A Major Geo-Political Realignment Is Now Occurring In Asia

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s new helicopter destroyer DDH183 Izumo is seen before its launching ceremony in Yokohama, south of Tokyo August 6, 2013. REUTERS/Toru Hanai

Peter Apps, Reuters: As U.S. influence in Asia falters, allies increasingly look to themselves

Three years after the Obama administration announced its “pivot to Asia,” American allies in the region are looking somewhat unconvinced.

While no one disputes that managing China and its multiple neighborhood conflicts remains on Washington’s radar, this effort is often overshadowed by other priorities. In particular, the Middle East and confrontation with Russia — both historic preoccupations that had been expected to subside — keep on emerging at the top of the agenda.

The result is relatively simple. Those countries in Asia most worried by China — Japan, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Australia and others — are increasingly banding together. They worry they may need to be capable of taking matters into their own hands regardless of what the United States might do.

WNU Editor: Just as there is now a new realignment occurring in the Middle East as a result of the Iran nuclear deal, new realignments are now occurring in Asia with the rise of China and the decline of the U.S. .... specifically with those nations that are on the front line with China