Asiana21

OBAMA’S ASIA VISIT

The Korea Times, November 10, 2009

U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Asia has drawn much attention as it comes at a time when the region is going through rapid transformation with China's expanding influence and a brewing change in the Japan-U.S. alliance. Now, the world is witnessing power shifting from the West, including the United States, to Asia which is one of the most dynamic spots around the world. In other words, a new world order is taking shape in the region. Thus, it is necessary for the U.S to hammer out a new Asia strategy to better cope with mounting challenges arising from the changing situations.

In this regard, Obama's trip to four Asian countries ― Japan, Singapore, China and South Korea ― from Nov. 13 to 19 is expected to become a key test for his foreign policy toward Asia. At stake is whether Obama will present his new diplomatic roadmap on how to strengthen U.S. partnership with the Asian countries without damaging its traditionally dominant sway in the region.

Of course, his journey should be far more than photo opportunities and rhetorical excess so that he can make substantial progress in forming a new relationship with its Asian partners. Most of all, Obama and his policymakers are required to face up to a new reality in which China is jockeying for the world's No. 2 position while the U.S., the world's sole superpower, is waning, especially in the aftermath of the global financial and economic crisis.

(...) [artículo aquí]