A Heritage Foundation study by John J. Tkacik Jr. concludes
Beijing’s behavior in the international arena has moved too far in the wrong direction for anyone to say that China will ever act as a responsible stakeholder without considerable pressure. Unless Chinese leaders believe that their policies will bring serious consequences, they will have no incentive to moderate them.
That American leaders now openly talk of “hedging” China should give their Chinese counterparts pause, but unless the talk of hedging is accompanied by action, China will dismiss it as just more bluff and bluster. If China successfully calls American bluff and bluster, its power and influence in Asia will only strengthen, and America’s will diminish. The predictable result will be a 21st century Asia under China’s sway and Asian democracy subject to China’s gentle protection.