Trump’s unpredictability and China’s bullying force a reaction in Asia

Excerpt

For decades, stability in the Indo-Pacific rested on a simple assumption: If the regional balance came under serious strain, the United States would lead the response. Choices in Beijing and Washington are now testing that premise, prompting governments across Asia to assume more responsibility for their countries’ security before Chinese pressure forces their hand.

The evidence is increasingly difficult to miss. Japan has launched its largest postwar defense buildup, finalizing military-access agreements with Australia and the Philippines. India, traditionally reluctant to align with any great power, is expanding military exercises and arms exports to regional partners. Taiwan has committed billions to harden its military, civil defense and critical infrastructure against Chinese blockade or invasion. Even Southeast Asian governments with differing views of Beijing are expanding joint maritime patrols to counter incursions and defend their sovereignty.

Craig Singleton, a former U.S. diplomat, is the senior director of the China Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.