Publication

Using official Chinese commentary and media coverage on US activity in Asia from November 2011 to January 2013, this paper examines China's perspective on the US pivot to Asia. It specifically looks at China's view of US involvement in the South China Sea disputes and of the US–Japan alliance in the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands dispute. The authors argue that understanding the nuances of China’s perspective is important as it allows the US to examine the accuracy of Western perceptions of China’s ‘stance’ and gives greater insight into the narratives and strategic culture of the Chinese Communist Party.