Southeast Asia prepares for Trump's possible White House comeback in 2025
Trumpʼs potential return to presidency brings new dynamics to Southeast Asian politics. His focus on China containment and less attention to democratic values could reshape regional partnerships
In early-25‚ Donald Trumpʼs possible White House return might change US-Southeast Asia relations. His Indo-pacific plan (focused on China containment) could bring different outcomes for regional players
The Philippines and Vietnam stand to gain the most from this shift. Both nations face Chinese pressure in disputed waters‚ with Manilaʼs situation being extra-tough: Ferdinand Marcos Jr wants strong US backing against Beijingʼs moves near Second Thomas Shoal; while Hanoi seeks military help without direct confrontation
Weʼve worked with the Trump administration before … Iʼm not so much concerned
Malaysia faces a mixed bag: good news for maritime defense but worries about trade rules and Middle-east policy. Meanwhile Prabowo Subiantoʼs Indonesia tries to keep good ties with both super-powers - last month he visited Beijing and DC showing its balanced approach
Other nations views differ based on their needs:
- Cambodia wants less talk about democracy
- Laos seeks economic deals
- Myanmar hopes for reduced pressure about rights
- Singapore accepts the situation as manageable
- Thailand tries to keep its historical China links
Trumpʼs team might keep working with mini-groups like AUKUS and the Squad (even though he didnt care much for ASEAN meetings in his first term). His style - doing deals without pushing for democracy - could help get more countries on US side against China in south-east asia
