The US strategy in the Asia-Pacific region demonstrates new characteristics and understanding this is important, says an article in Jiefang Daily (excerpts below)

The US regards China as its main competitor and partner in constructing a new international order. Japan is an important ally for the US while the US is implementing its strategy in the Asian-Pacific region

The US now pays more attention to economic and financial questions when dealing with China. The Trans-Pacific Partnership proposed by the US is just one important step taken by the US to compete with China's fast growing economic muscle in the region.

Predictably, the US will use Japan not only for military purposes, but also in the fields of economy, finance and trade. The US will give Japan a more important position in the new international economic order to help contain China's emergence.