Summits are all about symbolism and optics and on that score U.S. President Barack Obama's swing through Asia was a qualified success. Another few nails were hammered into the coffin of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) with officials now edging toward a face saving TPP-Lite, but Americans paid little attention, mostly envying Tokyo's outstanding sushi. Asia basked in the attention after 18 long months since his last visit, a period when the downside of a Pax Sinica grew more apparent. Indeed, Obama Tour 2014 underscored the growing importance of China in the region and shared anxieties about its rise.
On the eve of his trip Obama made clear where the United States stands: "Our engagement with China does not and will not come at the expense of Japan." The U.S. State Department also issued a clear warning to China not to underestimate U.S. determination to defend Japan's administrative control over the Senkaku Islands despite Washington's ineffectual response to Russia's land-grab in Crimea. Lest anyone get the wrong impression, Obama also maintained the U.S. is not pursuing a containment policy toward China. Right, good luck on that spin.
Clearly, World War II casts a very long shadow into the 21st century while Cold War divisions and antagonisms linger. In Tokyo, Obama stood next to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe while affirming that, "Our treaty commitment to Japan's security is absolute, and Article 5 covers all territories under Japan's administration, including the Senkaku Islands."