Economic power drives US role in Asia
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In order to be a competent leader, it is not enough to have only ambition. For many years after the war, the US was able to dominate the Asia-Pacific region because its input matched its leading position. Now the US wants to "return to Asia," which in itself shows that American power has experienced a relative decline.
Whether the US can be a good leader in the future will also depend on how much the US is able and willing to invest. If the US cannot provide economic dynamism for growing Asian nations, will it turn to other methods to pursue its own interests?
Undoubtedly, today the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing major development, so the US will achieve more positive effects if it pays more attention and input more power to this region. However, misunderstandings about China's intentions will cause new troubles.
If the US relies on its military forces to maintain its leadership status, and some Asia-Pacific countries become too dependent on US military power, it will result in even more unbalanced forces within the region. It could cause internal instability in the countries dependent on US military force, such as the anti-US sentiments in South Korea and Japan.
If the US thinks it is able to maintain a foothold in Asia and that Asia cannot live without its presence as long as it maintains a regional military advantage, a day must come when it feels unable to independently support such a large security system.
Currently, Asia-Pacific countries regard development as the key issue that will bring countries in this region closer, together. Unless the US maintains absolute superiority in economic development and provide more power for the Asia-Pacific countries, it will eventually fail to extend its brilliant history in the region.
John Lee also wrote, "The US still needs to commit more manpower and ships to the region, and reassure the region's capitals that unlike China, its grand designs are limited to maintaining stability in Asia."
If the US really has the willingness and strength to do so, let it go ahead. China's future development also needs stability in Asia.
The author is a senior editor with the People's Daily. dinggang@globaltimes.com.cn
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