China Assesses the us Rebalance to Asia: Implications for Us-China Relations

Abstract

In 2011, the Obama Administration announced a more robust US foreign policy in the Asia Pacific due to the perception that an increasingly assertive China threatens the peace and security of the region. Beijing views the rebalance (previously known as “the pivot”) as an attempt to prevent China from gaining the preponderance of power in the Asia Pacific. US rebalancing and China’s reaction appear to have increased tensions in the region. This article analyzes the implications of US rebalancing for US-China relations. Specifically, it seeks to answer the question of whether US economic and military focus on Asia adversely affects US-China relations. It seeks to answer the following questions. What are US motives, means, and intent for economic and military rebalancing in Asia? How does Beijing view US rebalancing? What are consequences and unintended consequences of US rebalancing for US-China relations?