China’s Delusions of Regional Hegemony

Rivalries in Asia could prevent the continent’s rise. Governments are nervous that cooperation with a rival extends too much control. Concern runs high about China’s power, and many “wonder if President Xi Jinping’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ infrastructure plan is driven more by China’s strategic ambitions than commercial logic,” writes journalist Philip Bowring for the Financial Times. Asians may look at China’s quasi-allies and determine they do not want to be like Pakistan or North Korea. The leaders of major economies Japan and South Korea are wary of China’s intentions. Bowring points out how Vietnam, India, Indonesia and the Philippines – “once either enemies of America or neutral” – try to balance ties with the United States to counter what they fear are China’s expansionist intentions, particularly in the South China Sea. A downturn in China’s stock markets spreading volatility may prompt many in Asia to pause and reassess ties and reforms. – YaleGlobal .