America risks making frenemies of old allies

AMERICA seems to have no friends these days, only frenemies. That is not a reflection on the rest of the world, but rather on the Trump administration.

In the current age of great power conflict, the US desperately needs solid allies to help it re-industrialise and counter both China’s economic and political influence and Russia’s growing aggression in Europe, both of which have been on display recently. But for every step forward, this White House takes two steps back.

Consider the recent US-Japan investment “alliance”, in which one of America’s greatest allies in Asia will have to accept 15 per cent tariffs in exchange for the privilege of pouring US$550 billion into the US economy. Even after recouping its investment, it will reap just 10 per cent of the ultimate gains.