Biden’s No-Show on Trade Deals Risks Isolating Friends in Asia
- US-Asean summit in Washington to highlight rift on trade deals
- Indo-Pacific framework seen lacking on details, ambition
President Joe Biden
Photographer: Taylor Glascock/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Southeast Asian nations are increasingly disappointed with the US over a lack of progress on trade issues, undermining President Joe Biden’s efforts to strengthen ties with the region’s leaders at a summit this week in Washington.
The administration has repeatedly highlighted the importance of US leadership in Asia and building relationships to counter China. But when it comes to substance, specifically free-trade deals, the US has little to show.