Questioning US Commitment to Asia
Michael Auslin, The Wall Street Journal | February 10, 2012
US military budget cuts will hinder Obama’s new strategic focus on Asia. ++ American allies worry that a ‘leaner’ military will weaken US resolve in the region at the exact same time China is growing more assertive. ++ They also fear that US focus on Asia might not outlast the Obama presidency. ++ Countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia have improved their military capabilities, but their abilities are still limited. ++ Obama’s strategic shift is the correct move, but American allies in the region must share more of the burden.
