https://www.ft.com/content/f2f67214-64a1-40a4-92b9-63a343cf7f97
The Biden administration has announced it will invest $150 million in south-east Asian countries in an effort to boost economic power in a region with economic powerhouse, China. Biden promised the asian leaders with up to 102 million in investments for countries in the region. An ally of the US, Japan, Responded to the investments with criticism. Japan claims the US hasnt done enough for the South East Asian region. Given Japan has more trade relationships with China than the US it makes sense an ally would make a comment like this.
Since taking office, the Biden administration has been working to fix alliances all over the world to demonstrate a sense of unity. This is important, especially in current times, because it demonstrates the need for international relations in our current world. Although these moves might be in response to Chinas rising leadership, the lasting impacts it will leave on the countries involved are looking to be of great importance. The rebuilding of past relationships, the making of new alliances will allow the US to thrive in economic opprtunities in the South East Asian region as well as create new opportunities for all countries involved.
This articles is the definition of International Relations. Working to fix relations with countries in a region that borders China can be seen as aggressive to the eyes of the Chinese. We can see how quickly this can escalate with the current conflict in Ukraine. Putin made it known he doesnt want NATO around Russian land and showed his seriousness when he raged the war onto Ukraine. China doesnt want any US involvement ( or even persuasion ) anywhere near its country. Due to the heavy trade reliance, China knows the sanctions the US are able to impose are deadly for the countries economy. This may be a reason China hasnt responded.