Opinion | As it deals with China rivalry, the US must show it can still be trusted to stand by its allies in Asia

Name: Hong Kong and the US: how much do they rely on each other economically?
Uploaded: 2020-06-14T02:30:11.000Z
Duration: 6 min 21 s
Description: Hong Kong and the US: how much do they rely on each other economically?

Asian nations have been disappointed by Washington’s lack of leverage over Beijing

There is a view that Donald Trump is adopting a hardline posture towards China for the upcoming presidential election, and might abandon Asian allies once victory is secured

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US President Donald Trump speaks at a press conference on China as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo listens in the Rose Garden of the White House on May 29. Photo: AFP

Lee Seong-hyon

Published: 10:30am, 14 Jun 2020Updated: 10:35am, 14 Jun 2020

The US-China clash over Hong Kong's national security law is another escalation in the intensifying rivalry between the two titans: the discord over fundamental values and ways of life, not just geopolitical influence. It is increasingly clear that they are locked in a long-term rivalry. And Washington has to decide whether it wants to go it alone or with its allies and partners.

The answer, of course, is obvious. But the US needs to reinstate its leadership in the Indo-Pacific theatre. How the Trump administration will follow up on Hong Kong will be keenly watched not just by Beijing, but also the wider audience in Asia who are in close proximity to the Chinese sphere of influence.

President Donald Trump said his administration would “begin the process” of revoking the US government’s preferential treatment of Hong Kong, including in trade. But, having issued a tough response, the US risks then being weak with its follow-up.

America is suffering a gap in perception: it appears to underestimate how its actions and inaction are interpreted by the rest of the world, which has for decades looked up to it.

Specifically, the US needs to correct two things in the region. First, Asian nations have been disappointed by Washington’s lack of leverage over Beijing. The dynamics of how a great power influences another great power are keenly observed by third-party audiences with respect to the pecking order of international leadership.

06:21

Hong Kong and the US: how much do they rely on each other economically?

Second, Washington should send out a clear and consistent signal – through its actions, not just words – to the region that it will stand by its allies and friends, and that it has staying power in the Indo-Pacific.

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