Flexible Balance and the Economic Strategies of China, the US and India in the Indian Ocean

　　ABSTRACT: Due to changes in the international context, the Indian Ocean has become the “heart” of global maritime power and the focus of the security strategies of China, the US and India. Even though the three countries have different strategic objectives and plans with respect to the India Ocean, what has emerged between them is neither an alliance nor an adversarial relationship. The theory of “flexible balance” provides an explanation for this. The “flexible balance” in the Indian Ocean is difficult to undermine at this point in time, but it lacks a stable equilibrium. As such changes in the balance of power in the Indian Ocean provide China with greater space to expand its interests in the region.