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South Korea
OpinionComment

China’s cash and American troops are inspiring fine balancing act from US allies in East Asia

David Zweig says China’s economic clout and America’s security commitments are factors as Australia, South Korea and the Philippines try to keep both world powers on their side

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David Zweig says China’s economic clout and America’s security commitments are factors as Australia, South Korea and the Philippines try to keep both world powers on their side
David Zweig
Most countries in East Asia today find themselves as the third corner of a triangular relationship between themselves, the US and China. Illustration: Craig Stephens
Most countries in East Asia today find themselves as the third corner of a triangular relationship between themselves, the US and China. Illustration: Craig Stephens
China’s rise within an international system dominated by the US has dramatic implications for all of East Asia. Unlike during the cold war, when states had to choose between the United States and the Soviet Union, most countries in East Asia today find themselves as the third corner of a triangular relationship between themselves, the US and China.

How they balance those ties will greatly affect the shape of the region in the coming years.

The American corner exudes military strength, as the US “hegemon” remains the key ally of many countries in the region. Some alliances, established in the 1950s, ­survived the collapse of the Soviet Union. So, while the US remains an important economic partner for the region, its primary function is to protect its allies from external threats. Even Vietnam, Myanmar and Indonesia, who are not America’s security allies, see US ties as a hedge against China.

The last corner, China, is now the major trading partner of most countries in the region; the “Belt and Road Initiative” will only intensify its ­regional economic leverage. Moreover, China now uses its economic clout as leverage over states in the region, hoping to get their ­foreign policy decisions to coincide with Chinese interests.
Three countries highlight the ongoing dynamic. Australia, South Korea and the Philippines are all formal American allies, and US troops enhance their national security. All three also depend on Chinese trade and investment for their economic well-being. Yet the trio respond somewhat differently to these external pressures.
Robert Brown (left), commander of the United States Army in the Pacific, and Australian Joint Operations chief David Johnston attend a closing ceremony for a joint military exercise aboard the USS Ronald Reagan in Brisbane, on July 25. Photo: EPA
Robert Brown (left), commander of the United States Army in the Pacific, and Australian Joint Operations chief David Johnston attend a closing ceremony for a joint military exercise aboard the USS Ronald Reagan in Brisbane, on July 25. Photo: EPA
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