Jonathan Stromseth - Mentions and Appearances

The Achilles’ heel of U.S. policy remains economic engagement, with China far outpacing the U.S. in trade and infrastructure investment.

If [Vice President Harris’s] visit is followed up by vigorous diplomacy matched with resources, then perhaps the pivot to Asia, or the rebalance policy of the Obama administration, can finally be realized as the U.S. becomes less distracted by these endless wars in the Middle East.

In this new framing, the Quad is not just a grouping of democracies with shared concerns about China, but a potential source of public goods for Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific.

[Regarding Hanoi's market reforms Doi Moi in 1986] Vietnam's choice to liberalize its economy was one made out of desperation...Vietnam's socialist experiment was failing, growth was at a standstill and inflation was running at something like 500% per annum. The regime had no choice but to reform if they wanted to survive.

[Trump's withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership] had a devastating impact on US credibility in the region. This has been further exacerbated by the lack of any clear articulation of a new economic engagement strategy by the current administration. The perception of US decline is causing [TPP nations] to hedge by seeking greater cooperation or improved relations with China.

[The White House's demonstrated commitment to Southeast Asia could] foster conditions that enable constructive multilateral engagement with China in the Asia-Pacific, helping to mitigate strategic rivalry between Washington and Beijing over the long term.

[The Vietnamese Prime Minister's visit to Washington] adds momentum to a U.S.-Vietnam relationship that is moving in an increasingly strategic direction. [The visit occurs] in the context of rising Chinese influence and growing concerns about the U.S. staying power in the region, particularly after [U.S.] withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership.