politics

Asian media decry isolationist Trump, fear economic, diplomatic turmoil

54 Comments
By Elaine Lies

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2017.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

54 Comments
Login to comment

Don't see what's the problem. It's time for Asia to wean of the US. US will be a very isolated country in 4 years time. Asian countries should concentrate on building strong Asia with or without US. India and China alone has 2 billion people. Lifting Asia out of poverty with environment and natural resources in mind should be top priority of the region. Eventually all of Asia can become middle class and will sustain responsible consumption. If all Asian countries can become self-sustaining using clean energy, it's more power to them.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@ vinarius@pm.catv.ne.jp,

What the hell are you talking about?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

No need to fight, it is time for the white Americans to prove that the can work, at the same salaries and terms as the working Chinese in China, Vietnam, Thailand and produce IN America, I have no problem with that. At the same time all countries supporting America with cheap produce should stop and buy only their own products made by their country. Follow Trump policy for yr own country , head of states of Japan , China or anywhere else. Like Trump say, lets make America great again. It means Ameica is no more great at this moment, only the heads of states living in the past are still thinking America is great.

Wake up people esp the so called intelligents ones.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Well Abe has already made some pre-emptive moves in this regard by improving relations with the Philippines and Indonesia this past week. Japan should focus on becoming entrenched in Asia going forward

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Put the American first

There are two types of Americans for Trump to choose priority. Consumers and Manufacturing unions.

If Trump will impose the high tariff on imported raw materials, components, parts and finished goods, American consumers will suffer because they have to spend more for products and produces whether imported or locally made.

Although there will be more jobs opportunities for American manufacturing industry, profitability is questionable. If there are no profits, companies will not survive for a long time. The consequence is vicious cycle of unemployment for blue collars.

Steve George of Apple founder will not impress about Trump nationalistic tone. For getting high quality product like Ipone or Ipad, multi national talents and skills have to be combined.

iPhone needs China raw materials, South Korea LG screen, Taiwan memory chips, Japan components and US software. Even Ipone will move back to US for assembling, multi nations will still involve for processing.

Trump will make America broke again with medieval ideology.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

There is a difference between "isolationism" and "nationalism", just as the words are different.

This article by using isolation instead of the nationalism that Trump has stated in his theme, America First. It has nothing to do with isolation. It has to do with putting priority to American interest before others.

That is exactly what every nation in the world has been doing.

The article obviously is using "fear" and "bias" to influence world opinion. Interestingly the writer is Elaine Lies. It has invited arguments and discussion that is extremely controversial, when it does not have to be.

Please, be very careful of what is written and relate exactly where the article is coming from and exactly what was being said and done.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

So ignore me. If you don't reply to me, I can't reply to your non-existent reply. But if you engage in discourse with me, you are playing the game yourself which leaves you no position from which to be holier than thou.

You'll notice that unlike you, I don't make personal insults against you. I just present my argument.

So don't expect me to feel bad for you.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

President Trump never blames Russia ,was he ? The new G3 group is US.,UK &Russia.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Facsim, Socialism, Dictatorships, and in this case, an Oligarchy.

The politics of the People's Republic of China takes places in a framework of a socialist republic run by a single party, the Communist Party of China. State power within the People's Republic of China (PRC) is exercised through the Communist Party, the Central People's Government and their provincial and local representation. The Communist Party of China uses Internal Reference to manage and monitor internal disagreements among the people of People's Republic of China. < https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_China>

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yet Trump's entire clothing line is manufactured in either China, Mexico or Bangladesh...

2 ( +2 / -0 )

You're the only one who has made any reference to that. The rest of us know there are more than two political structures than democracy and communism.

Oh, pray tell, what structure exactly am I missing?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

it can reconfigure quickly and rebound. For any country to do so, it has to focus on itself first that was before Russia decided to use it military might to push back and China economic might to counter American influence in the Asia region. Make no mistake America wont be able to get its way as easily as it once did, and whether you love/hate China/Russia this is a good thing.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Hi Disillusioned, Most of the G7 in one way or another, through non-tariff, regulatory, or the imposition of restrictive practices, already do, neatly dressed as fair trade directives.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Although Trump's policies seem unpopular, many countries' leaders could do well following his "our country first" policy. Isn't that what they are elected to do?

Yes and no.

In my business, I get many requests from potential customers, some of whom are out to get the best deal they can at any cost. This however is not beneficial to my business, as by going as cheap as possible, it means I cannot pay my staff as much, and the quality of product we develop in turn suffers, meaning the client gets a lesser quality product. To take that to a further extreme, if I go so cheap that I cannot support the company, I have to fold it, and the customer loses out on our product altogether.

