By: The Asia-Pacific Strategy Working Group |
In late 2011, the President announced his “deliberate and strategic decision†that “as a Pacific nation, the United States will play a larger and long-term role in shaping this region and its future, by upholding core principles and in close partnership with our allies and friends.†Obstacles to America’s “rebalance†toward the Asia-Pacific will include Chinese opposition to U.S. leadership in the region, as well as concerns among our allies about Washington’s commitment to the effort. There is also concern throughout Asia that America’s fiscal crisis and likely defense cuts, as well as the ongoing crises in the Middle East and North Africa, will forestall U.S. efforts to play a greater role in the region.
P2049_AsiaStrategyWG_AsiaStrategyMemo_06042013