Beyond tariffs, Trump’s pragmatic playbook champions US solutions for ASEAN needs
In 2021, its national carrier began removing Chinese Huawei equipment over national security and trust issues, with help from a US grant. In the Philippines, it is backing the Luzon Economic Corridor, including design work for the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway and supporting the development of a new international airport for the Metro Manila area. In Thailand, the agency is helping a Thai e-commerce company test American artificial intelligence tools for its online platform.Hardy framed the approach as a choice.“This is not a ‘buy American or else’,” he said.
- ▪In 2021, its national carrier began removing Chinese Huawei equipment over national security and trust issues, with help from a US grant.
- ▪In the Philippines, it is backing the Luzon Economic Corridor, including design work for the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway and supporting the development of a new international airport for the Metro Manila area.
- ▪In Thailand, the agency is helping a Thai e-commerce company test American artificial intelligence tools for its online platform.Hardy framed the approach as a choice.“This is not a ‘buy American or else’,” he said.
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News analysisBeyond tariffs, Trump’s pragmatic playbook champions US solutions for ASEAN needsSign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developmentsThe US is ASEAN’s second-largest trading partner, and remains the largest single source of foreign direct investment for the grouping. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOOBhagyashree GarekarandClement TanPublished Jul 26, 2026, 05:00 AMUpdated Jul 26, 2026, 05:00 AMSet as preferred sourceSummariseThe US is shifting its ASEAN strategy to promote American technology and infrastructure, linking trade with national security to counter China and Russia's influence in the region.US Ambassador Kevin Kim emphasises pragmatic engagement with ASEAN, aiming to strengthen regional capacity and cooperation beyond US-China rivalry.US tariffs and policies strain…
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