I also get requests from other customers who are willing to pay more, and want to see a win-win situation, where they get a good quality product, and I make enough money to pay my staff well, and have a successful business. In this way I can provide long-term quality support for a quality product.

The first type of customer is a 'us first' customer. The second type is a 'mutual benefit' type of customer. The first type of customer not only does their 'opponent' no good, they do themselves a disservice since they end up with less. The second type of customer is working for the good of both parties, which means both parties go further.

Trump is going for an 'us first' type of relationship with all countries. This is only going to hurt the US over time, as we have a global economy, and other countries are going to just stop treating with the US in such a case. But those countries will all continue trading with each other, leaving the US playing by itself in the corner.

Sometimes getting the most for yourself means also ensuring that the person you are treating with gets more as well.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Although Trump's policies seem unpopular, many countries' leaders could do well following his "our country first" policy. Isn't that what they are elected to do?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Asian media decry isolationist Trump, fear economic, diplomatic turmoil

So the Asian media just made the list of things Trump supporters now hate with a passion.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I agree that USA should put priority on their own problems but to 'blame' China and other countries for stealing American jobs is ridiculous. Nobody forced Trump to have his ties made in China. The companies choose to move abroad. This is like giving your wallet to someone, and then accusing them of stealing it from right under your nose.

Yeah, sure, bring the jobs back home, but don't expect price of goods to remain as they are. Manpower costs!

4 ( +5 / -1 )

All I'll say is: "It's about time!"

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I agree nishikat, President Trump contempt for Mexico is irrational as the North American Free Trade Agreement came into force in 1995, all parties having signed the trade agreement in good faith.

For Germany, and Japan that have cunningly diversified there manufacture, production, and supply chain strategy to encompass and overlap investment in both the US and Mexico,any imposition of barriers or tariffs could have as much a negative effect on investment and jobs to the US economy as the perpetrators.

I can up to a point sympathize with the principle when analyzing and taking into account the balance of trade, the value of export goods and services. What is lacking is any diplomacy, It's a my way or no way form of playground politics.

The dangers to Europe and the German economies are stark. Germany relies heavy on any export driven model that has built up huge surpluses both within the single market and beyond. Failure could certainly be the straw that breaks the camel's back

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Why does the Japanese frustarted with Trump? Japan wants to be the police chief of Asia Pacific region, isn't Trump has yielded such a good opportunity to her ? They should say: Bravo!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

China: "Don't meddle in international affairs. Oh, and don't be isolationist."

Can you show me where they said that? I have a feeling you confused "internal" with "international".

1 ( +1 / -0 )

As in North Korea, the Chinese do not choose their representatives - that is definitely not democratic!

Authoritarian,despotism,autocratic?

Answers on a postcard please!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Vehicle assembly and manufacture is an example

Trump's alarms go off anytime there is talk of Jobs going to Mexico but no other country. More proof that Trump has seething hatred towards that country. Please understand he wants to build a 2000 mile x 50 foot solid concrete wall. It's not going to do much to block illegals. It's more of a symbol that shows he wishes Mexico never existed in the first place.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Putting our nation first! This is what all nations do. It doesn't matter whether it's Japan, Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, and the European countries.

If you don't put your nation first, what nation do you put first?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

t's a free open democracy then....?

You're the only one who has made any reference to that. The rest of us know there are more than two political structures than democracy and communism.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

It would be the pot calling the kettle black for Japan to accuse Trump of being overly nationalist. I mean, seriously? The country where they are planning to have "patriotism class" in schools.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Definitely not worried about any fallout or negativity here in Japan, because Our Leader Abe said -

“ He made time for me, even though he is busy with personnel matters, I am convinced that President-elect Trump is a leader we can trust. ”

So don't worry, be happy.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

is this a case of Japan not seeing the irony of itself towards others?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

UtrackJAN. 22, 2017 - 07:07AM JST President Trump is putting the people of the United States of America first.

Well, for given values of "people" anyway.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Hi PTownsend, I drawn towards a balanced economic approach where manufacture does not become a race to the bottom taking advantage oo counties with the lowest pay.

Hi nishikat, Vehicle assembly and manufacture is an example. The supply chain could be a cross-functional trade off allowing assembly to be US based allowing a more flexible approach to component sourcing.

