President Biden asserted during Thursday night’s debate that the United States is the “envy of the world,” a statement that was met with skepticism by many observers in Asia. Analysts in Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, and beyond expressed concerns about the performance of both President Biden and former President Trump, with some even calling the debate an “unmitigated disaster.”
Chan Heng Chee, Singapore’s former ambassador to the United States, noted a decline in the quality of the debates compared to previous ones. The disjointed performance of President Biden and the aggressive attacks by former President Trump left many questioning the ability of the U.S. to serve as a reliable global partner.
In Japan and South Korea, analysts detected a shift in support towards Trump, raising doubts about Biden’s age and leadership capabilities. Some even speculated about the possibility of a second Trump administration.
The debate also reignited concerns about Trump’s transactional approach to international relations, particularly his reluctance to invest in allies. Japanese policymakers are reportedly preparing for a potential Trump re-election by strengthening institutional ties to safeguard against any drastic policy changes.
If Trump secures another term, Japan may feel more secure in its defense commitments, as his previous visits to the country influenced increased military spending and acquisitions. However, concerns persist across the region about how Trump’s presidency could impact stability in Asia, especially regarding tensions with China.
Analysts predict that a Trump victory would lead to a more assertive U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific region, potentially at the expense of alliances and partnerships. There are also fears that Trump may neglect key commitments, such as supporting Taiwan, due to his transactional leadership style.
In China, the debate sparked discussions about U.S.-China relations, with observers anticipating a continuation of tough policies towards China regardless of the election outcome. The stock of a Chinese company with a name referencing Trump surged following the debate, indicating market optimism about a Trump victory.
Overall, the debate left many in the region feeling uncertain about the future of U.S. leadership. Foreign policy experts emphasized the need for a clear and steady U.S. presence in the region, regardless of who wins the election.
Experts from various countries in Asia expressed concerns about the lack of strong leadership in American politics and emphasized the importance of developing independent foreign policy visions. The contrasting styles of President Biden and former President Trump have created new challenges for managing relationships with the U.S., highlighting the need for a more moderate and consistent approach from the United States.
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