2021: HOPES & CHALLENGES

Hard choices await Asia

Biden's moves will be closely watched for their impact on US-China ties and the region

With his vast experience, US President-elect Joe Biden comes better prepared for office than almost any other American president in a century. PHOTO: REUTERS Mr Xi Jinping and Mr Joe Biden watching a dragon dance at the International Studies Learning
With his vast experience, US President-elect Joe Biden comes better prepared for office than almost any other American president in a century. PHOTO: REUTERS
With his vast experience, US President-elect Joe Biden comes better prepared for office than almost any other American president in a century. PHOTO: REUTERS Mr Xi Jinping and Mr Joe Biden watching a dragon dance at the International Studies Learning
Mr Xi Jinping and Mr Joe Biden watching a dragon dance at the International Studies Learning Centre in South Gate, California, in February 2012. Both men were then vice-presidents of their countries.PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
Leaders meeting via video link at the 4th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit last November. The RCEP is a defining moment for a China-led Asian order, says the writer.
Leaders meeting via video link at the 4th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit last November. The RCEP is a defining moment for a China-led Asian order, says the writer.PHOTO: REUTERS
Associate Editor
  • Published
    Jan 2, 2021, 5:00 am SGT
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Asians should have a better sense of where their collective destinies are headed in a few months from now.

In less than three weeks, Mr Joe Biden, who was vice-president of the United States when Mr Barack Obama fashioned the rebalance to Asia, takes charge of the nation. At his side will be America's first woman vice-president, who is of Asian and African-American descent.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 02, 2021, with the headline 'Hard choices await Asia'. Subscribe
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