional influence to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. Moreover, a new small multilateral grouping, the Squad, comprising Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the U.S., was established this year to further enhance regional security and cooperation.
Discussions are ongoing regarding expanding the Quad and AUKUS frameworks. The concept of Quad+ aims to include more countries like South Korea, Vietnam, and New Zealand to enhance cooperation on global pandemic management and economic resilience, among other international issues.
Similarly, AUKUS+ may include countries such as India, Japan, and South Korea to broaden the alliance’s scope to address regional security and technological challenges comprehensively.
The CCP regime’s escalating aggressive behavior abroad has brought India closer to the U.S. in security contacts, evident in the continuously strengthening defense relations between New Delhi and Washington.
Moreover, compared to the CCP regime, India and Japan generally instill more confidence in ASEAN partners, fostering deeper regional cooperation and stability.
Despite experiencing setbacks, the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific strategy has made significant progress in strengthening alliances and promoting multilateral cooperation. The Indo-Pacific region remains free and open, with the U.S. still holding a dominant position; however, threats from the CCP persist.
To counter the CCP’s Belt and Road Initiative’s influence, the U.S. needs to increase regional investments and economic participation through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, enhancing economic ties and addressing challenges. Meanwhile, the CCP regime’s growing aggression unintentionally brings regional countries closer to the U.S., aligning their interests in the region.
In conclusion, despite setbacks, the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific strategy has made significant strides in strengthening alliances and promoting multilateral cooperation. The region remains free and open, with the U.S. still dominant, but the ongoing threat from the CCP continues.
[The article’s author details have been omitted for brevity.]