The decision by the United States to deploy 2,500 marines in Australia represents an important symbolic shift in strategy for the region. Even though the deployment is not large, it will help calm the nerves of several nations in the region that are looking for the US to play a greater role in the region to counter an increasingly aggressive China. The criticism that the shift in US policy will lead to China increasing its naval presence is not persuasive given that China has already for several years now been staking out its territorial claims in disputed waters.

President Obama announced that 2,500 marines would rotate regularly through a base in Australia during a visit last week as part of an overall ‘pivot’ of US foreign policy directed toward Asia. China publicly and officially expressed concern about how the move could increase tension in the region. Other countries within the region such as the Philippines publicly expressed support, while others stated only a desire for stability. Privately, however, it is well-known that most countries welcome an increased US presence in the region as a counterbalance to an increasingly belligerent and aggressive China.

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