Asia Fears Trump Might Trade Security for China Deals

Asian nations are worried that President Donald Trump may exchange longstanding security commitments for better economic terms with China during his planned summit with Xi Jinping this week. These middle powers, which depend on U.S. military guarantees and regional stability, fear being sidelined in a potential deal between the two leaders. The meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions over trade imbalances and territorial disputes. For years, the United States has served as a security anchor for many Asian countries, offering protection against Beijing’s growing assertiveness. Now, these allies are watching closely to see if short-term economic gains could undermine that foundation.