Trump's call for Asia-Pacific allies to raise defence spending may backfire on US
Donald Trump's demands that America's Asia-Pacific allies share more of the defense burden have renewed questions about how far they can rely on Washington to help deter threats like China and North Korea. Analysts say the shift could eventually weaken US dominance in the global arms trade.
US President Donald Trump's demands that Asia-Pacific allies raise their defense spending have renewed concerns in the region about how far they can rely on Washington to help deter threats such as China and North Korea. That uncertainty is pushing several countries to focus more heavily on developing their own defense industries.
Analysts say the shift toward building indigenous weapons production capacity could eventually weaken America's dominant position in the global arms trade. A recently released National Security Strategy document has deepened questions over the depth of Washington's commitment.
The regional push toward domestic defense industries raises the risk of market share losses for US arms manufacturers over the medium term. Experts say allies' search for greater autonomy could have lasting consequences for Washington's strategic influence across the Asia-Pacific.
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