The language never reflects the actual conduct. Deploying weapons to a
region in greater numbers is not seen as provocative, even if placing
such items in a theatre of operations is bound to get neighbours
nervous. This is particularly the case about the US “rebalance” in the
Asia-Pacific. In the background, China lurks as both threat and
opportunity – as long as the appropriate moves are made on its part to
accommodate the wishes of Washington and its allies.