U.S. Asian Alliance Aimed at China

Read this from Dan Blumenthal of AEI:

The United States and Japan are converging in their approaches to China. Multidimensional engagement will not end, but the two have joined to balance China’s military weight. This common China policy, however, may be insufficient. Should Beijing become more aggressive, America and Japan will need to become a strong counterweight to China. Should the Chinese government’s legitimacy begin to weaken, America and Japan need to be prepared for other security threats. To avoid either of these troubling outcomes, American and Japanese policies on China should focus more intently on the greatest strategic prize: a democratic China.

Fortunately, Washington and Tokyo have articulated a regional vision in the Bush-Koizumi joint statement that has the best hope of pushing China in the right direction. The statement says the two countries will promote individual freedoms; increase transparency and confidence in political, economic, and military fields; and protect human rights.[10]

A more ambitious vision--that of Shinzo Abe--would commit Tokyo, Washington, Canberra, and Delhi to building a political and security institution whose membership criteria are based on those values. Beijing would complain that such an arrangement is a containment vehicle, but it certainly need not be so--China might reform itself to meet the criteria. Reform-minded Chinese could equate democratization with patriotism, as membership in such an institution would confer countless benefits upon China. Moreover, there are many different forums in Asia through which countries can currently engage China. If, however, China proceeds down the troubling path of conflict, Japan, the United States, and other regional democracies will be better able to respond through a democratic security community. (Dan Blumenthal)

When political theorists begin to write like this you know there is talk among policy shakers and makers in government.

When President Bush signs the legislation to freely trade in nuclear reactors and technology with India, it will be the beginning of building an Asian and Pacific containment group aimed at China.

The next move will be the re-arming of Japan.

See also: America is betting on a New Ally in India.