Acting Defense Secretary Shanahan highlighted China in remarks to civilian leaders of the U.S. military.

The Asia Pacific policy statement had all the core ingredients of the Obama administration, even though labels such as “rebalance” and “pivot to Asia” were missing. While the sense of continuity was reassuring, if the region is looking for creative and new approaches to maintain regional peace and stability, it must have been disappointed.

During his stopover in Japan earlier this month, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced that the United States and Japan would construct a second advanced missile defense radar in Japan, drawing concern and condemnation from China. However, strategies exist to allay Chinese concerns while also bolstering regional cooperation.