China’s Hegemonic Stability and the U.S. Pivot to Asia under Trump’s first Presidency

Abstract

This paper examines how China’s economic and political policies from 2007 to 2017 reinforced its position as a regional hegemon and how the Trump administration’s early Asia strategy attempted to counterbalance Beijing’s rise. Drawing on hegemonic stability theory, it analyzes three pillars of China’s economic ascent including (1) domestic reforms and WTO entry, (2) Renminbi internationalization, and (3) the Belt and Road Initiative as well as China’s political ascent including (1) grand strategy, (2) balance of power, and (3) liberal values and then assesses Washington’s response in terms of (1) diplomatic posture, (2) alliance management, and (3) maritime operations. The study finds that while China consolidated its economic leverage, the U.S. pivot under Trump was marked by rhetorical shifts, uneven alliance signaling, and sustained Freedom of Navigation Operations, reflecting both continuity and disruption in American grand strategy.