Asia on Edge as U.S. Pulls Carrier to Middle East Over Iran War
The U.S. moved its last Asia-based aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington, from Japan to the Middle East to support operations in Iran, part of a broader drawdown that has alarmed Asian allies about reduced regional deterrence and flexibility; analysts say the shift accelerates burden-sharing with partners like Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, prompts higher regional defense spending, and coincides with increased Chinese coast guard activity near Taiwan and nearby EEZs.
