Will it be Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow?

How Donald Trump’s about-turn in Europe will affect Asia

THE EARTHQUAKE in transatlantic relations caused by President Donald Trump’s looming abandonment of Ukraine seemed to cause barely a ripple in the Pacific, where America’s generals and securocrats at the Honolulu Defence Forum emphasised the importance of boosting Asian allies. Perhaps, suggested one attending South Korean, cutting a deal with Russia will allow America to focus on deterring the might of China.

This article appeared in the International section of the print edition under the headline “Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow?”

From the February 22nd 2025 edition

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