As President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office, questions are emerging about the future of U.S. foreign policy under his administration. One region that will be watching closely is Asia, where both allies and adversaries are assessing how the new president’s policies could impact their interests.
Under President Donald Trump, the United States pursued a more confrontational approach towards China, engaging in a trade war and taking a tough stance on issues like human rights and the South China Sea. Many Asian countries welcomed this tougher stance on China, as they shared concerns about Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the region.
However, President-elect Biden is expected to take a more multilateral approach to foreign policy, working closely with allies and partners to address common challenges. This shift could have significant implications for U.S. relations with Asia, as countries in the region may need to adjust to a new style of engagement from Washington.
One issue that is likely to be a key focus for the Biden administration is North Korea. President Trump’s high-profile summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un failed to make significant progress on denuclearization, and tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high. President-elect Biden has indicated that he will take a more cautious approach to North Korea, emphasizing diplomacy and working closely with U.S. allies in the region.
Overall, the Biden administration’s approach to Asia is expected to be more predictable and traditional compared to the unpredictable and unconventional style of President Trump. While this could lead to greater stability and consistency in U.S. foreign policy, it remains to be seen how countries in Asia will respond to the new administration’s policies and priorities.