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Opinion | Why playing by the rules is the pathway to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region

  • Brahman Chellaney writes that progress on building a rules-based Indo-Pacific order is linked to addressing the regional imperative for strategic balance
  • Without a clear plan, the South China Sea will remain a missing link in Washington’s larger strategy for the region

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Barack Obama, US President Donald Trump’s predecessor, unveiled his “pivot” to Asia in 2011. Photo: AP

Economically and strategically, the global centre of gravity is shifting to the Indo-Pacific region. Security dynamics and power relationships are changing rapidly in this region.

Two recent summits underscore the changing dynamics – between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Beijing, and between Abe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Japan.

Japan and India have reason to try to improve strained ties with China. But as Beijing has come under greater US pressure on trade, technology and other fronts, it has sought to ease tensions with its geopolitical rivals, Japan and India.

Indeed, in response to the mounting American pressure, Xi this month emphasised his personal relationship with US President Donald Trump and called for “a plan that both can accept”.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe both have reason to try and improve ties with China. Photo: Kyodo
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe both have reason to try and improve ties with China. Photo: Kyodo

This underscores how active American pressure, as opposed to mere admonitions, can result in improving China’s behaviour.

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