Changing Horses in Mid-Stream: There’s Turmoil in Obama’s Asia Policy Shop

Dean Cheng / April 01, 2011

It is perhaps emblematic that on the same day that China releases its long-delayed 2010 defense white paper, the U.S. State Department announces that Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg will be replaced by Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns.

Coming on the heels of the departure of Wallace “Chip” Gregson from the post of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, two of the most important policymaking positions regarding Asia are now in the midst of transition. (more…)