China’s Rhetorical Challenge to the US-led Order in the Asia-Pacific and the Response of Regional States

Abstract

This article first investigates China’s ‘delegitimizing rhetoric’ aimed at undermining a US-led regional order as a means of its balancing behavior against the United States at a low level. Second, as a case study the article looks into the US strategy of strengthening its alliances and security partnerships, which has been an essential component of retaining a US-led hegemonic order in the region, and China’s response to it. Third, the article examines how regional states have been attempting to carve out their space in the rhetorical confrontation between the United States and China.