"The rise of China as a powerhouse of the world economy not only caused many countries to deepen their economic integration with, but also face the challenge of, increasing assertiveness from China. While most Asian countries want good relations with both the U.S. and China, they need the U.S. to pledge security commitments to check China's hegemonic expansion. Under such circumstances, the American 'Pivot to Asia,' has become an important foreign policy measure to reassure its allies that it will strive to keep peace and stability in the region, crucial elements to economic dynamism"--