As the defence chiefs of the US and China head to Singapore to promote their security strategies for the Indo-Pacific, countries in the region face a choice. Yet given their desire for development and cooperation, the US’ focus on exclusivity and rivalry offers little compared to China’s vision of mutual understanding.
How Trump can retain the US’ role as sole superpower while withdrawing from global agreements, contain China while avoiding a new cold war, and display military power while avoiding armed conflict are challenges that will not be easily resolved.