I am not going to defend Donald Trumps behavior. My interest is debate into the politics both positive and negative of globalization.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

It is time for the Chinese commies to get their butts kicked as they have manipulated currency against World Trade Organization rules. They steal everything as they can not do anything on their own. They are militaristic in the South and east China seas. They threaten world peace and Democracy. Taiwan is under constant threat of Invasion and disruption of Democracy. China needs a good butt-kicking and its time they get it. If they want war we will start in the WTO and get their ways condemned and punished as violators. The WORLD court has ruled against them and they deny it and say they are Law Abiding. They are liars and its time to get on with the trade wars and also to prepare the military for the upcoming war against the RED Commie Scourge that has plagued the people with atrocities of a Regime that is a danger to the world. China must be stopped at all costs including a Nuclear war with them if Necessary as they are the instigators and refuse to play as per Laws and Human Rights. China needs to be brought down to its knees and beg for forgiveness or be ready to pay a severe price. They let North Korea get away with Genocide and war mongering and threats to the peace in Asia, Its time for teh CIA. NSA, Seal Team 1 thru 100 to take that problem of the DPRK out of service and restore peace. Everyone seems afraid of the Big Red Dragon at all costs now before its too late as they build their invasion forces for attacks on Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. They already bought the Philippines and control their Tyrant there. and they are just starting. We the people in the world can stop this as we need to BOYCOTT all made in China products. Put pressure on companies that go to china for cheap labor and selling out Democracies all in the name of greed and local loss of Jobs and livelihoods of their own nations. I am not a Trump fan and despise him on 95% of his beliefs but I admire he has teh nerve to tell the Red Scourge that its over and better start playing as the rules state and accept the International laws and rulings whether for or against them. Its will be interesting and now its not a line in the Sand but a WALL of Freedom and Fair play with humanitarian reasons not Power and ego's that are now disrupting and sent the Nuke Clock to 1 second before midnight. We can not blink or turn our heads as we confront the Communist Scourge of an Authoritarian regime hell bent on world conquest. Time to Free Tibet, Taiwan and the world from the evilness of the PRC and its demigouges before its too late.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

To require foreign car manufactures to build there vehicles in the US marketplace is reasonable and fair.

There is no car that is 100% built in any country. And why just cars? Next we need to address airplanes which are so complicated their parts come from all industrial countries. For example, how do we tax the wings that are made by a Japanese company and in Japan which are then imported to the US Boeing factory to construct the 787s- which are then sold around the world. It will make the 787s more expensive and will be better business for Airbus. Trump is an idiot when it comes to trade. The unemployable trailer trash who voted for him will still remain unemployable anyway. Then it will damage American industry which would do well if left alone.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

A level playing field.

With the degree of 'levelness' to be determined by the most powerful, or perhaps negotiated among the most powerful, who'll ensure the tilt benefits them and the oligarchs in their respective factions.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

There are hints of protectionism because of Donald Trumps unsubtle tone and belligerent delivery. To require foreign car manufactures to build there vehicles in the US marketplace is reasonable and fair. A level playing field.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

China: "Don't meddle in international affairs. Oh, and don't be isolationist."

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Europe needs leadership that can reform and restructure EU's institutions, single market, monetary union/ currency. If Germany was to knee jerk a full on trade war with the Trump administration, coupled with the prospect of a UK government triggering article 50 armed with and waving a perspective FTA with the worlds largest economy any rational economic settlement would go straight out the window.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Swami Vas, I couldn't have said it better myself. Great post!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

SWAMI'S THOUGHTS ON THE SUBJECT: It is rather short-sighted if not selfish to conclude US President Donald Trump is somewhat isolationist in the light of what he said in his inaugural address, He talked of completely eradicating fanatical Islamism from the face of earth, he talked of determining together the course of America and the world for many years to come! ‘Whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood’ in our veins, he said. What’s wrong for a leader, especially a newly elected one, to tell his people the power is being transferred from ‘Washington DC to the people of America’ who he wants to become the rulers of that nation? After all, democracy means participation and participation of the people in the government! What is wrong for a leader to say that the forgotten men and women of his country would be forgotten no longer? What is wrong for a new leader to assert that he together with his countrymen would make his country great again?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

The media in Germany is unhinged to the point of paranoia, Spiegel is centre leftish well respected. journalists that present reasoned unbiased debate, yet below the title alone is boarding on inflammatory fear mongering.

Assault on Europe - Donald Trump and the New World Order .....

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/trump-inauguration-signals-new-world-order-a-1130916.html

If Theresa May, meets President Trump Thursday and returns with a promised future free trade deal and US-UK passporting model it would be reckless, foolhardy and counterproductive.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The US, like very other state throughout history, has always 'put itself first'. It's always followed a pagan ethos (Kaplan) with ever shifting and drifting 'friendships'. This is a world where friendships are based on the 'my friend's enemy...' principle plus of course the principle of what I want and need that you have.

What Trump's doing is ramping up US nationalism, which fits the zeitgeist. He's snookered his followers into believing his words. (Psst You wanna buy a degree from Trump U?) Global trade is NOT going away. Trump and his fellow billionaire globalists are too heavily invested worldwide. Look how many countries Trump and his cabinet members have businesses in.

