The US’ absence at the recent East Asia Summit sent a powerful message to Southeast Asia, a region whose massive population, stellar economic growth, and strategic location would make it a crucial theater. The US may be able to recover, but it must act swiftly – and soon.

Latin America is in an unprecedented period of unrest, the after-effects of which may make the region more open to foreign direct investment from China – even if it means compromising democratic values in favor of economic recovery.

Since the Philippines has shifted its loyalty to Beijing, Vietnam has stepped up as Southeast Asia’s primary opposition to Chinese intervention in the disputed South China Sea. Whether or not Vietnam will apply legal pressure on China remains to be seen.

A joint early-warning system throws a curveball at the United States and the global military order.

As long as Chinese money continues flowing into Greece China’s influence will continue to expand, raising U.S. fears of a further deterioration in NATO’s southeastern flank.

A broad perspective and reference to history is required to properly understand and respond to the recent difficulties. There is reason to keep a positive attitude.

This doesn’t mean soft appeasement or concession. Outreach is conducive to the development of stable relations and serves China’s own long-term national interests.

He Yafei, a leading scholar of American studies in China, spoke with China-US Focus host James Chau in Hong Kong on Nov. 15. The following transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.

The ASEAN Summit this year delivered an inclusive and progressive road map for further cooperation. Six macro-level upgrades were presented.

The more China and the US are coupled, the more insecure they feel. Some sort of split seems inevitable.