US realigns interests in Asia as Trump skips two summits
2018-09-03 10:10:31 source：Global Times
September 2, 2018
The prominence that the US used to give Asia is beyond doubt. The US has long seen itself a Pacific power and its interests are closely linked with the region's economy, security and politics. But US President Donald Trump will reportedly skip two major summits in Asia in November: the US-ASEAN and East Asia summits in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Papua New Guinea. Does this mean that the US is lowering the status of Asia in its overall foreign policy? Not necessarily. The US is not leaving Asia, nor will it ever do that.
Recent efforts by US officials in the region can make up for Trump's absence. For instance, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced $300 million on August 4 in security funding for Southeast Asia on the sidelines of a meeting with ASEAN foreign ministers. The US military is now participating in the 17th annual Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training exercise with eight other partner nations.
In essence, Trump's Asia policy has not deviated from his established modus operandi. What he is doing is engaging in a restructuring plan. Perhaps because much has been said about Trump's Asia agenda, the president feels that he does not need to repeat it by attending the two Asia summits in November. Currently he is busy grappling with other issues: For instance, he just threatened to pull the US out of the WTO, claiming it treats his country unfairly. He also has to prepare for the midterm elections.
Read more: