Summary of PhD thesis: Nguyen Thu Phuong

HANOI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCESOCIETY AND HUMANITIES

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Nguyen Thu Phuong

POLICY TOWARDS ALLIES IN EAST ASIA DURING THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION - THE CASE OF KOREA

Major: International Relations

Code: 62 31 02 06

SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Hanoi - 2020

The work was completed at: University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

Scientific supervisor: Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Vinh

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The thesis will be defended before the National University Council for Doctoral Thesis Evaluation meeting at: University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

at hour date month year 20...

Thesis can be found at:

- National Library of Vietnam

- Information Center - Library, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

List of author's scientific works

related to Thesis

1…. (2017), “Asia Pacific in the foreign policy of the Donald Trump administration”,Electronic Communist Magazine, August 8, 2017

2…. (2019), “Identifying the US Asia-Pacific strategy under President Barack Obama: Approaching from a security-military perspective”, Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference “Asia-Pacific structural prospects to 2025 and Vietnam's response”, State-level topic code KX.01.12/16-20, Hanoi, p. 196

3…. (2019), “Revisiting the US Asia-Pacific strategy during the Obama presidency”,America Today Magazine, No. 05 (254), pp. 13-24

4…. (2019), “Alliance policy in the US Asia-Pacific strategy and current adjustments”,Communist Magazine(921), pp. 101-106

5 Associate Professor, Dr. Doan Minh Huan, Postgraduate Student Nguyen Thu Phuong (2019), “Guiding principles and guidelines in Vietnam's relations with the United States from 2009 to present, Vision 2030”, Proceedings of the Scientific Conference under the National Project “Vietnam's response to the US's Asia-Pacific strategy: Approaching the changing situation”, Hanoi, pp. 12-27

6…. (2019), “The US-Korea Free Trade Agreement and Some Reference Suggestions for Vietnam”,Communist Magazine(928), pp. 106-111

7…. (2020), “Forward Deployment in East Asia: A Driver of the US Indo-Pacific Strategy”,Communist Magazine(No. 941)

INTRODUCTION

1. Reason for choosing the topic

The United States is the country with the largest global alliance system in the world. In the alliance network spanning five continents, East Asia is an important link. This was clearly demonstrated under President Barack Obama when the United States implemented the policy of "rebalancing" Asia - Pacific. Accordingly, during the two terms of the US policy towards the

Among the US's East Asian allies, the US-South Korea alliance is a special relationship, the changes in this relationship have a significant impact on peace, security and cooperation in the region. In the context of the East Asian region with many potential unstable factors, facing serious security challenges from the strong "rise" of China, the nuclear threat of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, South Korea is seen as a "fulcrum" for the US's "re-engagement" strategy in East Asia. Not only that, the US-South Korea alliance - one of the strong and long-lasting military alliances in the region, is increasingly expanding to become a global strategic alliance. The US-South Korea alliance not only has an impact on the two entities of the US and South Korea but also has an impact on the regional and world security environment. Therefore, studying the US policy towards its ally South Korea during the tenure of President B. Obama bringsurgencyfor understanding contemporary international relations.

2. Research objectives and tasks

2.1 Research objectives

The research objective of the thesis is to clarify the policy and implementation of US policy towards its allies in East Asia during the term of President Barack Obama (2009-2016), focusing on the policy of alliance with South Korea. Thereby, the thesis evaluates the results and limitations to clarify the characteristics of US policy towards its allies in East Asia during this period.

2.2 Research tasks: (1) Clarifying the theoretical framework on allies and the US's views on allies; the basis for forming relations and policies towards US allies in East Asia before 2008; (2) Practical implementation of policies towards East Asian allies during the two terms of President B. Obama; (3) Clarifying the content and implementation process of policies towards allies South Korea by the Obama administration from 2009 to 2016. (4) Commenting on the characteristics of US policies towards East Asian allies during the Obama administration. From there, compare and study the inheritances and adjustments in policies towards East Asian allies, especially South Korea, by the Trump administration.

3. Research object and scope

3.1 Research subjects

The research object of the thesis is the US policy towards its allies in the East region.

3.2 Scope of research

- Time limit: From 2009-2016, through 2 phases 2009-2012 and 2012-2016 (corresponding to the two terms of President B. Obama).

- Space limitations: Focus on specific research on South Korea and some US allies in the East Asia region (including Japan, Philippines, Thailand).

