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5 takeaways for Asia from Trump’s new national security strategy

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US President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, Nov. 25, 2025. His updated National Security Strategy elevates the Western Hemisphere as America’s highest priority. PHOTO: TOM BRENNER/NYTIMES

US President Donald Trump's updated National Security Strategy elevates the Western Hemisphere as America’s highest priority.

PHOTO: TOM BRENNER/NYTIMES

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  • The US National Security Strategy prioritises the Western Hemisphere, focusing on curbing migration and countering China's influence.
  • The strategy shifts away from promoting democracy and global dominance, now prioritising a "mutually advantageous economic relationship with Beijing".
  • The US aims to deter conflict over Taiwan, maintaining military strength and cooperation with allies to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

AI generated

Asia plays second fiddle to the Americas, which are framed as priority theatre for the US in President Donald Trump’s newly released

National Security Strategy (NSS)

.

The strategy, which departed from some traditional American foreign policy staples, was contained in a 29-page document released with little fanfare on Dec 4. 

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