US Pivot and Stability in the Asia Pacific Region

The US rebalancing strategy in Asia Pacific confirms the importance of Asia Pacific region particularly for the US and her interest. A rapid economic development in Asia Pacific states coupled with security dynamics that potentially triggers instability in the region have become driving factors for the US involvement in the region. The US (re)-existence as well as her active engagement obviously gives rise to multiple responses and leads to negative perception. This article perceives that the US pivot in Asia Pacific including the strengthening of US influence in the region might provoke tension particularly with China. Nonetheless, a common and mutual interest in economic and security has forced both states to self-restrain and develop strategic partnership, which is essential to achieve their common goals together with other Asia Pacific states. To understand the US strategy and the impact of the strategy, this article analyzes the US official documents as well as other related states’ documents, and using the “post modern states” approach to explain the implication of US military strategy