- Content limitations: Focus on researching US policies in the fields of security - military and politics towards Korea in particular and allied countries in East Asia in general.

4. Research approach and methods

Approach:The research topic is implemented based on the following approaches: (i) Approach from international relations theory; (ii) Historical approach; (iii) Systemic - structural approach.

Research methods: The thesis uses the following research methods: (i) Policy analysis method in international relations; (ii) Case study method; (iii) Analysis - synthesis method, logical - historical method; (iv) Document analysis method; (v) Supplementary methods, such as: modeling - generalization, comparison - contrast.

5. Contribution of the thesis

- Scientifically, a thesis that studies US policy towards traditional allies in East Asia during the Obama administration (deeply studying the case of South Korea). The explanations and analysis of US alliance policy with South Korea help clarify the nature and characteristics of US alliance relations in East Asia. The thesis can be used as a reference for teaching and researching scientific research on international relations and US foreign policy.

-In practice, forecasting the impacts of changes and adjustments in US policies towards East Asian allies on international relations in the region are useful references contributing to the planning of international relations policies of diplomatic agencies and relevant agencies. For Vietnam, studying this issue contributes to clarifying the movement of international relations in the East Asia region in the context of Vietnam's international integration; grasping the adjustments in foreign policies of countries in the region such as South Korea and of world powers such as the US, especially understanding the alliance and cooperation goals of these countries to catch up with the trend of cooperation and competition in the region, planning appropriate foreign policies to enhance the effectiveness of strategic partnerships for national and ethnic interests.

6. Structure of the thesis

In addition to the Introduction, Conclusion, References, and Appendix, the thesis is divided into 5 chapters:

Chapter 1:Overview of the research situation

Chapter 2:Theoretical and practical basis for implementing US alliance policy

Chapter 3:Content and implementation process of the policy towards allies in East Asia of the administration of US President Barack Obama

Chapter 4:Case Study: US Policy Towards Ally South Korea

Chapter 5:Comments on US policy towards allies in East Asia during the Obama administration

CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH SITUATION

1.1 Works related to theoretical issues: the concept of allies and the US's view on allies

1.2 Works related to US policy towards allies in the period 2009-2016

The US alliance policy in general and with some allied countries in Asia in particular have been mentioned by domestic and foreign scholars. However, mainly evaluating and reaffirming the traditional alliance relationship in East Asia, there has not been any comprehensive and in-depth research on the US-South Korea alliance relationship, especially during the two terms of President B. Obama.

1.3 Works directly related to the US alliance policy towards South Korea in the period 2009-2016

Reviewing studies from 2009 to 2016, it can be seen that analysis of the US alliance policy with South Korea often focuses on one area or a number of policies, and there is a lack of comprehensive and comprehensive studies. At the same time, due to time constraints, studies have not had a comprehensive view of the alliance policy in both terms of President B. Obama with South Korea, and have not clarified the nature of the US's security and political interests in the region, the trends of movement, and the impact of this relationship on international relations in the East Asia region.

1.4 Comments on resolved issues and issues that need further research and resolution

Overall,one isThe research works have analyzed and clarified a number of theoretical issues related to the concept of allies and the US's views on allies; at the same time, clarified the basis for shaping US policy towards East Asian allies before the period 2009-2016.Two is, analyzes the basic features of the goals, content, and implementation process of US policy towards allies in the East Asia region before the period 2009-2016.Three is, analyzes the goals, content and implementation process of US policy towards Korea before and during the term of President B. Obama in each aspect and at each specific time.

Issues to focus on research:(1) Contribute to supplementing the theoretical framework of US policy towards allies to supplement in-depth and systematic research on US policy towards allies; (2) Clarify the US policy and specific implementation steps towards East Asian allies (Japan, Philippines, Thailand) in the security - military field during both terms of President B. Obama; (3) In-depth study of US policy towards ally South Korea in the period 2009-2016.

CHAPTER 2: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL BASIS OF IMPLEMENTING THE US ALLIANCE POLICY

2.1 Theoretical basis

2.1.1 Concept of allies

“Allies” are formal commitments between countries to coordinate or support each other to deal with security issues and combat common threats. The biggest goal of allies is to symbiosis of resources and coordinate actions to enhance the position of allied countries in the international system and enhance the strength of allies compared to countries that do not participate in the alliance. Whether formal or informal, all forms of alliances consider political-military alliances as the central content.

