Sorry Asean, Trump’s return may sideline South-east Asia’s economic aspirations
His focus on China and bilateral, transactional tendencies could undermine Asean’s hopes of being recognised as a unified bloc with significant economic clout
Add BT as a preferred source
DESPITE being Asean’s largest foreign investor, the US is expected to put the bloc on the back-burner – trade-wise – as the Trump administration makes a return, dashing the group’s hope of being viewed by world superpowers as an economic heavyweight.
In short, Asean should manage its expectations, observers have said.
Dominated by China hawks and US president-elect Donald Trump’s loyalists, the incoming administration threatens to knock off-keel US-Asean relations, often likened to a three-legged stool held up by defence, economic and diplomatic relations.
TRENDING NOW
On the board but frozen out: The Taib family feud tearing Sarawak construction giant apart
Is it time to scrap COE categories for cars?
Thai and Vietnamese farmers may stop planting rice because of the Iran war. Here’s why
As more Asean states turn to Russia for fuel, will Moscow boost its influence in the region?
