OPINION:
President Trump’s meetings in East Asia last week did more to enhance our relationship with a few allies and partners in the region than the past 15 years of talking about a “pivot to Asia” combined.
Yes, waving the American flag and having the president interact with counterparts is an important part of diplomacy at the highest level. It has an impact because it shows that the U.S. values its relationships with allies and partners and will be there for them, regardless of the cost.
So Mr. Trump’s visit to the region was more than tariffs and trade. It was about relationships that principally deal with national security.
Mr. Trump’s meetings with Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung were particularly noteworthy. The U.S. and Japan signed security and economic measures, as well as a memorandum of cooperation, to expand cooperation on shipbuilding and critical minerals supply chains, an apparent initiative aimed at reducing reliance on China for rare earth and other critical minerals. More important, it established a positive relationship with Ms. Takaichi, ensuring we remain close allies.
With South Korea, U.S. approval to develop nuclear-powered submarines using U.S. technology and facilities was a major U.S. decision, as South Korea joined a select few states that operate nuclear-propulsion submarines. A few particulars related to the fuel and safeguard agreements will have to be addressed, but the bottom line is that within a few years, South Korea will have nuclear-powered submarines (with conventional weapons), a major enhancement of the country’s deterrent capabilities.
South Korea also committed to purchasing large quantities of U.S. energy — oil and gas — and a $350 billion trade and investment agreement.
The highly anticipated meeting between Mr. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping was significant, although its substance was underwhelming. China agreed to resume purchasing U.S. soybeans and suspend planned export restrictions on rare earth minerals for one year while committing to greater cooperation on the trafficking of fentanyl precursor chemicals. In return, the U.S. reduced tariffs on Chinese products from 57% to 47%.
The U.S. also said it discussed the possible sale of U.S. computer chips to China, although not the latest AI chips. For many, Mr. Trump’s announcement that he will visit China in April, with a subsequent trip to the U.S. by Mr. Xi, was welcomed by many, hoping that a more robust dialogue with China would be in our respective countries’ interests.
Interestingly, there was no mention of Taiwan or potential conflict in the South China Sea. Apparently, the Trump-Xi meeting dealt exclusively with trade and fentanyl-related issues. Or, if these issues were discussed, both agreed that there would be no public statement documenting these discussions.
Mr. Trump’s trip to Malaysia, Japan and South Korea was an important visit of a U.S. president who prides himself on being a peacemaker. In Malaysia, he witnessed the signing of a peace accord between Cambodia and Thailand, one he personally brokered. Indeed, that was how Mr. Trump started his five-day trip to East Asia. He ended it with a request that the U.S. and China help end the war in Ukraine.
This has been a heavy lift for the U.S. and the president personally, who tried to end this war. It’s also a challenge for China, given that China continues to buy Russian oil and reportedly provides machine tools, semiconductors and other dual-use items that help Russia rebuild its defense industry.
Mr. Trump’s trip to East Asia was a success, especially given what he accomplished in South Korea and Japan.
• The author is a former special envoy for six-party talks with North Korea and former director of the National Counterproliferation Center. All statements of fact, opinion and analysis expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official positions or views of the U.S. government. Nothing in the contents should be construed as asserting or implying U.S. government authentication of information or endorsement of the author’s views.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.