2.1.2 The concept of alliance from the perspective of Realism and Liberalism

According to Realism, the fundamental purpose of subjects in international politics is to protect national interests, first of all to ensure their maximum security. Therefore, to ensure national security against a country or a group of countries that are increasing their power excessively, an alliance is understood as a country signing with one or more countries with the aim of expanding national power by taking the power of another country to increase its own power or preventing the power of another country from increasing for its opponents. In addition, forming an alliance is one of the ways to respond to national security threats.

Based on the emphasis on the possibility of cooperation between nations, Liberalism refers to the concept of alliance in military alliances, understood as participation in collective security; accordingly, when a country threatens or invades an allied country, the remaining countries in the alliance will have to act collectively to repel that danger.

2.1.3 America's view on allies

For the US, an alliance is the signing of a security treaty between the US and one or more countries to commit to coordinating defense or mutual military assistance to deal with security issues, against common threats, especially to the national security of the US. Above all, the basic goals identified when the US establishes an alliance are: (1) An alliance is the foundation for protecting the US national security when the threat goes beyond the territorial security category. (2) An alliance is an important support for the US's world hegemony. (3) An alliance serves the international relations system established by the US and plays a leading role. (4) The US signs an alliance treaty to control those allied countries.

2.2 Practical basis

2.2.1 The process of the US establishing relations with traditional allies in East Asia

From factors affecting the need to seek allies in East Asia such as the risk of communism spreading to the Asia-Pacific region, the weakening of America's close ally in Europe, America's "containment" strategy requiring support,... during the Cold War, the US established alliances with a number of East Asian countries: Japan (in 1951), South Korea (in 1953), the Philippines (in 1951), Thailand (in 1950).

2.2.2 US policy towards allies in East Asia (1945-2008)

Policy towards allies in East Asia during the Cold War (1945 - 1991)

In fact, the strategic interests of the US in the Asia-Pacific region were determined around the 1950s. Security cooperation mechanisms between the US and its allies were established during this period according to the “hub and spokes” model, in which the US was the “hub” and the allies were the “spokes” under the security protection of the US and subject to US policy. However, due to differences in national characteristics and intentions of each country, each cooperation mechanism demonstrated different forms of coordination, operation and ways of maintaining the alliance in its own way. The US-Japan alliance was mainly a military alliance to facilitate the US having troops stationed in Japan, along with containing Japan at the highest level due to concerns about the rise of Japanese militarism; The US-South Korea alliance shares the same view against the DPRK, increasing US influence to completely change the political, military and economic landscape of this country; Thailand and the Philippines are considered by the US as outposts to prevent nationalist revolutionary movements as well as communism in Southeast Asia.

Policy towards allies in East Asia after the Cold War

After the Cold War ended, the Soviet Union collapsed, and the United States became the sole superpower, but its overall strength declined relatively. Therefore, during the administration of President Bill Clinton (1993-2000), the United States focused on restoring its economic and military strength. While still considering Europe as a key strategic area, the United States paid more attention to the Asia-Pacific region, including East Asia - a place with many potential unstable factors affecting the security interests of the United States. Therefore, in order to ensure national security interests, one of the important solutions implemented by the administration of President Bill Clinton was to strengthen traditional alliances with Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines based on the principle of "sharing and community responsibility".

East Asia Ally Policy of the George W. Bush Administration (2001-2008)

One of the outstanding features of the US policy towards its East Asian allies during this period was the fundamental change in policy goals after the terrorist attacks on the US on September 11, 2001. At this time, the US promoted a policy of unipolarization in the new world order, increasing comprehensive intervention. Accordingly, the US established an international anti-terrorism alliance led by the US, seeking the support of close allies. The traditional alliance between the US and East Asian countries was strengthened after the event of "September 11, 2001" with the awareness of a common threat of terrorism. This was the new glue for the US's security and military alliances in East Asia.

CHAPTER 3: CONTENT AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS OF THE US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S ADMINISTRATION'S POLICY TOWARDS ALLIES IN EAST ASIA

3.1 Factors affecting the Obama administration's policy towards allies in East Asia

3.1.1 East Asian regional context

The East Asia region during this period featured the following factors:One is, the growing importance of the region;two is, the strong rise of China;three is, Russia's attention to strengthening relations with Asia to consolidate eastern security, offset the strategic disadvantage in the west, expand Russia's strategic space, and restore its status as a major power;four isThe security situation in the region has many potential security instability factors, and there are hot spots that need to be resolved;year is, the rise of regionalism;six is, countries in the region have adjusted their development strategies and policies after the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001.

