US think tank's military plan alarms allies in Asia
Analysts warn that a US withdrawal from the western Pacific, recently suggested by a US think tank, would weaken deterrence and strengthen China's position.
A US foreign policy think tank's military strategy plan has alarmed allies in Asia. The report, authored by Jennifer Kavanagh, advocates for a significant US military withdrawal from the western Pacific. Kavanagh proposes ending defense commitments with South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, instead focusing on the second island chain, which runs from eastern Japan to Papua New Guinea.
This move would make US positions easier to defend and reduce the risk of war with China. However, such a withdrawal would be particularly impactful for Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province that may eventually be absorbed into China. Kavanagh warns that an armed clash with China would be extremely costly for the US.
The think tank's suggestions align with US President Donald Trump's isolationist policies and have raised concerns in the region. Many analysts argue that a withdrawal would encourage China to seize Taiwan and increase demands on South Korea, potentially triggering a region-wide spike in defense spending and disrupting nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
Critics argue that the plan is unrealistic and inconsistent with decades of collective international security practices.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
