The rapid rise of China’s power and influence in world affairs, especially around China’s periphery, prompts a steady stream of commentary warning of PRC efforts to push the United States out of Asia. China’s enviable position as the locomotive of Asian economic growth, a growing web of China-centered trade and political arrangements with Asian partners, and the rapid buildup of Chinese military power reinforce these arguments. This line of thinking seizes on alleged Chinese foot-dragging in supporting U.S. pressure on Iraq and North Korea as indicative of Beijing’s long-term strategy to weaken the U.S. and open the way for greater Chinese power and influence in Asian and world affairs.