A story of U.S. engagement in Asia in three acts.
Act 1: Today, U.S. released an Indo-Pacific update that begins, “President Donald J. Trump has made U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific region a top priority of his Administration.”
state.gov/wp-content/upl…
Act 1: Today, U.S. released an Indo-Pacific update that begins, “President Donald J. Trump has made U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific region a top priority of his Administration.”
state.gov/wp-content/upl…
Act 2: U.S. declines to send the President, Vice President, or Secretary of State to the East Asia Summit or ASEAN meetings.
Here’s who led U.S. delegation to EAS in last decade:
2010: SECSTATE(S)
2011: POTUS(P)
2012: P
2013: S
2014: P
2015: P
2016: P
2017: S
2018: VP
Here’s who led U.S. delegation to EAS in last decade:
2010: SECSTATE(S)
2011: POTUS(P)
2012: P
2013: S
2014: P
2015: P
2016: P
2017: S
2018: VP
Act 3: ASEAN leaders “unhappy” Trump skipped meeting, downgrade own attendance at ASEAN-U.S. Summit.
In response, U.S. “diplomat” criticizes ASEAN for trying to “embarrass the President” and says “this will be very damaging to ASEAN-U.S. relations.”
japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/11/0…
In response, U.S. “diplomat” criticizes ASEAN for trying to “embarrass the President” and says “this will be very damaging to ASEAN-U.S. relations.”
japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/11/0…
If the administration is serious about shifting its attention to the Indo-Pacific, the first thing it has to do is show up. And listen.
The center of gravity in the competition with China is the alignment of regional states. We have to stop shooting ourselves in the foot. Fin.
The center of gravity in the competition with China is the alignment of regional states. We have to stop shooting ourselves in the foot. Fin.
