Globalization and major power rivalry are creating a China-centric integrated Asian strategic system, drawing together the once-discrete theatres of Northeast, Southeast, South and Central Asia.
Once again, Trump has broken the mould. The 100-day mark is traditionally used to assess a new administration’s progress in advancing its policy agenda. With Trump, that’s impossible.
Amid slowing global growth, weaker external demand and rising protectionism, the near-term prospects for the East Asian region are expected to be softer, while the longer term economic fundamentals remain intact. But risks are elevated. Regional policymakers need to stand ready to mitigate the downside risks by using the available policy tools flexibly.
The election of President Trump brings more uncertainty than direction. His election campaign was in broad strokes, and his radical propositions may yet prove to be merely opening gambits for negotiations. Where foreign policy was concerned, the Middle East received far more attention than Asia.