Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces the challenge of reassuring Asian allies of U.S. reliability amid regional unease concerning Trump's confrontational stance towards China. Countries in Southeast Asia are reluctant to align with either side amidst a U.S.-China rivalry, exacerbated by Trump's trade war that has undermined trust. Former Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen remarked that U.S. policy shifts have changed its image and that the reduction of U.S. soft power initiatives is detrimental to its diplomatic standing, prompting fears of a chaotic international landscape dominated by coercive tactics.
President Donald Trump's intensifying confrontation with China is a source of unease in the region, with many countries in Southeast Asia eager to not have to pick sides.
The White House's unleashing of a sprawling trade war that slapped tariffs on geopolitical allies and adversaries alike has prompted many long-standing partners to question their trust in the U.S.
Collection
[
|
...
]