upon August 2almost 30 countries The US-led Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) is wrapping up. Only 13 of the participating nations are located in the Indo-Pacific region, the rest are from Europe and the Americas. The overall goal of RIMPAC is to improve combat effectiveness and interoperability among allies and partners in the region. Against whom? China, of course.
However, it would be a mistake for the United States to continue to rely on military force as the primary lever in U.S.-China relations: the United States should place more emphasis on non-military means to achieve its China-related interests.
Washington’s military-first approach to China is failing, despite the U.S. offering security guarantees to Japan and the Philippines. Protecting rocks and reefs In the East and South China Seas, China continues to assert its claims. Indeed, Beijing Redoubled military activity Like in America UniqueAnd President Joe Biden’s comments: Washington will defend Taipei if attacked Beijing Military Exercises or Coercive actions In the Taiwan Strait.
Beijing already believesAmerica’s presence and alliances in Asia are directed towards China.Continued expansion of military partnerships with the U.S. (basing rights, troop rotations, security and other commitments, new treaty alliances) would be a significant escalation for China. As seen in China’s efforts to strengthen U.S.-Philippines and U.S.-Taiwan relations, Beijing is expected to step up aggressive actions to defend its territorial claims and sovereignty. Actions such as a limited blockade of Taiwan or occupation of shallow waters in the South China Sea would test U.S. resolve and could lead to conflict.
Any attempt to forge a containment coalition, formal or informal, would likely increase tensions in the region, whether through NATO expansion or a series of new Japan-led Indo-Pacific defense agreements (guaranteed by the United States).
NATO has been desperately searching for the next bad guy to further justify expanding its mission.China is the No. 1 target in 2021 and beyondSimilarly, Japan is seeking to strengthen defense ties with U.S. treaty allies the Philippines, South Korea and Australia. Canberra and Manila in 2022 and 2024 respectively.Diplomatic progress with Seoul2024. In response, Beijing said:Century of HumiliationDeeply ingrained in the Chinese public psyche, China uses these activities to justify its military buildup and regional activities. Strengthening and formalizing regional agreements targeting China would intensify the arms race and increase the risk of war. Alternatively, China may even openly support Russia in Ukraine.
Moreover, instead of waiting for a containment coalition to form or for enemy forces to gather, Beijing would be incentivized to achieve its foreign policy objectives in the Indo-Pacific region first through coercion, whether that be seizing islands in the South China Sea from Vietnam and Malaysia without U.S. security guarantees or even invading Taiwan.Anti-Secession Act of 2005Beijing has legally declared that it will use “non-peaceful means” to defend its territorial integrity, which would likely include Taiwan, if the possibility of peaceful “reunification” is ruled out.
Instead of focusing on a military-first approach, we need rigorous, results-oriented diplomacy that begins with a rethinking of the U.S.-China bilateral relationship.
First, Washington should redirect its diplomatic efforts from resolving global and regional problems to focusing on its respective vital interests.Not much discussedVital interests should be at the heart of the conversation. After all, vital interests are the bedrock of Washington’s and Beijing’s foreign policies. Only by defining and understanding each other’s red lines can meaningful cooperation take place.
Beyond its vital interests, the United States should focus its diplomacy on its immediate interests related to China, and this means resolving the fentanyl crisis.Killed over 100,000 AmericansAddress the issues of U.S. allies and partners as a top priority, rather than taking precedence over them.Chinese espionage in the United States— Nation, business, cyber,Offshore— Don’t stress this at every meeting.China’s domestic issuesI know it will remain. This meansImplementing the Phase One Trade AgreementAnd we are working toward a second phase that will benefit American workers and American businesses.Unenforceable Trade StatementThere are few tangible benefits to the US economy.
Finally, Washington must also treat Beijing with respect. The United States does not have to like or accept China’s political form, policies, or interests, but Washington must recognize China for what it is. China is an ancient civilization with a significant history,The world’s second largest economy andAmazing power.
To best protect ourselves and our vital interests, the United States must build and maintain the most powerful military in the world. But a military-only emphasis in the Indo-Pacific will not secure our interests vis-à-vis China. Pursuing a respectful diplomacy based on interests is the most effective way to deliver a U.S.-China relationship that serves the American people.
Quinn Marsick is a contributing researcher at Defense Priorities.
