Asia Geopolitics The State of US Asia Policy in the Trump Era, With Special Guest Jim Sciutto
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Nov 11, 2025 
Jim Sciutto, CNN's chief national security correspondent, shares his vast insights on U.S.-Asia policy during the Trump administration. He discusses how Trump's October trip to Asia aimed to stabilize relations and notes the significance of personal connections in U.S.-Japan ties. Sciutto points out the nuanced views Asian countries have on the U.S.-China truce, emphasizing that it's more of a temporary calm. He also highlights potential flashpoints in Asia that could escalate tensions, including interactions around Taiwan.
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Stabilizing Trip, Not Strategic Breakthrough
- Jim Sciutto says Trump's Asia trip was stabilizing and calmed regional fears by restarting talks and limiting immediate escalation.
- The visit reset tensions but did not deliver major structural changes in U.S.-China economic or strategic competition.
Trade War Returned Few Concrete Wins
- Sciutto argues the trade war produced limited gains: China resumed agricultural purchases and won leverage on rare earths.
- He warns tariffs have not clearly forced China to stop longstanding trade practices or IP issues.
Military Hotlines Lower Escalation Risk
- Restarting U.S.-China military-to-military communications matters because it helps defuse small interactions before they escalate.
- Regional actors welcomed calmer channels but remain cautious about long-term predictability.
