Can the US be counted on for Asia security? Crisis report casts doubt, warns of arms race

Return of Trump and his America-first policy seen to be source of anxiety for many partners and allies

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US President Donald Trump steps off Marine One after landing on the South Lawn of the White House on Thursday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 1:28pm, 23 May 2025Updated: 3:29pm, 23 May 2025

Chinese advancements and inconsistent signalling by the United States under Donald Trump’s presidency are stoking concerns among allies and partners in Asia that Washington may not be a reliable guarantor of regional security, according to a report.

This perception has led to increased militarisation across the region – a trend that was likely to intensify, stated the report by the independent non-profit International Crisis Group (ICG) this month.

Titled “Asia in flux: the US, China and the search for a new equilibrium”, the report called on Washington and Beijing to work together to manage the risk of unintended escalation which could generate a regional arms race.

This could be done by strengthening military communication channels and engaging in high-level strategic exchanges, it suggested, although it pointed to Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs as obstacles to diplomatic progress.

Speaking on Friday at an online event on the report, Huong Le Thu, Asia deputy programme director at the ICG said the current unpredictability in the geopolitical situation “is the new normal”.

“The return of President Trump and his America-first foreign policy has been a source of anxiety for many allies and partners in the region including Asia,” she warned.

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