One year into Indo-Pacific strategy, Washington has deepened alliances, angering China

WASHINGTON – February marked one year since the release of the

United States’ Indo-Pacific strategy,

broadly aimed at countering China – and what American officials are calling a “latticework” of alliances and partnerships is growing, and becoming more dense.

Experts say Beijing is not wrong to see the developments as containment – and worry that an emphasis on military deterrence may actually invite conflict – though senior US officials insist Washington’s strategy is affirmative and will enhance, not erode, stability.