Just to use Deterte Harry as an example.One side, would like to make a few deals, improve economic conditions, and talk about thorny issues.
Another side, wants more firm, almost confrontation approach, backed by military muscle.
One side offers opportunity, and more opportunity if it goes well.
One side offers a military pact along with mild coercion if needed against others, and from that by default, someone's skinny ass become a pawn.
Opportunity, or brinkmanship. Peace or war?
Gee, is it any surprise digong goes to China?
So who wants to go to war against China with Uncle Sam on your side in Asia, raise your hand!
If that is the strategy for the pivot to Asia, that is not going to work, yet they do it anyways.
China's counter to that should be hot air, just huff and puff, and say some weak ass stuff, just to make the Americans believe the strategy is working.
Then start signing deals with who is arriving next to Beijing. Ching jin lai.