eastward-looking strategy OR east-oriented strategy

Question

By helping to stabilize China`s inland frontier, these two treaties will permit Beijing to adopt a more eastward-looking maritime strategy and focus its military capabilities on Taiwan.

Question:

Can I replace 'eastward-looking' by 'east-oriented'? If not, why?

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

By helping to stabilize China`s inland frontier, these two treaties will permit Beijing to adopt a more eastward-looking maritime strategy and focus its military capabilities on Taiwan.

Question:

Can I replace 'eastward-looking' by 'east-oriented'? Yes. But I prefer the phrase as originally written.

One consideration is style. To my ears, the original phrase sounds better. It's hard to say exactly why. Probably because the word 'east' is not normally used in this context. In addition, to say 'east-oriented', with two words that start with vowels, is difficult for me and sounds rather ugly.

There's also a semantic point. 'To orient' relates to placing something in a position with regard to something else, eg 'He oriented the chair to the door' or 'He oriented himself to the door'. It sounds passive. It doesn't really convey the idea that he is actively looking at the door. Thus, 'eastward-looking' gives more feeling that China is watching and is actively concerned with Taiwan.

Best wishes, Clive

eastward-looking strategy OR east-oriented strategy

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