Opinion National Interest PoV 50-Word Edit

ThePrint On Camera Videos In Pictures

Society & Culture Around Town Book Excerpts Vigyapanti The Dating Story

More Judiciary Education YourTurn Work With Us Campus Voice

Opinion National Interest PoV 50-Word Edit

ThePrint On Camera Videos In Pictures

Society & Culture Around Town Book Excerpts Vigyapanti The Dating Story

More Judiciary Education YourTurn Work With Us Campus Voice

How does China see US’ Indo-Pacific name change?

Last week, during the G7 summit, the US Department of War announced that the United States Indo-Pacific Command has reverted back to its former name—US Pacific Command.

Indo-Pacific is in the headlines again and US partners and allies in the region are worried. Last week, during the G7 summit, the US Department of War announced that the United States Indo-Pacific Command has reverted to its former name—US Pacific Command. The move immediately raised questions about both its timing and its purpose. On the Chinese internet, many deliberated upon what strategic shift in US policy this change might signal.

One view is that restoring the name shows a high degree of inconsistency and uncertainty in Washington’s regional strategy, oscillating between expansive Indo-Pacific ambitions and a more narrowly defined Pacific focus.

Why bring back the old name?

One commentator suggested this name change is not merely cosmetic and offers three rationales.

First, it is seen as an effort to reconnect with institutional roots and strengthen military identity, as was also noted in the announcement. Second, the commentator argues America First priorities and the idea that the removal of “Indo” signals a sustained strategic focus toward the Western Pacific. In this view, this shift also includes continued emphasis on burden-sharing with allies. The third factor points to evolving regional alignments under Trump 2.0. Within China, this is also linked to India’s strategic role, deteriorating US-India ties, and, in turn, weakening coherence in the Indo-Pacific........

© ThePrint