As U.S.-China tensions escalate, East Asian countries find themselves navigating a complex geopolitical landscape. China remains the primary foreign policy focus for the U.S., with economic and security strategies increasingly aimed at countering its influence. Nowhere is this impact felt more profoundly than in East Asia, where countries vary significantly in their responses. While many East Asian nations are economically intertwined with China, they also rely on the U.S. to counterbalance Beijing's growing influence. The U.S., in turn, has intensified its strategy by strengthening alliances with key partners, most notably Japan and South Korea.
This panel brings together leading experts on China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan to explore how the U.S.-China relationship is perceived across East Asia and how diverse populations are shaping their strategic responses. Yves Tiberghien will focus on competition and innovation in the East Asian order, discussing the diversity of strategies across countries and their drivers. Chao-Chi Lin will focus on how Taiwanese view China, how their perceptions shape national identity in Taiwan, and how these interactions influence the outcome of the 2024 presidential elections. Joo-Youn Jung will examine South Korean public perceptions of China within the context of U.S.-China tensions, analyzing how domestic political cleavages and China’s strategic choices have affected these perceptions. Kay Shimizu will discuss “altasia” trends in which global companies are creating alternative supply chains outside of the PRC to hedge against rising U.S.-China tensions.
Together, this panel will provide a nuanced understanding of how East Asian countries perceive and navigate the complex balance between two global powers competing for influence in a rapidly evolving regional landscape.