3.1.2 Situation in the United States

Coming to power in 2009, President B. Obama inherited a very complicated legacy from the previous administration. Domestically, the US faced the biggest financial and economic crisis since World War II, even compared to the "great flood" in the years 1929-1933 of this country. Outside the US borders, the prestige, position and image of the US as a superpower were seriously reduced in the international political arena due to the unipolar, imposing foreign policy of the G. Bush administration, such as: the way to solve the nuclear issue of Iran, of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the recognition of independence for Kosovo from Serbia, the "export" of democracy, human rights in the US style, ...

3.2 The Obama Administration's Policy toward East Asia

3.2.1 Overview of President Barack Obama's foreign policy

After taking office, President B. Obama quickly adjusted his strategy and implemented a flexible foreign policy to adapt to the new geo-strategic environment with more emphasis on multilateralism and restraint. The goal of the diplomatic strategy at this time is to protect national security, promote economic development and share prosperity at home and abroad, and restore the image and prestige of the United States.

3.2.2 The Obama Administration's East Asia Policy

US policy towards East Asia also has adjustments:About strategic goals, dealing with the rise of China - a major threat to America's global dominance; effectively ensuring America's security commitments to its East Asian allies.On economic goals, responding to the recovery of the US economy; ensuring that the economy in the Asia-Pacific region (including East Asia) remains under US control.About security goals, maintaining security and stability in the region is important to the security and development of the US. The nuclear issue of the DPRK, the increasing sea and island disputes, and non-traditional security threats pose many new challenges to the US. Therefore, the main elements of the US strategy for the East Asia region are identified: Continuing to be present and demonstrating the role of the number one military force in the East Asia region, especially at military bases in US allied countries; establishing freedom of movement for US fleets through alliance treaties; establishing stronger relations with allies through strategic dialogues; strengthening the existing military and diplomatic dialogue mechanism with China to avoid unfortunate incidents.

3.3 US policy towards allies in East Asia

3.3.1 Content and policy goals towards allies in East Asia

In order to continue to maintain the US's leading role in the region and ensure national interests, based on the Asia-Pacific "rebalancing" strategy, the policy towards East Asian allies under the Obama administration focuses on the goal of military alliances. Specifically: (1) Reshape and upgrade traditional allied relationships towards sharing and common interests; (2) Continue to have a military presence in the East Asia region through strengthening and consolidating US agreements with allied countries; (3) Modernize the US military and allied forces. Accordingly, practical implementation steps towards East Asian allies are carried out at different levels, including reaffirming alliance treaties, moving towards declarations and practical actions to strengthen and expand the alliance; reaffirming the maintenance of the use of military bases and existing military forces in these countries; Increase the provision of modern weapons and equipment, and joint exercises to promote the ability of allies to coordinate and cooperate in combat in response to security challenges in the region, and be more proactive in handling security hotspots,...

CHAPTER 4: CASE STUDY: US POLICY TOWARDS ALLY KOREA

4. 1. The foundation of interests, goals and content of US policy towards Korea

4.1.1 US interests in alliance with South Korea

South Korea plays a particularly important role in US policy in East Asia. The US-South Korea alliance is considered the “foundation” for ensuring peace and security on the Korean Peninsula as the alliance’s goal is to deal with the nuclear threat from the DPRK; to be a shield to help the US encircle and contain a rising China that challenges US hegemony in the region; to ensure the legitimacy of the US presence in the region; and to strengthen US economic relations with the region through South Korea as a US partner.

4.1.2 South Korea's interests in its alliance with the United States

For nearly 60 years, South Korea has looked to the world from the US, and some “interest groups” in South Korea do not want to change their familiar world because the alliance with the US helps South Korea avoid falling into a deadlock in the context of fierce competition between major countries in the region, prevent the nuclear threat of the DPRK, and deal with the growing power of China. At the same time, expanding economic cooperation with the US helps South Korea exploit the potential US market, enhancing South Korea’s position and competitiveness in other markets. A close alliance with the US is also the foundation for the development of effective regional diplomacy, supporting the vision of a global South Korea.

4.1.3 Objectives and policy content

The Obama administration's goal of strengthening its alliance with South Korea at this time is emphasized to deal with the nuclear issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which the US considers a national security threat, undermining the strategic stability of the Northeast Asia region; and to contain the strong rise of China, challenging the US's regional leadership role.

