Cheng-Chwee Kuik, a professor at the National University of Malaysia, notes that while a second Trump administration’s foreign policy is likely to adopt a transactional approach and distance itself from multilateralism, its impact on allies and partner states in Asia could differ substantially. He identifies ASEAN countries' commitment to neutrality amidst U.S.-China rivalry as a pragmatic survival strategy and observes that South Korea, in navigating geopolitical uncertainties, is similarly diversifying its partnerships, reflecting a parallel approach to that of ASEAN. Kuik highlights the need to strengthen solidarity between South Korea and ASEAN, emphasizing opportunities for collaboration grounded in shared historical experiences, cultural exchanges, and aligned strategic interests. |
