Asian nations pulled into China's orbit as Trump puts America first

[DonViejo]

Mon May 1, 2017 | 8:13am EDT

By Martin Petty and Manuel Mogato | MANILA

Across Asia, more and more countries are being pulled into Beijing's orbit, with the timid stance adopted by Southeast Asian nations on the South China Sea at a weekend summit a clear sign this fundamental geostrategic shift is gathering momentum.

U.S. President Donald Trump's flurry of calls at the weekend to the leaders of the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore might cheer those who fear his predecessor Barack Obama's "pivot" to Asia has been abandoned in favor of an "America First" agenda.

But White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said the conversations were aimed at lining up Asian partners in case tensions over North Korea lead to "nuclear and massive destruction in Asia", and mentioned no broader strategic goal.

Southeast Asian nations will need more than that to convince them the United States still has their backs.

In the meantime, some are leaning closer to China, soft-pedalling quarrels over the disputed South China Sea and angling for a slice of Beijing's "One Belt, One Road" infrastructure investment program to compensate for the U.S. abandonment of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact.

more
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-asia-analysis-idUSKBN17X1NE

[gordianot]

1. China is fabulous just fabulous they are great friends of President Trump.

China owns the Korean Peninsula and never had to fire a shot as soon Trump finishes his regularly scheduled meltdown.

[PatrickforO]

2. Trump doesn't have a f-ing clue.

The Chinese will run circles around him, and unfortunately by extension, us.

Maybe he should revisit TPP and renegotiate it transparently, and get rid of the democracy-killing ISDS provisions. China can be kept in check. It isn't too late.

I only wish Obama would have been just a bit more transparent on TPP and maybe more articulate in explaining it. He didn't make many mistakes - to my mind this is one of only two. Otherwise great president and great man.

[geek tragedy]

3. the US doesn't have anyone's backs

After so many dirtbag dumbfuck voters decided that Tr*mp represents their values, it's clear that the US is an unstable state that is no longer a force for good in the world.

[Turbineguy]

4. Gee, who could have seen that coming?