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US Lets China Dominate Asia

Zakaria: America distracted and damaged in Iraq helps Beijing court allies

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 25, 2007 11:38 AM CDT

(Newser) – The U.S. is so wrapped up in the Middle East that it's sacrificing chances to improve relations with Asia, leaving China to dominate the region, Newsweek's Fareed Zakaria contends. "Beijing has become remarkably adept at using its political and economic muscle in a patient, low-key and highly effective manner," he writes.

The U.S. position on Israel rankles Muslims, who make up nearly half of Southeast Asia's population, and would-be allies are put off by the country's plummeting international reputation. "China will be here for 2,000 years," predicts Singapore's prime minister. "America is here today but may go away."

Chinese flag (Getty Images (by Event))

A hotel worker rolls up a Chinese flag. (Getty Images (by Event))

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US Lets China Dominate Asia

Zakaria: America distracted and damaged in Iraq helps Beijing court allies

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