Recent US moves have sent shockwaves across Asia. The US, brandishing its tariff stick, is threatening new tariffs even to longtime allies like Japan and South Korea. As the global supply chain reshapes and multilateral trade systems waver, Asian nations are thrust into a roller-coaster of uncertainty 🚀.
For decades, the US has played a pivotal role in Asia’s security affairs – establishing military bases in Guam, meddling in issues concerning the South China Sea and the Taiwan region, and forming exclusive blocs under its "America First" mantra. This approach has many asking: Is the US a reliable partner, or merely a wildcard in an increasingly complex game?
Recent surveys underline the growing skepticism. The Southeast Asia State of Affairs Report 2024 revealed that trust in the US among several Southeast Asian nations dropped nearly 12 percentage points compared to 2023. Meanwhile, a June 2025 poll by Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun recorded trust levels at just 22% – the lowest since 2000 😲.
Amid these twists and turns, Asia stands at a crossroads. The region is grappling with anxiety and confusion as it seeks a clear path forward in a shifting political and economic landscape. Stay tuned as this epic story of change and resilience continues to unfold!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
