On December 4, US President Donald Trump released the new United States National Security Strategy. While the Philippines is not named directly, Southeast Asia is now closer to the center of US security planning than at any point in recent decades. With this comes new risks.
More than a political choice, it appears geography is pulling the region toward the frontline of a global rivalry it does not control.
An "America First" Strategy
Under President Trump, America's security strategy moves away from broad promises about global leadership. Instead, it adopts a narrower, interest-focused view of power that aligns with Trump's "America First" platform. The United States commits less in words and asks more from allies.
The strategy focuses heavily on limiting China's influence. In particular, it mentions the First Island Chain, a line of islands that runs from Japan to Taiwan and down to the Philippines. For the United States, this area matters because it is
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