U.S. policies strain ties with key trade partners, Malaysian scholar says

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Recent trade policies by the United States are straining ties with its key trade partners, a Malaysian scholar said recently.

Such actions are forcing groupings like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to reevaluate its position as the room to act neutrally and independently shrinks, Chairman of the Center for New Inclusive Asia Ong Tee Keat said at the recent "China, U.S., Malaysia: Challenges Ahead" forum.

Under the current U.S. government, tariffs have been weaponized, not merely to address trade deficits, but to coerce foreign and trade policy alignment from partners...(and) have evolved into a blunt geopolitical instrument, serving hegemonic ambition rather than reciprocal benefit, he said.

"The unilateral tariffs imposed by Washington are now being leveraged to compel compliance, in addition to undermining economic sovereignty," he said. Enditem