Why the US is interested in the Indo-Pacific region.

(Baonghean.vn) - During his 13-day trip to Asia, US President Donald Trump reaffirmed the country's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. DW News outlined four reasons why the US is interested in this region.

President Trump emphasized the "America First" policy, a slogan deeply rooted in the American leader's identity. However, he also highlighted Washington's long-standing commitment to the region he called the "Indo-Pacific."

The flags of the United States and China. Photo: Getty

1. Expanding regional trade

Japan is the third largest trading partner of the United States. Photo: AFP

For American businesses to successfully trade goods or services, they place great importance on accessing natural resources, businesses, and billions of customers and workers in the Indo-Pacific region.

China, Japan, and India—the world's second, third, and seventh-largest economies, respectively—are all key trading partners of the United States.

Trade relations between the United States and China and India have increased significantly over the past 10 years. U.S. exports to these two countries doubled between 2006 and 2016. During the same period, imports from China increased by over 60%, while imports from India increased by over 100%.

Despite his "America First" pronouncements, President Trump appears unwilling to abandon all measures to strengthen trade relations. Speaking in Vietnam on November 10th, Trump affirmed his desire to sign bilateral agreements with these countries, which will "adhere to the principles of fair and reciprocal trade."

2. China's increasing economic influence

Under the Obama administration, Washington began a collective effort to counter China's growing influence in regional trade. (Photo: Reuters)

Beijing is a formidable rival to the United States, emerging as the most important trading partner for many countries in the region. Some U.S. officials believe that China could leverage its influence to dictate trade rules in partner countries, thereby benefiting Chinese businesses while creating difficulties for American businesses.

Back in 2015, President Obama predicted this fear: “Right now, China wants to write the rules for trade in Asia… We can’t let this happen. We need to write the rules.”

This very ambition led the US to support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, which began in 2011. This was seen as a crucial agreement to ensure US access to Asian markets and establish regional trade rules.

However, Trump withdrew from the TPP last January, shortly after taking office as US President. While Washington's withdrawal cannot eliminate the TPP, it could pave the way for China to become the rule-maker in the region.

Beijing negotiated a free trade agreement involving 10 countries, known as the "Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)," without the United States.

3. China and the South China Sea

China's territorial claims have angered many neighboring countries, including US allies. Photo: CSIS

However, America's concerns about China are not just about money; they also concern its behavior in the neighboring region, which many US officials view as a security challenge.

In recent years, Beijing has ignored the territorial claims of its neighbors in the South China Sea and built artificial islands, and established no-fly zones across the region.

Despite objections from the previous Obama administration, the Chinese military continues to defend its territorial claims, threatening foreign naval vessels and aircraft that approach too closely. If these threats trigger conflict, the U.S. would be drawn in as an ally of China's neighbors.

4. Nuclear weapons

The United States has always opposed nuclear proliferation. The Indo-Pacific region is home to four nuclear-armed nations: China, India, Pakistan, and North Korea, and Washington only accepts one nation as possessing them, and that is China.

The US, under the international nuclear weapons treaty known as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), granted Beijing the opportunity to develop and possess them. However, the NPT did not grant this right to the other three countries.

Beyond legal issues, there are other practical reasons why the international community is concerned if India, Pakistan, and North Korea were to possess nuclear weapons.

Many observers say India and Pakistan could use weapons to attack each other. Both countries have been in war three times, and both have threatened to use their nuclear arsenals if another conflict erupts. Pakistan also poses a challenge due to the risk from Islamist terrorist groups operating within the country, who could potentially access the nation's nuclear weapons stockpiles.

Recently, the US has focused on addressing North Korea's nuclear program. This isolated nation appears to possess the capability to strike not only US allies Japan and South Korea, but also the American mainland. In response, President Trump warned North Korean leader Kim Jong-un that he would face "unprecedented fury" if he did not end his missile and nuclear programs.

Lan Ha

(According to DW)