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Eye on Asia | Trump’s climate denial and tariffs are a problem for Europe and Asia. Here’s what they can do about it
- ‘America first’ has set traditional US partners on edge, and it’s in both regions’ interests to keep Washington engaged
- Both, however, also need deeper bilateral ties, and to work towards a new, unprecedentedly large trade bloc
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In Brussels, Beijing and Bangkok, concerns over US President Donald Trump’s “America First” policies dominate. But while stable ties with Washington are vital for both Europe and Asia, it’s time to inject more effort into Europe-Asia relations.
Policymakers, military strategists and business leaders in Asia and Europe need to work on two fronts. First, they must use their collective heft to try bringing the US back into the global conversation on trade and the climate. Second, they should take a serious look at enhancing region-to-region ties.
Trump makes no secret of his suspicion of multilateral deals and both China and Europe hope to avoid a new round of punitive US tariffs. Chinese policymakers know, however, that tensions in US-China relations stretch far beyond trade.
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And while a halt to damaging tit-for-tat tariff wars is necessary, bilateral deals weaken an already fragile multilateral trading system and endanger global economic growth.
A US delegation led by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross attended last week’s East Asia Summit in Bangkok, but Trump’s decision to stay away added to growing concerns about Washington’s long-term commitment to the region. The cancellation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit – which Trump planned to attend – adds to Asian anxieties.
However, the region’s leaders are stepping up contacts and deepening their bilateral and regional conversations. Efforts to clinch the mammoth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) represent one such example.
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