Trump Seen Weakening US Clout in China’s Backyard, Report Warns

Tariffs, aid cuts and visa limits under Donald Trump’s foreign policy are eroding US influence in Southeast Asia, where China is increasingly seen as dominant, the Sydney-based Lowy Institute said in a report.

In its “Southeast Asia Influence Index” released Wednesday, the think tank ranks Washington behind Beijing as the region’s most influential external partner, citing “patchy” diplomacy. China, by contrast, has entrenched itself across the region with consistent trade, investment and diplomatic efforts.

“China is everywhere in Southeast Asia,” the report says, assessing partners on trade, investment and defense. “The United States, by contrast, shows two differing ...