Global Impact: Asian nations take up defensive positions as Blinken’s Beijing visit falls short of cooling US-China tensions

With the rivalry between the United States and China showing no signs of abating, countries in Asia have taken steps to strengthen their defence and strategic security, or prevent tensions from spiralling.

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US-China conflict ‘unimaginable’ says Beijing’s top diplomat Wang Yi

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US, Japan hail upgraded ties, unveil raft of bilateral deals following Biden-Kishida summit

Are US-China relations destined to end up as a ‘new cold war’?

Antony Blinken is the latest senior US official to visit China, but some analysts believe Washington needs to set out a clear vision for future relations

Although both sides may wish to avoid outright conflict, there are profound differences and a lack of trust that will be very difficult to overcome

With some describing the situation as a “new cold war”, there are growing calls within Washington for the US to formulate a clearer policy on how it wishes to engage with China.

US-led alliance adds to Beijing’s challenges in East and South China Seas

Beijing’s latest confrontations with Tokyo and Manila over contested islands come as they strengthen maritime coalition with Washington

Analyst says tensions in Taiwan Strait, East China Sea and South China Sea are linked as US tries to rally its partners in Indo-Pacific

In just three days, China has been locked in maritime confrontations with two of its neighbours.

In the South China Sea, tensions have flared again between China and the Philippines over contested reefs, while in the East China Sea, Beijing’s dispute with Tokyo over a set of islands resurfaced with a visit by a group of Japanese lawmakers.

Aukus not an ‘Asian Nato’ but expansion could complicate China’s regional plans

Buildout of Indo-Pacific cooperation pact could leave China more