US' ties with Asian giants closer to status quo now

Culminating a two-day diplomatic blitz, President Donald Trump has assuaged Japanese concerns by reaffirming the US' commitment to its alliance with Tokyo.

Mr Trump and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe heaped praise on each other at a joint press conference in Washington on Friday, prior to flying to Florida for more informal talks and some weekend golf. This came a day after Mr Trump, in a phone call with China's President Xi Jinping, reaffirmed that the US would not change its "one China" policy. Both leaders also invited each other to visit. Mr Trump told reporters the conversation had been "very, very warm" and that both sides "are in the process of getting along very well".

Soon after being elected, Mr Trump, who had during the campaign slammed China's allegedly unfair trade practices, indicated the "one China" policy, in which the US recognises Taiwan as part of China, may be reviewed. He also complained about allies - like Japan - not doing enough in return for the US' security umbrella.

Read the full article at The Straits Times.