Trump's 'America first' policy may turn into 'China first'

US president's protectionist stance and climate change pronouncement are giving China a gigantic opportunity to move across Asia into a leadership role.

Published Mon, Jun 5, 2017 · 09:50 PM

Donald Trump

PRESIDENT Donald Trump's relationships with Russia and his sympathies, real and alleged, with President Vladimir Putin have attracted much attention. Another plausible candidate for a "friend of Trump" accolade is President Xi Jinping of China. Many of Mr Trump's actions since his inauguration on Jan 20 are likely, directly or indirectly, to strengthen Beijing's international position.

Mr Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate change accord weakens overall momentum behind lowering carbon emissions and quelling global warming. But the …