The political context in the Asia-Pacific region is primarily manifested through alliances and poles, and these alliances and allied relationships determine the political structure of the region. Indeed, it can be argued that the competition between countries such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and New Zealand, which act together with Western actors under the United States of America (USA) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) framework, and countries such as China and North Korea, which aim to compete with the international order based on Western rules, has turned into a competition field.
In this context, General Ryan, Commander of the 25th Infantry Division of the US Army stationed in Hawaii, stating that the American forces and their allies in Asia are ready for war after years of joint combat exercises, and noting that Russia’s failure to achieve the desired results in Ukraine should serve as a warning to potential competitors such as China, is noteworthy. Ryan’s statement that allies of the US such as the Philippines, Japan, and Australia will act together and will not continue to tolerate countries in the region that have decided to change the world order is quite important.[1]
In this context, it can be stated that the US has formed a bloc in the Asia-Pacific region by establishing an alliance with states such as South Korea, Australia, and Japan, and has consolidated this bloc through opposition to China. However, it is clear that the key to the US and NATO’s ability to unite states in the region is to provide them with security guarantees.
Indeed, these statements can be read in this context. The USA believes that it cannot keep the states in the region together without providing security guarantees. In this regard, it is important for the USA to always say that it is on the side of these actors. It is also possible to argue that the mentioned discourse aims to deter China. However, it is also possible that these statements may result in these countries being provoked.
On the other hand, it can be said that the strongest alliance established in the region with US backing is the AUKUS Pact signed in partnership with the USA, UK, and Australia. Indeed, due to both its establishment and its impact since its establishment, this pact has a critical function both globally and regionally. This is because the said pact was announced by USA President Joe Biden on September 15, 2021. This announcement was made through a press conference at the White House.[2] The press conference was attended by the then UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the then Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.[3] The pact envisages Washington and London providing nuclear-powered submarines to Canberra.[4] Furthermore, it is believed that this pact serves both to encircle China and to increase the US military influence in the region.
After the opposition in Australia criticized the pact due to its cost, complexity, and potential sovereignty issues, it is noteworthy that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended [5] his country’s plan to purchase nuclear submarines worth 244 billion dollars in his speech on March 16, 2023. Indeed, due to Canberra’s participation in the AUKUS Pact, the influence of the US and NATO in the Asia-Pacific region will increase.
However, this situation has caused significant tension between Beijing and Canberra. One reason why Australia needs the support of the West is its foreign policy, which is based on opposition to China. But Beijing is also uncomfortable with the alliances in the region and believes that these alliances will limit its influence in the seas. Therefore, China is highly critical of the West’s presence in the region. As a result, it is evident that these developments increase regional tensions and make security equations more fragile.
As long as the tension between the US and China continues, it can be stated that the polarization process of the West in the region will accelerate and this will lead to fractures in the security equation in the Asia-Pacific.
[1] “US General to Aggressors: Allies Are Battle-Ready in Asia”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/politics-physical-fitness-philippines-china-fb9f434faea84d8f96a37717f1bb4a16, (Date of Accession: 14.04.2023).
[2] “Joint Leaders Statement on AUKUS”, The White House, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/09/15/joint-leaders-statement-on-aukus/, (Date of Accession: 14.04.2023).
[3] Aukus Partnership Will Complement and Not Sideline Quad, The Phonom Penh Post, https://www.phnompenhpost.com/opinion/aukus-partnership-will-complement-and-not-sideline-quad, (Date of Accession: 14.04.2023).
[4] “Aukus Deal: US, UK and Australia Agree on Nuclear Submarine Project”, British Broadcasting Company, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-64945819, (Date of Accession: 14.04.2023).
[5] “Australia PM Defends AUKUS Submarine Deal Against Critics”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-pm-defends-aukus-submarine-deal-against-critics-2023-03-16/, (Date of Accession: 14.04.2023).
