U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby said China must provide a more persuasive security offer to win over middle-power Asian nations [1].
This shift in diplomatic pressure comes as Washington urges its regional allies to increase their own defense spending and align more closely with American strategic priorities. The competition for influence among these middle powers is central to the broader geopolitical struggle between the U.S. and China in the Asia-Pacific region [1, 2].
Speaking in Manila on Aug. 10, 2026 [1], Colby said the U.S. is moving away from traditional security dependencies. He said Washington seeks “partners, not protectorates” [1]. This approach signals a demand for allies to take a more active role in their own regional security rather than relying solely on American protection [1].
Colby also said against the use of superficial diplomatic agreements. He said against “the delusion of fashionable but hollow security arrangements” [1]. Such arrangements, he said, do not provide the tangible security guarantees necessary to counter regional threats effectively [1].
These remarks occurred weeks before a scheduled visit to the White House by Chinese President Xi Jinping [1]. The timing suggests a strategic effort by the U.S. to solidify its regional partnerships and set expectations for the bilateral meeting between the two superpowers [1].
Beijing continues to seek influence among Asian states to counter U.S. containment strategies. However, the U.S. position indicates that without a more compelling and concrete security package, China may struggle to peel these middle powers away from their current alignment with Washington [1, 2].
“Washington seeks “partners, not protectorates.””
The U.S. is transitioning its Asia-Pacific strategy from a provider of security to a coordinator of a partner-based network. By pressuring middle powers to increase defense spending and dismissing 'hollow' agreements, Washington is testing the resolve of its allies and challenging Beijing to offer tangible security alternatives that go beyond economic investment.