With the above goals, the Obama administration's policy towards South Korea is implemented with specific contents: Continuing to maintain US military forces in South Korea; promoting the priority of modernizing weapons and military equipment for South Korea, promoting the installation of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in this country; expanding the scale and scope of joint exercises; implementing the plan to transfer Wartime Command (OPCON) to the South Korean military; strengthening political and diplomatic relations with South Korea to reach a consensus on views on regional issues; consolidating and upgrading the US-South Korea global strategic alliance.

4.2 Policy implementation process 2009 - 2016

During this period, the US and South Korea adopted the 2009 Joint Vision for the Alliance, in which the two countries agreed to work closely to address regional challenges. The US then pushed forward new strategic directions, elevating its alliance with South Korea to a “global strategic alliance”. In terms of specific steps, the US reached a consensus with South Korea on its policy towards the North Korean nuclear issue based on the implementation of a “strategic patience” policy; increased its military presence in South Korea to deter the DPRK and China; carried out the process of transferring OPCON to the South Korean military; installed the THAAD system; successfully signed the KORUS FTA, opening up opportunities for economic and trade cooperation, further tightening the US-South Korea alliance; and shared common values ​​such as democracy, open society, and human rights.

CHAPTER 5: COMMENTS ON US POLICY TOWARDS ALLIES IN EAST ASIA DURING THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION (2009-2016)

5.1 Comments on US policy towards allies in East Asia during the Obama administration

5.1.1. Results

During his two terms in office (2009-2016), the Obama administration took a positive approach to its policy towards East Asian allies and achieved remarkable results, namely: Renewing and restructuring relations with East Asian allies towards expanding the scope of the alliance from the regional to the global level; reaffirming the commitment to security in the region, as well as protecting allied countries under the signed mutual defense treaty; affirming that strengthening relations with existing US allies during this period has significantly contributed to consolidating the US position in the region and in the world.

5.1.2 Limitations

However, there are still limitations due to the uncertainty about the durability and depth of US security commitments, the US policy towards its allies seems to have failed to reassure its allies by showing a lack of strong commitment. In addition, there is the erosion of the US's reputation for the "security umbrella" that allies trust to ensure national security against security threats in the region when the US is unable to develop a clear strategy, weakening its ability to restrain its opponents in reality. Especially when the US has not been able to prevent the trend of China's rising power in the region, and has not been able to effectively prevent the nuclear threat of the DPRK.

5.2 Comments on US policy towards ally South Korea during the Obama administration

5.2.1 Results and limitations of US alliance policy towards South Korea under the Obama administration

The US-South Korea alliance during the 2009-2016 period is considered one of the best periods in the history of the two countries. This relationship has been upgraded to a “global strategic alliance” with the US achieving a number of goals, including completing the THAAD system in South Korea and successfully signing the KORUS FTA. However, besides that, the US still has political disagreements with South Korea on a number of regional issues, such as the US policy towards China, the US's solution to the six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear issue, etc.

5.2.2 Characteristics of US alliance policy towards South Korea under the Obama administration (compared with Japan, Philippines)

Based on the study of the Korean case, we can see some common characteristics in the US policy towards East Asian allies during this period, which are: The US policy towards allies until the Obama administration continued to be strongly committed to protecting allies against security threats in the region. Allied countries continued to be the "fulcrum" to support the US in maintaining its leading role in the region, controlling threats to US security in the region. The nature of allied relations during this period changed in quality, the "asymmetric" characteristic was gradually adjusted, gradually shifting from one-way US to mutual support, from one-way US leadership to bilateral equal cooperation. The position and role of allied countries continued to be affirmed and expanded, raising the level of US foreign policy in East Asia.

5.3 Policy adjustments towards allies in East Asia during the Donald Trump administration

5.3.1 Policy adjustments towards allies in East Asia in general

One of the main contents of the previous administration's "rebalancing" policy in the Asia-Pacific region, which was continued under President D. Trump, is to strengthen traditional bilateral alliances; restrain the military power of regional powers, especially China, through these traditional close military alliances. In the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" strategy, President D. Trump's administration continues to promote the role of the US alliance system in the region, emphasizing the role of ally Japan, which has "fought" alongside the US in all conflicts, South Korea with its alliance and friendship forged through many historical challenges, the Philippines and Thailand, which are important allies and markets of the US.

