Asia Pacific leaders strengthen ties with Trump following his re-election

Asia Pacific leaders are strengthening ties with Donald Trump after his re-election as U.S. president. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other leaders expressed hopes for closer alliances, while Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for superpowers to coexist peacefully. Despite the positive rhetoric, concerns remain about Trump's unpredictable foreign policy and its impact on regional security. Allies like South Korea and Japan seek U.S. support against threats from North Korea and China, while the Philippines and Indonesia balance relations with both superpowers. Taiwan faces uncertainty as it relies on U.S. support against China. Trump previously suggested Taiwan should increase its defense spending significantly. The island's leaders are cautious, fearing it may become a bargaining chip in U.S.-China negotiations.