The Asia-Pacific's Balancing Act: How Ties Have Shifted Amid US-China Rivalry

In the heated arena of US-China competition, Asia-Pacific nations are walking a fine line. They're using hedging strategies to keep their relationships balanced and secure. But how effective are these strategies? That's the question this study sets out to answer. The research introduces a new way to measure the success of these strategies, using data from the Global Database of Events, Language, and Tone. Over the past 24 years, it's been tracking how 19 countries in the Asia-Pacific have been influenced by the US and China. The findings? They've grouped into three camps: those getting cozier with China, those tightening bonds with the US, and those swinging between both. Interestingly, countries near China have only grown closer since the Belt and Road Initiative started. And the same can be said for US-leaning nations during Obama and Biden's presidencies. This study offers a dynamic view and provides timely advice for governments to tweak their foreign policies.