US Opinion and Commentary

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Obama’s Triangulation in Vietnam

Posted May 20th, 2016 at 5:21 pm (UTC-5)
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Who would have thought that the United States would consider lifting an arms embargo on Vietnam after fighting a losing war there. And it’s under consideration because Vietnam is concerned about encroachment by a fellow communist country, China, which helped arm the victorious North Vietnamese against the U.S.
Monday’s visit by President Barack Obama marks the third such trip by an American president since diplomatic relations were re-established in 1995.
Weighing heavily on Obama against lifting the 41-year arms embargo is Vietnam’s human rights record. One prominent political prisoner was released Friday. But Vietnam is said to detain the most political prisoners in Southeast Asia. Media is repressed and public protest is subject to crackdown.
Vietnam and the U.S. have a common interest in reversing China’s provocative behavior in the South China Sea. Both countries have common interest in developing stronger trade and cultural ties. Where does human rights fit into the equation?

Great Power Confrontation in the South China Sea

Posted May 5th, 2016 at 4:08 pm (UTC-5)
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The US and Russia are not the only non-South China Sea states believing they have an interest in that contested body of water. India and, more recently, Japan have also made their presence felt, sending ships through what they consider to be a part of the global commons.

South China Sea: Bracing for Beijing’s Next Move

Posted April 28th, 2016 at 8:01 am (UTC-5)
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The United States should continue this trend by serving notice to the Chinese, privately at first, then publicly, that unless they can help in reducing tensions in the region…they will leave U.S. leaders with no choice but to reinforce their alliance capabilities. Then, the United States should do exactly that.

The U.S. Is Heading Toward a Dangerous Showdown with China

Posted March 17th, 2016 at 12:04 pm (UTC-5)
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What makes this dispute so explosive is that it pits an American president who needs to affirm his credibility as a strong leader against a risk-taking Chinese president who has shown disregard for U.S. military power and who faces potent political enemies at home.

China’s Self-Defeating Provocations in the South China Sea

Posted March 3rd, 2016 at 11:59 am (UTC-5)
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By its small-scale tactical military deployments on indefensible islands in the South China Sea, China is antagonizing all the other littoral countries, which are … turning to the United States and Japan … to increase military cooperation and to request additional security assistance

How to Oppose China’s Bid for Maritime Dominance

Posted February 26th, 2016 at 4:18 pm (UTC-5)
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In this deteriorating situation…a more consistent, robust set of American responses is essential….Deploy American Coast Guard cutters to the western Pacific…Expand cooperation with regional states…Impose explicit costs on Chinese aggressive behavior

China’s Missile Provocation

Posted February 18th, 2016 at 10:14 am (UTC-5)
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Beijing’s purpose is to box out rival claims from other countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia….China risks destabilizing the region by seeking to impose its will rather than reconciling the competing claims.