| Publication |
2012.
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| Summary/Abstract |
The Asia-Pacific remains a region of central importance for US foreign policy. In this vital region, core US geopolitical, security and economic interests intersect. US policy in the Asia-Pacific not only seeks to maintain and develop its security and economic relationships with long-standing allies and partners, but also to confront its most powerful rival and competitor, China. Offshore balancing has always been a very important, and mostly effective, way for the United States to protect its interests in different regions. Currently, the United States is building more comprehensive engagement in the Asia-Pacific in an attempt to balance against increasing Chinese power and influence in the region. The leading edge of this approach is a more comprehensive suite of diplomatic initiatives aiming to integrate defence, diplomacy and development. This is the framework for Obama's Smart Power strategy, which seeks to employ both the hard and soft power assets held by the United States, but in reality it is just another manifestation of offshore balancing strategy.
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