Return to Asia-Pacific region for cooperation

How well the United States can succeed in accomplishing its "return to Asia-Pacific region" strategy depends on how well it promotes cooperation in the region instead of creating conflicts, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

The US has already made local countries feel uncomfortable because they seem to have no choice but to stand with the US or China. The aggressive strategy of the US is not good for the stability and development of the Asia-Pacific region.

As the most robust engine in the world economy, all countries in this region are looking forward to development and prosperity based on peaceful co-existence. The US should have a deeper understanding of it and a more-active role to play as the largest trading partner with the region.

If the US could work peacefully and deepen cooperation with the region, its strategy would be warmly welcomed. Yet it means the US should invest more in the region, not only for itself, but also for the benefit of local countries.

The US' strategy is actually dominated by military deployment and expansion, which certainly makes local countries uneasy. It is a typical outdated Cold War-style philosophy, emphasizing dominance in the air and sea.

The US has too many goals in its Asia-Pacific strategy, and these goals are contradictory. The US wants to contain China and enjoy a larger share of this region's prosperity together with China.

That's why not only affected countries feel uncomfortable, but also the strategy-makers feel it is very hard to implement it without adjustments. The real effects of this strategy have been overshadowed by the fanfare and troubles they have caused so far.

The US adjusts the strategy according to practical conditions and claims it will better promote regional cooperation. All countries in the region are waiting to see its concrete actions.

Past experience indicates the US and China can have a win-win cooperation, rather than a zero-sum game. China and the US have many common interests. And the vast Pacific Ocean has enough room to accommodate the two countries.

The strategists in the US should heed this lesson before making any Asia-Pacific strategy.

Translated by Li Yang