Asia must take charge of its future

Great damage has already been done to America and its people by his abrasive rhetoric. He has unleashed American deep-seated fears and most of all their perceived views and relations with the rest of the world.
However, the most amazing aspect of Trump’s vitriol and profanity is that it keeps going on and on, feeding a media-frenzy society. Literally, nobody can stop Trump from saying what he wants to say. Whenever his outrageous comments reach a hungry media, they are magnified a hundred-fold in a matter of seconds. The result is a template for all to see and hear – something only the American democracy can afford to have. After media post-mortems repeatedly ridicule his numerous erroneous claims, instead of self-correcting, he chooses to dig in and reiterate what has been declared even more ferociously. His comments on President Obama as the founder of ISIS – and on support for the Second Amendment – were two typical examples.
As a rule, Trump will never recant what comes out of his mouth – again it does not matter if his views are pure slander. To say sorry during the presidential competition would be a sign of weakness. He knows the minds of working-class Americans who love the home-grown, blonde-haired maverick who says anything, regardless of its unintended consequences. A lot of it is prepackaged PR stuff. These seemingly impromptu comments were designed to draw as much flak as possible.
In Thailand, we are all too familiar with this strategy, as it has been widely used frequently by Thai politicians. This maneouvring is very populist at heart – saying something people want to hear, stressing on their fears. Hundreds of Thai politicians get elected that way.
For Americans, the current presidential election could have far-reaching implications for the country’s global role. The next president also has to address critical domestic issues that were raised and commented on throughout the campaign. Shifts in stances and policies are expected. For instance, immigration regulations will be tougher in future. Any refugee intake from the Middle East will be more restrictive than before due to a fear of extremist infiltration.
In the case of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), if President Barack Obama cannot push his historic free-trade deal through Congress before leaving the White House by the year-end, it is questionable whether it could survive the next presidency. Despite her earlier support, Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has already changed her position regarding the TPP due to strong objections from her colleagues and supporters.
Most importantly, the US’s overall future relations with Asia will be under a microscope given the residue of the presidential campaign’s anti-Asia rhetoric. Trump has tried to paint Asia as a bunch of selfish nations that enjoy a free ride on security matters. China, Japan and South Korea have been the main targets. He has successfully indoctrinated American voters into thinking that their interests and values are losing out big-time every day, trading with China and the rest of the world. To Trump, China is the biggest culprit.
For ordinary folks, it is hard to understand the complexities of globalisation and connectivity, especially issues outside their everyday lives. For instance, how many Americans in rural areas would know that China is holding a trillion dollars in American bonds, which has kept the US economy functioning in a normal way?
The TPP would benefit US companies and investments, generating more jobs and accessing global markets for American exports. That explains why it was not easy to get Asian countries on board. Trump has demonised foreigners, even though he has gained a worldwide reputation for hosting his franchise Miss Universe pageants.
It is incumbent on Asia and its leaders to do some soul-searching about US role in this region.
The time has come for Asian countries to get together and search for a new paradigm in their relations, especially in economic and security areas.
For over 70 years after the Great Pacific War, the US has been the sole guarantor of security and stability in the region – and it is still pivotal. However, given the prevailing mood in America, Asian countries must become masters of their own destiny. If the coming century is to be truly an Asian Century, then Asian countries must get their acts together, overcoming historical enmity first and foremost – and forge a new future that is more cohesive and less fragmented.
To jump-start this trend, two mega-Asian schemes must be completed. First, the Asean-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) must be finalised as soon as possible to shore up Asian economic power. China, Japan, Korea and India, as well as Australia and New Zealand, must demonstrate political will and leadership to push for this comprehensive free-trade framework that does not ignore a social safety net. The RCEP was intended for completion by the end of last year.
Beyond economic matters, the maritime disputes in the Pacific-wide region must be settled peacefully. Top of the list is the South China Sea dispute, which can now be managed as China and Philippines have already engaged in official bilateral dialogues. Both sides should take their time in ironing out their differences. Other claimants have bilateral and Asean frameworks to settle specific issues and forge joint development cooperation.
Strange but true, the overall atmosphere in the region after The Hague ruling is more conducive than before, despite strong reactions at official levels. It is not wrong to say that drafting the code of conduct (COC) in the South China Sea has entered a third phase, which will focus on substance and commonalities. It is expected that the COC will be completed by next year. Both Asean and China now have their best chance to rejuvenate the trust-building process and focus on the low-hanging fruit on their own.
Realistically speaking, Trump’s hateful rhetoric is likely to continue and play out in the American political arena and media – as well as being used by right-wing lawmakers. Indeed, Asian leaders must adopt common strategies to mitigate these unavoidable trends and fully enshrine Asian future in Asian hands.