Why Should Asian Allies Trust the US Now?
Nations are wondering what Trump’s wrecking ball means for their security, and whether they should accommodate Beijing more.
Asia is wondering what next with Trump.
Photographer: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Trust, once broken, is often impossible to repair. It’s just week three into Donald Trump’s presidency and he’s already threatened tariffs on traditional partners — only to reverse them — and said the US might take over Gaza. Asian nations are watching the chaos, wondering if they’re next in line. Meanwhile, China will be planning to use the opportunity to take advantage of a leadership vacuum.
If Trump wants to make his citizens safer, then he should work to cement Indo-Pacific alliances, not weaken them. During former President Joe Biden’s era, Washington built a network of support, bringing together Australia, Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines. Even though many count Beijing as their largest trading partner, this diplomacy helped to convince them that working together would make everyone stronger. It also served to keep China in check.