The Geopolitical Foundations of US-China Competition in the Asia-Pacific

China's rapid economic growth is attributed to an efficient national strategy, resulting in an average doubling of its GDP every eight years. Currently, China is the largest trading partner of the United States, being the largest source of imports and the third-largest US export market. China's rise over the past two decades has significantly impacted global politics. The increasing tension between the United States and China is reminiscent of the rivalry between the United States and the former Soviet Union during the Cold War. This tension is due to geopolitical and ideological competition between the two countries. Given the significance of the Asia-Pacific region in geopolitical trends, this article aims to examine the geopolitical underpinnings of the competition between the United States and China in the region using descriptive and analytical methods and available resources. The findings indicate that the United States and its allies are attempting to constrain and challenge China as a major power with influence over regional and global processes on the maritime geostrategic front. China is employing various geopolitical strategies to challenge the US and its Western allies and break the chain of US allies surrounding it. This is in an effort to expand its influence beyond its borders.

Introduction

In today's world, there are five influential and strategic players on a global scale. These players and their allies are aligned on two geostrategic fronts. The two geostrategic realms mentioned above have, in a historical and continuous process, had space and spatial values at the centre of their competition and interaction. The Asia-Pacific region is a major arena of interest and contestation, whereby varying geopolitical interests, mutual apprehensions and distinct relations of actors have resulted in instances of support and violence. The key area of tension between the two realms is the eastern geostrategic fault line, which has become more objective in line with the Pacific Ocean and the East Asian region. The actions of both powers have created a competitive landscape with geopolitical implications, resulting in conflict and crises. This article examines the geopolitical underpinnings of the China-US competition in the Asia Pacific region.
2.Theoretical Framework
 In the context of international competition, the concept of geopolitics and international relations is often discussed. Geopolitics is concerned with the struggle to control spaces and places, with a focus on the power and ability to achieve specific goals despite opposing and changing factors. The pursuit of power and competition for superiority over competitors has been a central theme in dynamic geopolitical debates and actions. This paper is framed within the theory of geopolitical competition.

Methodology

The article will adopt a descriptive-analytical approach to examine its practical implications and research methodology. The collection of information for this research will be based on resources available in the library, such as books, articles, periodicals, and online databases. Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation will be maintained throughout to guarantee grammatical correctness. The authors will employ deduction and inference methods to answer the central research question. Biased phrases, emotional language, and ornamental expressions will be avoided to ensure the language is clear, objective, and value-neutral. The language will remain formal, free of contractions or informal expressions. After establishing the theoretical framework, this paper will describe the geopolitical values of the Asia-Pacific region. The analysis will be presented from the perspectives of both the United States and China, followed by a detailed explanation of the focal points of their geopolitical competition.

Results & Discussion

The South China Sea, neighbouring countries of China, and the International Water straits that govern the critical passageways crucial to China's global economy are the key factors in this competition. The US has attempted to limit China's field of influence and challenge their One-Belt-One-Road strategy by proposing the b3w treaty, offering financial aid and investment to develop the economic infrastructure of developing countries, whilst forming military alliances like Aukus. This comes at a cost of £40 billion. However, there is currently a vast competition between previous governments, bringing them together in various arenas. It appears that the outcome of this competition between two global superpowers may have an impact on the future geopolitical order of the international system.

Conclusions & Suggestion

The United States and China, two of the most influential global powers, are engaged in competition and conflict due to various factors that reflect their power at different levels. As a result, the United States has prioritised the Asia-Pacific region as its primary foreign policy objective since the Obama administration. The United States and its allies are attempting to place restrictions on China as a powerful force in regional and global affairs. China, who feels itself surrounded by US allies, is seeking to dismantle the chain of US allies encircling it by implementing various geopolitical tactics and confronting the US as well as its western counterparts in different parts of the globe. United States and China, two of the most influential global powers, are engaged in competition and conflict due to various factors that reflect their power at different levels. As a result, the United States has prioritised the Asia-Pacific region as its primary foreign policy objective since the Obama administration. The United States and its allies are attempting to place restrictions on China as a powerful force in regional and global affairs. China, who feels itself surrounded by US allies, is seeking to dismantle the chain of US allies encircling it by implementing various geopolitical tactics and confronting the US as well as its western counterparts in different parts of the globe.
 
 
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