While America Sinks in the Middle East: How Asia Arms Itself and Turns Its Back on Washington

An opinion piece in the New York Times by Jennifer Kavanagh describes how Asian countries, in response to China's rise and uncertainty over U.S. commitment under Trump, are accelerating an arms race and forming independent security alliances. Japan, Australia, the Philippines, and India are deepening cooperation, while South Korea considers independent nuclear weapons.

An opinion piece by Jennifer Kavanagh in the New York Times describes a historic shift in Asia: while the U.S. is mired in other conflicts, Far Eastern countries are arming themselves and building a new security architecture less dependent on Washington. China has increased pressure in the region—expanding naval patrols east of Taiwan, intensifying pressure on Japan, and conducting a submarine-launched ballistic missile test. In response, Japan has strengthened ties with Australia, the Philippines, and India, lifted restrictions on arms exports, and is holding talks with South Korea. Australia has signed agreements with Pacific island nations. Trump's return to the White House and his demand that allies bear the defense burden are accelerating the formation of local alliances. The war against Iran revealed the limits of American power. The fear of abandonment fuels an arms race: Japan deploys long-range missiles, Australia invests in nuclear submarines, and South Korea debates developing independent nuclear weapons. However, the column sees this as an opportunity for long-term regional stability.