By Elizabeth C. Economy
After a period of distraction, the U.S. reaffirms by word and deed its interest in Asia.
Let’s face it. Since the departures of National Security Advisor Donilon and Secretary of State Clinton, anyone interested in Asia—whether in the United States or in the region—has been fretting. The new team seemed disinterested at best, inexpert at worst. Yet over the past few weeks, administration officials have unleashed a barrage of Asia-related speeches, commentaries, and initiatives that should reassure all concerned that the region will remain a centerpiece of the new foreign policy team’s agenda.
First there was the requisite Asia-related foreign policy address. On November 20, National Security Adviser Rice delivered a speech on U.S. intentions in the region. There was nothing path-breaking in the speech, but there didn’t need to be. She made it clear that the United States would hold firm on the essentials of the rebalance, pursuing an “open and transparent economic environment,” a “stable security environment in Asia,” and “a liberal political environment that respects the universal rights and freedoms of all.”
Within the past few days, the administration has also demonstrated a capacity to respond quickly to the mini-crises that are prone to arise in the region. When China announced the establishment of a new East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) that incorporates areas already claimed by South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, Secretaries Kerry and Hagel immediately rejected the Chinese claims and called on China to exercise greater restraint. The rhetorical commitment was followed by a long-planned overflight by two American B-52s within the proclaimed Chinese ADIZ, without notifying Beijing.
Read the full story at The Diplomat