With the goal of “America First”, the Trump administration’s policy towards allies has made important adjustments. The goal in the policy towards US allies is clearly defined: US alliances continue to provide US presence in the region; Strengthen and develop alliances into an expanded network capable of deterrence and decisive action to respond to common challenges in the world. In practice, the Trump administration has adjusted its policy towards allies in the security and military fields in a tougher direction based on the requirement for greater responsibility sharing from allies for national, regional and world issues.

5.3.2 Policy adjustment towards ally Korea

Regarding the US-South Korea alliance, President Trump reaffirmed that this is an important alliance, essential to ensuring US economic and security interests, for peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. This relationship is developed based on common principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Accordingly, the goal of the Trump administration's strategy towards South Korea is still to achieve denuclearization and comprehensive control of the DPRK's nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, and establish a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. The US continues to commit to protecting South Korea through strong defense support and strengthening security guarantees based on the US-South Korea Mutual Defense Treaty. The Trump administration emphasizes the implementation of an extended deterrence strategy towards South Korea based on the full range of US military capabilities, both conventional and nuclear. In fact, the Trump administration agrees with South Korea on the North Korean nuclear issue, actively pushes to quickly allow the transfer of OPCON to the South Korean military, maintain the US military presence on the ground, modernize the South Korean military, re-sign the KORUS FTA, strengthen South Korea's role in global issues, etc.

CONCLUDE

From the analysis of “US policy towards allies in East Asia during the Obama administration - The case of South Korea”, the following conclusions can be drawn:

The first, the world after the Cold War has witnessed great changes in the world situation and the Asia-Pacific region, especially the trend of shifting the focus of security and economy from the West to the East, from Europe to Asia. Although affected by the post-Cold War period with relative weakness, the US still maintains its role as a superpower in the world situation moving in a multipolar direction, continuing to maintain its ambition of world hegemony. Therefore, the US government has changed its global security strategy many times, from the "expansion commitment" of the Clinton administration, the "preemptive strike" against global terrorism of the George W. Bush administration to the "rebalancing" and "pivot" to Asia-Pacific of President B. Obama. All show the trend of shifting US attention to the Asia-Pacific region, especially under the Obama administration.

In fact, in the US global strategy, the Asia-Pacific region has always held an important position. However, in each period, the attention has been adjusted differently. Under President B. Obama, the Asia-Pacific region was perceived by the US as a geo-strategic region, where opportunities (economic) as well as major security challenges for the US converge. It is in this region that security challenges arise both in the short term and in the long term, requiring the US to focus on dealing with them.Above all, the Asia-Pacific is the epicenter of America's regional and global power competition.and one of the strategic priorities here is to contain the rise of China. China is considered both a target and a partner of the United States. During the time when the United States left its role vacant in the Asia-Pacific region, China took advantage of its rise to become a major power with both economic and military influence in the region. China is moving towards dominating economic and trade relations, strengthening its military power, showing unilateral brazenness in handling security disputes with countries in the region, especially in the East Sea and the East China Sea, leading to fierce power competition with the United States. In addition, the competition between major powers in the region must take into account Russia's role in its Eastward policy. Russia wants to restore its image as a major power in the world, so it cannot ignore the Asia-Pacific region, which Russia maintains by providing military and defense capabilities as well as economic trade.

In the Asia-Pacific, East Asia has emerged as a region of particular concern to the US due to serious security challenges there.. Northeast Asia with the security instability of the Korean Peninsula due to the increasing nuclear threat from the DPRK. Southeast Asia is a target area of ​​global extremist terrorist forces. Not to mention, both regions have witnessed fierce territorial conflicts in the East China Sea and the South China Sea between countries in the region, especially China's show of military power.

Therefore, during his term, President B. Obama actively implemented the policy of "rebalancing" Asia - Pacific, especially "re-presence" in East Asia, to maintain the role and influence of the US in the region, not allowing any opponent to surpass the US, ensuring national security and US interests here.

Monday, in the Asia-Pacific “rebalancing” strategy, the security-military field is considered the most actively implemented field under the Obama administration. With the priority in this field, the most important content is that the Obama administration is to establish a solid presence in the region through renewing and upgrading traditional alliance relationships. Based on the common values ​​and strategic interests of the US, the traditional allies of the US in the region are the key to helping the US return to the region, continue to maintain its presence, participation rights and maintain its inherent leading role. The US’s bilateral security commitments with its allies both ensure the US’s strategic interests here and at the same time strengthen the US’s strong, secure network in dealing with regional security challenges. This is how the US exercises “smart power”, meaning that the US cannot continue to act alone in dealing with security challenges but needs the cooperation of many countries, strengthening the network to create a “timely” source of power.

