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Wang Dong: Advancing “Responsible Reassurance” and Fostering Strategic Trust in Northeast Asia

March 24 , 2026 03:02 PM by
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Professor Wang, Professor at the School of International Studies and Executive Director of iGCU, PKU, recently published a cover article in Global Asia analyzing Northeast Asian security in the “Trump 2.0” era. He argues that while U.S. strategic contraction forces regional recalibration and Japan’s confrontational policies heighten tensions, the pragmatic shift in South Korea and the easing of China-U.S. frictions provide a critical window for rebuilding trust.

At the heart of Professor Wang’s analysis is China’s strategy of “responsible reassurance.” Defined by strategic restraint, explicit signaling, and effective crisis management, this defensive posture aims to minimize miscalculations and stabilize bilateral ties. Professor Wang emphasizes that China’s approach is fundamentally non-expansionist, specifically regarding the Korean Peninsula, where Beijing remains committed to peaceful political solutions amid evolving Washington-Pyongyang interactions.

Professor Wang concludes that China’s strategic path must prioritize stabilizing relations with the U.S. while prudently managing ties with Japan and South Korea. By insisting on dialogue and encouraging direct U.S.-North Korea engagement, China seeks to mitigate risks in a volatile era. Through consistent "responsible reassurance," China aims to foster incremental mutual trust among stakeholders, laying a durable foundation for long-term regional peace.

Full article available at:

https://www.globalasia.org/v20no4/cover/steps-toward-trust-chinas-approach-in-northeast-asia_wang-dong