Drastic changes may occur in the geopolitical map of the Pacific region. U.S. President Barack Obama stated in September in connection with the Syrian crisis that the United States should not become the world's policeman. But there is no denying that the Asia-Pacific region has two policemen — the U.S. and China.
Japan, South Korea and the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have varying degrees and types of relations with both the U.S. and China. They have close ties with the U.S. on matters related to security and with China on the economic front. Moreover, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia have territorial disputes with China. What would happen under these circumstances if Washington's leadership wanes?
Obama's absence was conspicuous at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Bali, Indonesia, on Oct. 7-8 and at the ensuing ASEAN top level talks in Brunei on Oct. 9-10. In contrast, President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang of China behaved as they liked.