American declinists, who believe that the United States’s ability to coerce or persuade other states is on the wane, often point to China’s so-called “charm offensive” — its financial and political support of developing countries regardless of ideology or political repression — as an example of how a rising power effectively leverages “soft power” over other, smaller powers. Here’s how a recent report on grand strategy from the center-left Center for a New American Security puts it: “In Asia, a rising China’s charm offensive is wooing many countries into a tighter embrace while the United States sees its influence on the decline.” Interesting theory. It’s also bunk. The strategic situation in Asia is far more complex than a rising China and a declining United States. A host of small, medium, and large powers are constantly re-evaluating their status and their relationships with each other. The United States maintains steadfast alliances with major powers like Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The smaller powers consistently hedge against Chinese ambitions by seeking closer ties to America. Daniel Twining: