President Donald Trump visited five different Asian countries over the course of two weeks. During his trip, he met with several Asian leaders, gave speeches, and attended crucial area summits.
It would have been a monumental undertaking for the most experienced politician. The Trump administration has invested more time and capital in Asia than any other region because of North Korea.
Communication has been one of the key factors in the relationship between the United States and Asia. Trump logged more than 40 calls with Asian leaders and met 10 of them in person during first nine months of his presidency.
Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross also traveled to the continent assist the president.
Between North Korea, ISIS, Russia, and Iran, according to Mattis, North Koreas is the greatest security threat to America.
Ever since President Trump removed the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP), he has appeared indecisive. The TTP was a free trade deal that included Asian countries like Japan and Vietnam. Most of the countries Trump has visited have declined to continue two-way trade deals with the United States.
On the other hand, Ross has nearly 30 American companies in Beijing. This has led to numerous new business agreements with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump talked about weapon sales to South Korea and Japan. Due to restrictions on trade, America could now be in a precarious position as they are excluded in other markets. Instead, Japan is seeking agreements with the European Union and other countries that are still part of the trade agreement. Japan is cautious about trade with the U.S. because Trump tampered with agricultural retail coming from the United States export.
It was unclear, at first, whether or not the president was turning his back on the countries. He has also exhibited resistance toward some countries in the North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump’s actions seem to counter his claims that he wants the trade to be free and fair. This makes other countries leary of the United States
The U.S. Commerce Department of Trade will maintain China’s status as a non-market economy. In its memo dated, October 26, 2017, the department contends that the Chinese “role in the economy and its relationship with markets and the private sector results in fundamental distortions in China’s economy,” according to The Diplomat news blog.
On Tuesday, November 14, Trump returned to the United States. During his speech to the legislators in South Korea, he talked about his obligation to protect America’s national security. He also stated was against the loss of trade with the Asian country.
Previously, Trump tweeted about there being a change in the rules and how they need to hinder any trading loss. He said he is trying to make a great deal for America.
Trump has insulted former President Barrack Obama for guiding a “post-American” world for quite some time. Now, since he is the current president, he has seen how trading with other countries can benefit the United States.
Written by Antwon Rogers
Edited by Cathy Milne
Sources:
NPR: 3 Central Questions As President Trump Visits Asia
Politico: Trump’s Asia trip highlights lack of trade deals
The Washington Post: Trump’s Asia trip was hardly the success he says it was
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Bill Green’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License