Pivot-to-Pacific strategy under fire.

• Author: Erwin, Sandra I.
• Position: Defense Insider

The Defense Department's shift in focus to Asia and the Pacific Ocean is being criticized for fueling tensions with China and for implying that the United States is pivoting away from the rest of the world.

Calling the strategy a pivot to Asia makes a catchy sound bite but is a "poor choice of words," said former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. James Cartwright.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., questioned the administration's militaristic approach to dealing with China at a time when the focus should be on trade relations that could help strengthen the U.S. economy.

"While it's wrong to speak of a 'pivot' to Asia, the idea that we must rebalance U.S. foreign policy with an increasing emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region is undoubtedly correct," McCain said.

The business of Asia is business, not war, McCain suggested. And when it comes to trade, the United States has been sitting on the sidelines while Asia is "sprinting forward without us."

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