What Trump's faction of globalists want is greater control of world markets. It's not America first, it's Trump and his global pals first. And if you don't believe him, he's got his little hands on the red button to show you.

Just 70 years ago the world saw nationalism run amok. As always, we're living in interesting times. Maybe a bit too interesting.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Just try to sneak in to Canada, China, Japan, Mexico (just make a mistaken U-turn!!), Korea (either one), Vietnam, or any other country in the world and see how you're welcomed. Protecting borders, eh? President Trump is right. America is fast becoming a third world country! Rioting, burning, looting like a bunch of Africans, cities (Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, NYC) becoming unlivable with litter all over, airports looking like you've arrived in ..... America NEEDS to start putting itself first!! Just like every other country does! You always take care of your own family before you can help someone else. Other nations will benefit when America is prosperous and strong. If we can kick out all these professional life time politicians!

7 ( +12 / -5 )

Let me for a moment present an example of what real leadership ,courage,actually looks like.

Theresa May could take a deep breath, unilaterally postpone Brexit. Unthinkable, unprecedented but an action that would unite Europe and herald a change of political direction.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Please stop with the propaganda that American controlled media, the 6 of them, spread and Japan's media runs with. No news for what Japan does to protect their trade and boarders, labeled as isolationist. The simple points Trump has made are showing he is against the globe agenda and so are many of usA.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

The great thing about America, and I'm not American, is that for such a large nation, it can reconfigure quickly and rebound. For any country to do so, it has to focus on itself first.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

If it weren't for "protectionism" in their home markets, all of these Asian countries would still be in dire poverty. Hypocrites, much?

To cite only one of an endless list, China forces all foreign automakers to form joint ventures with Chinese companies. And the foreign stake is capped below 50%. Trump's most "protectionist" pledges don't come anywhere close to such entrenched practices throughout China and Asia .

Mind you, that's how to grow an economy. Asian GDP numbers and rising living standards are proof of that. More and more people are starting to realize this, and a paradigm shift away from free markets may be coming soon.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

I've been thinking a bit about this, this morning, and I have long been a critic of US Hegemony and meddling in foreign affairs to suit their own agenda. America has always put itself first in practice and deed, just not in word. It has long talked one game, but played another. It chooses it's battles based on maximum potential opportunity and return unto itself. The US is not a peacemaker. It's a money maker.

Donald Trump may have a different concept of what 'putting America first' means, but it's not going to be a new America.

But here's what's really interesting:

What’s crucial is to control and manage disputes and find a way to resolve them,

Places like Asia will have one of two things happen if the US starts leaving them to it. They will either reignite old grievances, or they are going to have to cooperate properly with each other.

Think about what that means for Japan and their relationship with SK and China, and vice versa. Do they genuinely start to behave like good neighbors and get along, or does it all kick off again?

I certainly hope for the former, but I'm a hopeless optimist at times.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Trump said U.S. workers have been devastated by an outflow of jobs overseas,

Will Trump stop having his products made in sweatshops around the world and instead have them made in the US? Will he stop investing in foreign countries and sell his numerous overseas businesses? Will he release info showing where all worldwide he has invested?

@John-san I was just wondering how much influence USA have with India/Pakistan Politically

Excellent question. South Asia seems to have been ignored. I worry about any US involvement during Trump's tenure. Trump's got businesses in India and connections with Indian politicians. China's got huge investments in the region. I wonder about how Afghanistan will be dealt with. Will Russia join with the US in attempts to get its resources?

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Elaine Lies TR article is seditious and disproportionate. Certainly President Trump character has obvious flaws, his attitude and demeanour towards women frankly repulsive.

And Yes, President Trump's inaugural address was uninspiring, isolationist and reeked of protectionism. So how does the global media and our Political leadership react? Like a bunch of headless chickens. President Trump administration presents a challenge, show some dignity, develop a back bone , and rise to the occasion.

Leadership??, it's been a game of politcal musical chairs for over a decade, then one man pops up shouting the odds, and our sharp dressed political elite start bellowing incoherently like big girls blouses.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Unpredictable, unprecedented, scary stuff. Not a fan of Trump , but the Japanese diplomats businessman are going to have to learn to think ( and act! Heaven forbid ) on their feet for a change. Time to get your big boy pants on fellas. Faito!

17 ( +19 / -2 )

I was just wondering how much influence USA have with India/Pakistan Politically.. I wonder the President will continue the same leave of concern with India / Pakistan relationship ?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Trump is not the world's president nor should he be! The rest of the world has to try harder now.....

17 ( +19 / -2 )

President Trump is putting the people of the United States of America first. Just like the Government of Japan should do for the people in Japan.

7 ( +16 / -9 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites