Outdated political mindset

US' actions in Asia belie the claim it is seeking to work with China to create a new model for major power relations

Speaking after the United States and China had concluded their sixth Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Beijing, Mike Rogers, chairman of the US House of Representatives' intelligence committee, accused China of "gluttonous, naked aggression" in pursuit of its territorial claims in the East and South China seas and said the US must respond more aggressively to them.

The influential Republic claimed China's actions were "death by a thousand cuts" and said the "brewing clouds of conflict" were "as serious as it gets" at a conference hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

He said he expected to see a serious escalation of the US' ability to expand cooperation with its allies and partners in Asia, and said the US needs to empower its friends and allies in the region to be "more direct and more aggressive".

The US needs to "push back to change the outcome", he claimed.

What a load of hogwash.

But such hogwash is typical of the US' political mindset, which refuses to accommodate the rise of China and adjust to the changing dynamics in Asia and instead remains stuck in the thinking of the Cold War.

Although they can't seem to agree on anything else, this is one issue the Republicans and Democrats do come together on, and, between them, they are doing an excellent job of selling the idea that with its newfound strength, China has become a bully constantly threatening the other kids in the regional playground, and that it is only because the US is there to keep a watchful eye over them and promises to rush to their aid should they need it, that the other kids haven't been handing over everything they have in their pockets.

In fact, it is because the US has strengthened its forward deployment of military power and reaffirmed its alliance commitments to Japan, South Korean and the Philippines, that the region is so unstable.