As analysts pore over US President-elect Joe Biden's Cabinet picks for signs of what to expect by way of Asia policy directions, let us consider the other side of the coin - what awaits the new administration as it gets down to changing course and resetting relations with regional friends and allies after four years of Trumpian upheavals.

The initial signs seem reassuring. Mr Biden has stated in no uncertain terms that he wishes to rebuild ties with the region. His nominee for Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is a seasoned diplomat, a multilateralist praised as a safe pair of hands.