As the United States concentrates its military and diplomatic resources on the Iran war, China is intensifying its military pressure in Asia. Concerns are growing among U.S. allies about whether the U.S. can effectively counter China and protect its partners in times of crisis.
The New York Times reported on August 15 that the Iran war is depleting U.S. military strength, leading to a growing skepticism among Asian nations regarding America's commitment to defense as the Trump administration seeks to improve relations with China.
Recent clashes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea exemplify these tensions. On July 20, a Chinese coast guard officer injured a Philippine Navy sailor with a baton at the Second Thomas Shoal. Three days later, Chinese coast guard forces fired water cannons at a Philippine vessel near Scarborough Shoal.
China continues to showcase its military capabilities, having tested a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) capable of carrying nuclear warheads in the Pacific on July 6.
In contrast, the U.S. is facing increased pressure on its key weapon stockpiles due to the prolonged Iran war. The U.S. has extensively used air defense missiles, such as the Patriot system, to counter Iranian missile and drone attacks, leading to a rapid depletion of long-range precision strike capabilities.
Trump's administration is also contributing to ally unease with its Asia policy. The U.S. is moving to close some consulates, including those in Nagoya, Japan, and Medan, Indonesia, while urging allies to increase their defense spending and take on greater security roles.
Trump's efforts to improve relations with China add to the uncertainty. After a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in May, he referred to the U.S. and China as 'G2,' suggesting that China is a peer competitor to the U.S.
The New York Times noted that these changes are prompting some Asian countries to seek friendly relations with China rather than relying solely on the U.S. for security, especially since China is the largest trading partner for many regional nations, while the U.S. has not provided a clear economic alternative.
Mira Rapp-Hooper, a fellow at the Brookings Institution who previously worked on East Asia policy at the National Security Council, explained that Southeast Asian nations do not want to be caught in a U.S.-China conflict but also recognize the need for U.S. involvement to counterbalance China.
She pointed out that the perception of the U.S. losing credibility as a counterweight to China is deepening concerns among Asian partner nations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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