During this period, the Obama administration set out the goal of consolidating and strengthening the strength of US alliances in the region to coordinate in dealing with traditional and non-traditional security threats and challenges in the 21st century. The US identified key allies in the region that needed to strengthen and modernize relations, including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand. The US's implementation steps focused on the following goals: affirming its commitment to defense and security, expanding the scope of regional and global alliances, enhancing combat capabilities and coordinating actions, and sharing responsibility for regional issues. The results achieved during President Obama's term were agreements signed to upgrade and expand alliance relations such as with Japan and the Philippines; redeploying US military forces, reaching agreements with allies on continuous or rotational presence in the region (Japan, the Philippines); providing advanced weapons and equipment to enhance the defense capabilities of allied countries (Japan, Philippines, Thailand); and continuing to conduct joint exercises with allied forces (Japan, Philippines, Thailand). Although there are still limitations in the implementation of policies towards East Asian allies due to differences in political views on some regional issues, the administration of President B. Obama continues to achieve consensus and support from allied countries at different levels, assisting the US in dealing with factors that challenge US security in the region.

Tuesday, among the US bilateral alliances in East Asia, South Korea is considered a typical and loyal ally of the US. Originating from the security protection under the US "nuclear umbrella" since the Cold War with South Korea, the US-South Korea alliance in the period of 2009-2016 is considered one of the best periods. Recognizing the increasingly affirmed role of South Korea in coordinating actions with the US in regional and global issues, the administration of President B. Obama decided to upgrade the US-South Korea alliance to the level of "global strategic alliance". This means that the US requires South Korea to share more responsibility, stand by the US in resolving conflicts not only in the region and in the world, in traditional and non-traditional security issues; continue to spread the American-style democratic ideology; proactively participate deeply in the regional and global trade value chain. In particular, the Obama administration continued to affirm the importance of South Korea as an ally supporting security on the Korean Peninsula, dealing with the increasing threat from the DPRK's nuclear issue, creating a deterrent shield for both the DPRK and China, and restraining Japan. The recorded results were the elevation of the US-ROK global strategic alliance, the successful signing of the KORUS FTA, and the construction of the final phase of the THAAD system in South Korea. In addition, there was the strong deployment of US military forces forward at military bases in South Korea, the provision of modern weapons and equipment, the conversion and upgrading of the level of joint exercises, the initial achievement of positive figures in bilateral trade, and the effective maintenance of US democratic and human rights values. Thus, the US alliance policy towards South Korea has achieved positive results during the Obama presidency, although there are still some limitations (such as the continued increase in missile and nuclear tests by the DPRK; the transfer of wartime authority to the South Korean military has not been completed; conflicts between China and South Korea have arisen due to US policies towards this country, etc.).

Wednesday, entering the administration of President Donald Trump with the strategy of "Free and Open Indo-Pacific", the role of East Asian allies continues to be affirmed, consolidated and developed. President D. Trump's policy towards allies has shown continuity, while also having changes compared to the previous administration. In the second decade of the 21st century, President B. Obama's administration reaffirmed that East Asian allies play the role of an effective "defense system" in the region, helping the US maintain regional security, especially when China's attitude towards regional issues is increasingly assertive, and the DPRK does not give up its ambition to develop nuclear weapons. Therefore, in the context of these serious security risks continuing to exist, threatening the national security of the US and its allies, President D. Trump's administration cannot ignore the role of East Asian allies. Furthermore, the US's overarching goal is to maintain its leading role and stabilize regional security, so the US continues to act to reaffirm its security commitment to its allies through forward-deployed activities. Despite adjustments from the Trump administration to require greater responsibility sharing from allies, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand remain essential factors in ensuring regional security, strengthening US influence in the region in the face of increasingly fierce competition between powers in and outside the region.

In short, throughout the history of the formation of US alliance relations in the East Asia region, through the presidency of the post-Cold War eras, especially the policy towards allies of the Obama administration, comparing the adjustments under President Trump, it is clear that the US policy of valuing the Asia-Pacific region, which is now expanding to the Indo-Pacific, in which the policy towards traditional US allies has adjustments that demonstrate the flexibility and pragmatism in US foreign policy in general./.