The fears are not baseless. For a century, Afghanistan has had deep connections with various transnational jihadist forces. One noted scholar calculates that some 100,000 extremists have connected with Pakistan alone and formed a vast international network.

How things turn out will be a reflection of the success or failure of the U.S. Eurasian strategy. America aims to benefit geopolitically from continued turmoil in Afghanistan, but a common commitment to regional stability and peace by China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran can counter it.

The United States is seeking to put an end to its sprawling invasion of Afghanistan, leaving behind calamitous regional instability at the crossroads of Asia. China’s rising stature in Asia and its expanding interests have them poised to take the reins of global conflict in the country.

Kurt Campbell, coordinator for the Indo-Pacific region on the U.S. National Security Council, added some clarity recently on United States policy regarding the island. The Biden administration’s policy review appears to be finished, and it’s starting to take action.

The impact of the Afghan Taliban on regional security is limited. But China may nevertheless want to consider economic means to encourage the stability and development in Central Asia, including construction of a highway from Kashgar to Kabul.

The controversial claims China has made in the South China Sea has made it difficult to be its neighbor - but Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte is willing to subvert his own administration to try and mend fences.

American troops are leaving, but the troubles brought by the war on terrorism in the country are far from over. U.S. President Joe Biden says the move is to shift resources to better compete with China. But if the U.S. fails to learn its lessons, it will surely pay a hefty price anew in the future.

Control of the seas is critical for maritime trade, and in the Indian Ocean, global currents have brought China, the U.S., and India together on a potential collision course.

U.S. policy has been greatly influenced by domestic anti-Cuba forces. The idea of engagement led to the loss of two Democratic seats in South Florida — a high price. The challenge for Biden now is to find a balance that avoids incurring the wrath of a key bloc of voters.

While the U.S. pays lip service to the notion that ASEAN is at the core of the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. actions show it is side-stepping to another direction. By contrast, China’s attitude toward Southeast Asia looks much more sincere.