Trump’s Asia Policy, 2 Months On

The Straits Times

21 March 2017

Joseph Chinyong Liow

Two months into the Donald Trump presidency, it is clear that – whatever our personal misgivings about the personality and mannerisms of America’s 45th President – we in Asia will have to live and work with President Trump.

What matters most for our region, though, is not the polarising debate over his immigration ban, his Mexico border wall or even his tweets about Obamacare. Rather, what concerns us most in Asia is how Mr Trump conceives of and intends to pursue American interests in Asia.

After two months in office, it remains a challenge to divine elements of an Asia policy in this new administration. While key foreign policy positions in the Cabinet have been filled, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of positions across government departments that remain vacant. Indeed, until these officials are in place, it is impossible to obtain a clear sense of what American foreign policy is under Mr Trump.

There are, however, some early signs, and several observations can be made in that regard.

… The writer is dean and professor of comparative and international politics at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University.

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