It's all about China: The key to future US ties with S-E Asia
The Straits Times|November 01, 2024
Whether the next US president is Harris or Trump, that is the prism through which Washington will calibrate its ties. Three countries, including Singapore, stand out.
Tan See Seng

On Nov 5, Americans will pick their 47th president. For countries in South-east Asia, while it is unclear at this point who will emerge the winner, there's one thing they can be certain of: whoever becomes president, China will be the prism through which Washington will view and engage with Asean and its constituent members.

Mr Xi Jinping's China is a risen and assertive great power, one done with playing second fiddle to the United States. Mr Xi's willingness to push back on several fronts is visibly evident, say, in his strategy to deny America access to the South China Sea, which Beijing proprietarily views as a Chinese lake.

The contention that the US should pursue ties with South-east Asia as a standalone good by itself no longer merits as much attention in US policy circles as it once did. Americans on both sides of the political aisle today are convinced the US must necessarily counter Chinese power and influence. But what Americans have yet to achieve agreement on is how to go about it.

If Donald Trump regains the White House, he will likely reprise his protectionist-minded "America First" focus and resume his tariff war on China. For the record, Trump has expressed his belief that America does not need China for the former to remain the world's top economy. But any viable strategy on China will require the broad support of US allies and partners and even international organisations. How the next Trump administration can successfully pull that off given his visceral dislike for, and continual disparagement of allies and institutions will be key.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 01, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 01, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS THE STRAITS TIMESAlle anzeigen
British novelist David Lodge was twice shortlisted for Booker Prize
The Straits Times

British novelist David Lodge was twice shortlisted for Booker Prize

British novelist David Lodge, who was shortlisted for the Booker Prize twice, has died at the age of 89, his publisher said on Jan 3.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
January 06, 2025
A CITY FOR BABIES
The Straits Times

A CITY FOR BABIES

After a successful experiment, The City of Babies Lab has opened a new permanent space dedicated to children aged from birth to 23 months.

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
Scientist Names 16 New Spider Species After Jay Chou's Songs
The Straits Times

Scientist Names 16 New Spider Species After Jay Chou's Songs

A Chinese scientist has named 16 new spider species after songs by popular Mandopop musician Jay Chou.

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
Actress JJ Jia Xiaochen upset with hubby for not remembering wedding anniversary
The Straits Times

Actress JJ Jia Xiaochen upset with hubby for not remembering wedding anniversary

Chinese actress JJ Jia Xiaochen has grumbled about her husband, Hong Kong action star Louis Fan, on social media again.

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
Actress Chen Liping leaves Mediacorp after 40 years
The Straits Times

Actress Chen Liping leaves Mediacorp after 40 years

Actress Chen Liping, a household name in the local entertainment industry, has left broadcaster Mediacorp after 40 years.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
January 06, 2025
Raising four cats costly, but gives Rui En four times the joy
The Straits Times

Raising four cats costly, but gives Rui En four times the joy

In this new series, The Straits Times speaks to pet-owning personalities about the trials and delights of raising their fur kids

time-read
3 Minuten  |
January 06, 2025
Vet Talk Check that your pet is eating safely during the festive season
The Straits Times

Vet Talk Check that your pet is eating safely during the festive season

Pet ownership is on the rise in Singapore, with many families treating their furry companions as one of their own.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
January 06, 2025
Learning to embrace change positively
The Straits Times

Learning to embrace change positively

On the last evening of our recent family holiday, my three children were having a boisterous conversation in the bedroom of the apartment we were staying in.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
January 06, 2025
STRONGER, TOGETHER
The Straits Times

STRONGER, TOGETHER

Good parent-teacher relationships can boost a child's confidence and holistic development

time-read
4 Minuten  |
January 06, 2025
Roaring Off To A-League Adventure
The Straits Times

Roaring Off To A-League Adventure

Tan makes Brisbane debut as sub in loss to Canberra on her return from knee surgery

time-read
3 Minuten  |
January 06, 2025