Regional strategic stability depends upon sincere outreach to the DPRK by major powers. Think tanks from China, the U.S. and the ROK have already reached many useful common understandings. They should explore a road map for denuclearization and a peace mechanism and invited the DPRK to participate.

Their positions vary in some details, but the overall thrust is consistent: ASEAN wants peace and prosperity and supports the “one-China” principle. Members have been cautious not to choose sides in a major power rivalry because they see value in both.

Its biggest troubles come from Western sources, which have levied sanctions and provided military aid to Ukraine. While Russia has lost the ability to manipulate international politics, an alignment with China could add new variables.

South Korea has become a dynamic economic force in the 21st century - and as a neighbor of China that hosts multiple U.S. army bases, has grown increasingly important as a potential player in the Quad’s designs for a security encirclement of China.

President Joe Biden’s trip didn’t measure up to expectations. That’s because America’s hegemony in the region is not what it used to be. If the Biden administration had recognized this early, U.S. diplomacy would have been more rewarding.

Locked in a mindset of great power competition, the U.S. president has been trying to find a new balance. Decades of military involvement in the region not only cost the U.S. dearly but also provoked a sort of psychological fatigue.

U.S. President Joe Biden’s recent trip to the Middle East was disappointing at best against the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine. The Biden administration’s attempt to promote allegiance against Russia and promote oil production has ultimately fallen flat.

When President Lyndon B. Johnson sent two battalions of U.S. Marines ashore the beaches at Danang in Vietnam on March 8, 1965, he probably had never imagined that America’s subsequent gradual military escalation would reach the height of over half a million troops, suffering more than 58,000 casualties, and eventually resulting in a totally disgraceful withdrawal after 8 years of brutal but futile fighting to shore up the Saigon regime

The U.S. and South Korea continue to look for ways to address the challenges with North Korea, while hoping for the involvement of China. Yet, China is unlikely to get involved unless its interests are also met in the process.

The abusive use of alliances in the region will only hurt. Judging from history and current reality, peace will not flower with a China of 1.4 billion people trapped in stagnation, nor will it help to foster hostile interactions with its neighbors.