Key factors behind abiding US interest in Asia

The US has a vast spectrum of interests in the region, including trade, security and foreign relations. It would be irrational for the US to abandon its long-standing leadership and pivotal role among its strategic and security alliances and partners such as Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. Mr Trump’s foreign strategy must be able to counterbalance increasingly assertive China, as well as guard against the persistent nuclear threat from North Korea. 
How long the US will successfully sustain its obligations and promises with its global security alliances will depend first on whether it can uphold its own political and social stability and achieve steady or long-term economic growth. Secondly, will the US consistently equip all of its security partners with financial and military capability?
Thirdly, will it continue facing trouble at home, such as high unemployment and foreign debt?
Teo Kueh Liang
Singapore/The Straits Times/ANN