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The stability of the Indo-Pacific region has economic and military significance and is at risk from the threats of the Communist Party of China (CCP), which since the presidency of Barack Obama, has improved its military development to the point of forcing the United States to back down in the region.
According to the State Department, two-way trade accounts for $1.9 trillion. This allows “U.S. government agencies, businesses, and institutions to stimulate private sector investment by strengthening civil society and democratic institutions throughout the Indo-Pacific.”
On the other hand, the U.S. presence in the region, with more than 375,000 military and civilian personnel, ensures peace and security where China, India, Pakistan and North Korea have active nuclear weapons development programs.
International analysts agree that China’s military buildup is forcing the United States to take a clear position on its role in Asia. Beijing has reiterated that one of its main interests is to end American influence in the region.
During Obama’s presidency, Washington’s strategy in Asia sought a balance between China and the United States. Cooperation on economic issues, environmental defense, and bold diplomatic work by the Asian giant resulted in China taking advantage of the Obama-Biden administration instead of balancing the scales.
China points at the U.S. Navy to control the Indo-Pacific
U.S. intelligence services revealed to the press that the Chinese Army conducted an exercise against U.S. Navy ships led by the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. This occurred when the Chinese regime forces carried out a series of incursions into Taiwan, which took place after the inauguration of President Joe Biden.
“The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) simulated missile strikes against a nearby U.S. aircraft carrier during a raid on Taiwan’s air defense zone three days after Joe Biden’s inauguration, according to U.S. and allied intelligence.”
Financial Times.
Although the US Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement that the recent military exercises of the Chinese Army “do not represent a threat to US forces in the area”, it stressed that “they were aggressive and destabilizing” for the region.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Defense issued a strong warning to the Biden-Harris administration regarding American policies to curb the CCP, threats that forced the Pentagon to react immediately, calling the Chinese regime’s statements unfortunate.”Facts have shown that” trying to stop China “is equivalent to shooting yourself in the foot.”
Blinken calms America’s allies in the Indo-Pacific
Media reported that Antony Blinken communicated with his counterparts from several countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Blinken stated that the United States will continue the Trump administration’s policies rejecting “China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea” and pledged to “support Southeast Asian claimants in the face of Chinese pressure.”
It should be recalled that the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam are among other countries involved in disputes with China, “which claims about 80% of the resource-rich South China Sea.”
During the first week in office, the Biden administration had already reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Japan regarding the disputes Tokyo faces with Beijing over the Senkaku Islands.
The U.S. in the middle of a volatile Indo-Pacific
Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, allies of the United States, have sufficient capacity to develop nuclear weapons in the short and medium term. Given Taiwan’s technological advances and experience in the scientific field, international organizations assure that the island is capable of developing biological and chemical weapons for attack and defense.
In addition, the Trump administration approved arms sales to Taiwan for an estimated $18 billion, and in 2021 included the island in the budget bill for investments in trade, technology development and military support.
Hence the importance of a clear policy from Washington in the region. The press reported that the Secretary of State “while disagreeing with the way Trump had implemented his policies toward China, he was right to take a tougher approach.” The statements come as analysts “underscore Joe Biden’s difficulties in easing tensions with Beijing.”
Camilo Bello is a consultant focused on Asia Pacific studies and has experience in strategic management. He has studied law in Colombia and is currently pursuing studies in language and history at National Taiwan Normal University. He has collaborated with Students for Freedom in Hong Kong and Taiwan // Camilo es consultor enfocado en estudios de Asia Pacífico y experiencia en gestión estratégica. Cuenta con estudios en Derecho en Colombia y actualmente se encuentra realizando estudios en lenguaje e historia en National Taiwan Normal University. Colaborador de Estudiantes por la Libertad en Hong Kong y Taiwán