By Harry Kazianis
Around the world China is increasingly seen as the bully while the U.S. seems more and more irresolute.
What is a rising power to do? Let’s face it—anything Beijing does these days that seems aggressive in any way, shape, or form is big news. It will be discussed, overanalyzed and hyped over and over again thanks to the nature of social media, the size and scope of the global media, and the blogosphere’s repetitive nature. From naval exercises in the Indian Ocean, to aggressive actions and territorial claims all over Asia, to frightening comments from various politicians and military leaders, a certain caricature of China is taking shape that will not be easy to change—that of a 21st century hegemonic schoolyard bully. There is certainly room for debate whether this is deserved or not—and I have my own opinions on the subject—however, perception is becoming reality for China.
Washington also seems to be suffering from a bit of a perception challenge. Defender of a peaceful and prosperous Asia-Pacific region since the end of the World War II, many now see the U.S. as merely reacting to events as opposed to providing global leadership. Will America defend the status-quo it spent so much blood and treasure shaping in the face of China slowly and steadily working to undermine it? Whether we want to call it retrenchment, isolationism, or war-weariness, many an op-ed page are littered with calls for America to define its interests in Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Read the full story at The Diplomat