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Limitations of the Indo‐Pacific Economic Framework in Countering China's Economic Power

Author

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  • Ranti Yulia Wardani
  • Astri Hanna Waruwu

Abstract

Given China's dominance in the Indo‐Pacific region, the United States has made the Indo‐Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) a key tool in its grand strategy to restrain China's growth. However, the IPEF has not worked well as a framework that can really accomplish its objectives. This study provides a thorough analysis of the IPEF's limitations, starting with its structure, goals, and implementation in comparison to other Chinese policies like the BRI and RCEP. Using the political theory of linkages framework, this study examines the interaction between US domestic policies and international strategies, focusing on the inconsistencies in US trade policy and the inherent structural weaknesses of the IPEF. The results show that the effectiveness of the IPEF as a US strategy to counterbalance China's more consistent and strategic initiatives is questionable, given the nonbinding nature of the IPEF and the lack of economic incentives for member‐states. 鉴于中国在印度‐太平洋地区的主导地位, 美国已将印度‐太平洋经济框架 (IPEF) 作为其遏制中国经济增长的宏大战略的重要工具。然而, IPEF 作为一个框架, 其实际运作效果并不理想, 未能真正实现其目标。本研究深入分析了 IPEF 的局限性, 首先从其结构、目标和实施情况入手, 并与“一带一路”倡议和区域全面经济伙伴关系协定 (RCEP) 等中国其他政策进行了比较。本研究运用政治联系理论框架, 考察了美国国内政策与国际战略之间的相互作用, 重点关注美国贸易政策的不一致性以及 IPEF 固有的结构性弱点。研究结果表明, 鉴于 IPEF 的非约束性以及对成员国缺乏经济激励, IPEF 作为美国制衡中国更具一致性和战略性举措的战略的有效性值得怀疑。 Dado el dominio de China en la región Indopacífica, Estados Unidos ha convertido el Marco Económico Indopacífico (IPEF) en una herramienta clave en su gran estrategia para frenar el crecimiento chino. Sin embargo, el IPEF no ha funcionado adecuadamente como un marco que realmente logre sus objetivos. Este estudio ofrece un análisis exhaustivo de las limitaciones del IPEF, comenzando por su estructura, objetivos e implementación en comparación con otras políticas chinas como la BRI y la RCEP. Utilizando el marco de la teoría política de vínculos, este estudio examina la interacción entre las políticas internas y las estrategias internacionales de EE. UU., centrándose en las inconsistencias de la política comercial estadounidense y las debilidades estructurales inherentes del IPEF. Los resultados muestran que la eficacia del IPEF como estrategia estadounidense para contrarrestar las iniciativas más consistentes y estratégicas de China es cuestionable, dada su naturaleza no vinculante y la falta de incentivos económicos para los Estados miembros.

Suggested Citation

  • Ranti Yulia Wardani & Astri Hanna Waruwu, 2025. "Limitations of the Indo‐Pacific Economic Framework in Countering China's Economic Power," World Affairs, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 188(4), December.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:woraff:v:188:y:2025:i:4:n:e70041
    DOI: 10.1002/waf2.70041
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    References listed on IDEAS

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