The annual Australia-US Ministerial Consultations were held in Perth, Australia, yesterday. Security issues in the Asia-Pacific region and rotation of US marine troops to Darwin were discussed. The two sides also talked about the expanding US use of the Royal Australian Air Force's bases at Darwin and Tindal.

These moves indicate that the US is strengthening its military deployment to its Asian allies and the US strategic focus is shifting further toward the Asia-Pacific region.

Since Barack Obama's presidency, the US began to promote its "pivot to Asia" strategy. It has tried to form cliques and meddled with the internal affairs of Asia. Although US officials openly claim that they support China becoming a responsible stakeholder and its peaceful rise, the reality is that its "pivot to Asia" strategy is targeting China.

The interaction between the US and its allies became even more frequent after the aircraft carrier Liaoning entered into service. Last month, the US conducted high-profile military exercises with Japan and the Philippines. Now it moves to increase its military deployment in Australia.

The relatively stable geopolitical situation in the Asia-Pacific region has been filled with tension since Washington's pivot strategy. The reason for it lies in America's traditional pursuit of absolute security.

Decades ago, to contain the Soviet Union, the US shifted its strategic focus to Europe and supported European countries to contain the Soviet Union. The Asian region was just a part of global Cold War to US at that time.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and fall of the bipolar global political system, the US enjoyed a period of holding absolute hegemony in the world. China's rise has aroused a sense of crisis in the US. It seems that America's traditional Cold War mentality and zero-sum thinking still remain. Even its means of roping in allies or strengthening military deployments have not changed.

However, as the era advances, outdated ideas have to be rejected. Multi-polarization is an irreversible process and even a power like the US' efforts cannot reverse global trends. The US should face this reality. Continuously strengthening military deployments only deepens a sense of tension in the Asia-Pacific region and shadows its economic growth.

The geopolitical structure in the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing a readjustment due to the shifting balance of power.

All of the countries involved need to move cautiously to seek a new pattern. Too much suspicion can only make things worse.

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