US reduces role in Asia’s defense but expects alignment of interests — analyst
The United States may shift more responsibility for defense onto its Asian allies, but expects its security partnerships to align with Washington’s interests. CNBC Top News reports, citing experts.
Conditions for regional cooperation
Derek Grossman, a professor of political science at the University of Southern California, said that as US involvement in Asia declines, regional allies will bear greater responsibility for their own defense. According to him, Washington is prepared to accept countries’ activity without direct US participation if their actions align with US interests.
Grossman cited potential security cooperation among Australia, the Philippines and Japan without US participation as an acceptable example, as Washington trusts these countries. At the same time, he called a possible rapprochement between Japan, China and Russia a problem.
Exercises with South Korea
The analyst’s comments came after US President Donald Trump again called for a substantial reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea. According to CNBC, he cited the cost of the exercises, Seoul’s refusal to support US military efforts against Iran, and his good relations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
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This week, the US military also decided to cancel joint Marine Corps exercises with South Korea scheduled for next month. CNBC noted that the reason was restrictions related to the war in Iran.
Defense of Taiwan
Jennifer Kavanagh, a senior fellow and director of military analysis at Defense Priorities, suggested that US allies would increase military spending, invest in their own defense and seek new partners among neighboring states. In her view, regional formats without US participation may eventually become a fallback option for US allies.
Grossman also said that the current US administration is focused on defending Taiwan while systematically lowering the priority of other parts of Asia. He questioned whether the United States would be able to effectively defend Taiwan while simultaneously waging a war in Iran and expending munitions there.
