with the US is being adopted by several countries in the region.
It’s also worth noting that the concept of an alliance today is not what it was during the Cold War, when two rigid antagonists faced off. Today, some of America’s closest allies also enjoy China as their main trading partner. It remains to be seen what effect China’s growing economic power will have on the long-term choices of Southeast Asian nations. Indonesia will continue to avoid any overt alliances, while cooperating with the US and Australia on multiple security issues. A rising and prosperous China will be handled with respect and above all pragmatism. China may turn out to be the rich neighbor everybody must deal with, but the US and Australia could be the ones we like to invite over for a beer.
“Australia Plays Balancing Act with US over China is republished with permission of Stratfor.”
