The Changing Geopolitics of Asia: Issues for Congress

Abstract

The 115th Congress has the opportunity to shape the Executive Branch's approach to foreign and security policy, including toward Asia, where shifting geopolitics are posing new challenges for U.S. policy. China is expanding its presence in its near seas, including the East China Sea and the South China Sea, as well as in the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean. It is also increasing its economic footprint in Southeast Asia and seeking to build economic corridors to its west, across the Eurasian continent. U.S. ally Japan is expanding its own presence in South and Southeast Asia, including pursuing infrastructure projects to boost regional economic connectivity. India, a U.S. strategic partner, is implementing Look East and Act East policies focused on East and Southeast Asia, even as its intense rivalry with neighboring Pakistan, a close partner of China, continues. North Koreas nuclear and missile threats are, meanwhile, driving re-evaluations of interests and relationships across the region. The tools Congress may use to influence U.S. policy in Asia include hearings and investigations; the Senate confirmation process; the authorizing and appropriations processes; other legislative directives and restrictions; resolutions and policy statements; inspectors general; reporting requirements; program evaluation; and informal advice and pressure.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 12, 2017
Accession Number
AD1146554

Entities

People

  • Emma Chanlett-Avery
  • K. A. Kronstadt
  • Susan V. Lawrence

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Asia
  • Congress
  • Governments
  • Indian Ocean
  • Korea
  • National Security
  • North Korea
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Oceans
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Pakistan
  • Security
  • South Asia
  • South China Sea
  • Southeast Asia
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Asian Economic Studies
  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Public Financial Management and Budgeting