Asia-Pacific: Among Great Powers

Keeping the U.S. market open to its autos and maintaining some protections for its agricultural sector sit at the top of Tokyo's list of goals.

While relations with the mainland played a part in the elections, voter dissatisfaction with the island's ailing economy most likely led to the defeat of the Democratic Progressive Party.

New Delhi can't match Beijing's naval spending, so it's strengthening its fleet and defenses where it can and getting training and technical assistance from the United States.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte have signed numerous economic and energy agreements, but domestic opposition and sovereignty concerns will still complicate their outreach.

A visit from a high-level official highlights Australia's delicate balance between doing business with China and working to counter its regional ambitions.

As Taipei searches for strategies to counter China's domineering military, it is entertaining strategies to establish closer ties with the United States.

Currently a French overseas territory in the Pacific, the small archipelago is divided between those who want to retain military and financial support from France and those who want the islands to exercise more control over traditions and natural resources like nickel.

The country's president has axed his erstwhile ally in favor of a former rival and strongman. The implications of the upheaval, however, will extend far beyond the island nation's shores to even affect the growing Sino-Indian rivalry.

Hanoi is eager to attract higher-end investment, but doing so won't be easy as Beijing and Washington cross swords on Vietnam's doorstep.