China's Rise: Implications for U.S. Leadership in Asia

This study argues that overt U.S. competition with China for influence in Asia is unwelcome, counterproductive for U.S. interests, and unwarranted given the limited challenge posed by Chinas rise. Contrary to prevailing commentaries, the study demonstrates that Chinas advance rests on a fairly narrow foundationgenerally adroit Chinese diplomacy and intra-Asian trade that is less significant than the reported figures would suggest. Predictions of an emerging order in Asia led by China reflect a poor understanding of the ambitions of Asian governments, the resilience of U.S. power and leadership, and the actual status of Chinas influence relative to that of the United States. This study considers each of these subjects to show that as Chinas influence in Asia increases, neighboring governments hedge and maneuver against possible Chinese dominance, with America having strong advantages in this situation.
          
          Published by East-West Center. Available exclusively from ISEAS for distribution in Asia.