Biden or Trump: Asian countries care little for electoral chaos in the US
Governments, public opinion and markets were prepared for the worst. The leadership in the two Koreas would like Trump's re-election, similarly Japan. According to the Indians, the outcome of the vote will have no impact on relations with Washington. Vietnam and Taiwan want the re-election of "The Donald", capable of standing up to China.
Hong Kong (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Asian countries do not seem concerned by the uncertain outcome of the US elections: after four years of the Trump administration they have become accustomed to the uncertainty that characterizes Washington’s politics. According to analysts and experts, leaders, public opinion and markets were prepared for the worst.
In the eyes of many governments on the continent, Democratic candidate Joe Biden's victory is preferable as he is seen as a "more predictable" leader; at the same time, despite his unorthodox ways, Donald Trump is viewed more favourably for showing he can stand up to China.
Some analysts say the preference is for the outgoing president in the halls of power of the two Koreas: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Southern President Moon Jae-in still focus on Trump's "direct" diplomatic approach to the region. However, South Korean public opinion would like a change, given the threat from "The Donald" to reduce military support to Seoul.
In India, the impression is that the trajectory of relations with Washington will not change, regardless of who wins the electoral contest. The two countries will continue to strengthen bilateral relations, especially cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region to counter a possible Chinese advance.
Observers in Australia fear instead that the internal instability in the US extends to foreign policy, with a domino effect that would alter the balance in some sensitive areas of Asia, such as the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, where the geopolitical weight of China is growing strongly.
Political leaders in Japan seem to be hoping for a victory for the Republican candidate, while the bulk of the population leans towards Biden. Vietnam prefers the tycoon's reappointment, given hi tough stance on China, which is the same reason why Trump is preferred to the Democratic candidate in Taiwan.
The leadership in Thailand is also hoping for Trump's triumph: the White House tenant has normalized relations with the "coup" government of former General Prayuth Chan-ocha, who fears that a Biden administration could adopt a rhetoric in favour of the democracy and human rights.
In Indonesia, experts think the final result will have only a temporary impact on the country's politics and economy.
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26/11/2020 10:33
