US may be a friend but China can't be an enemy

As tensions rise between Washington and Beijing over China's islands dispute with Japan, American strategists have been thinking about how to accommodate China while continuing to stand behind their ally, Japan.

Perhaps there is need to look at the situation also from an Asian perspective. Historically, in East and Southeast Asia-until the arrival of Westerners-there had been only one major power rising and ebbing: China. When it rises, it is best to accord it some respect in return for considerable economic advantages.

Over the centuries, a rich China invariably brought prosperity to all of East and Southeast Asia. Therefore, while Asian countries might value the US as a friend, none wants China as an enemy. There is a spot that is sweet for everyone. If the US moves closer to China and other Asian countries, all will benefit. If the US, in response to China's rise, moves too close to some in order to move against others, everyone will be caught in a lose-lose situation. Finding the limits of that sweet spot is part of statecraft and diplomacy.