Strategic Balance in the Asia-Pacific Region

The authors analyze events in the Asia-Pacific region since the end of the Cold War and then draw three conclusions about the strategic balance of "one superpower,multiple major powers" in this region.First,compared with a stable superpower,the U.S.,current multiple powers—China,Japan,Russia,ASEAN,India and Australia — are more dynamic.Second,two kinds of forces maintain order—a combination of national strength and non-national strength.On one hand,there are four different models which could ensure Asia-Pacific order in the future:the U.S.model of hegemony,China’s model of a harmonious Asia-Pacific region,ASEAN’s model of regional cooperation,and the model of non-states actors.On the other hand,four different structures—security,production,finance and knowledge—are closely linked in this area.Third,globalization of the market economy brings dynamic and diverse development.The authors believe that China’s "Harmonious Asia-Pacific" model is the best choice for the Asia-Pacific strategic pattern of "One superpower,multiple major powers."