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Abstract The launch of the Indo-Pacific strategy by the United States has opened the prelude to the comprehensive competition between China and the United States. Having seen the intensification of great power competition, the intensification of fragmentation of the international order, and the prominence of the competition of technology and supply chain capabilities, the middle powers in the Indo-Pacific region are facing increasing pressure to choose sides and have their differences in the strategic choice between China and the United States. There are a few reasons of taking these actions. Firstly, the perception preference of the government and the public and the national identity at the domestic level determine the preference of the middle power between China and the United States. Secondly, the supply chain dependency structure and an institutional buffer to hedge against the pressure of great powers at the international system level affect the degree of polarization of preferences. The policies of Australia, South Korea and Indonesia illustrate the mechanism and logic behind the strategic choices of middle powers. Therefore, by creating a China-friendly perception, promoting the spread of the Asian identity in the region, providing more diversified supply chain options and continuing to support the ASEAN-centered multilateral regional order, China should strive to promote the Indo-Pacific middle powers to maintain strategic neutrality between China and the United States and build a China-favorable international relations and strategic environment.
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