Commentary
As the US celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence, Southeast Asia still has questions about its reliability as a partner, says Kevin Chen from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
US President Donald Trump dances at a rally to kick off the Great American State Fair in celebration of the 250th anniversary of US independence on the National Mall in Washington, DC, US, Jun 24, 2026. (Reuters/Evan Vucci)
03 Jul 2026 06:00AM
SINGAPORE: As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, its latest attempt to project itself in Southeast Asia has been dressed up in pomp and circumstance. From performances in Singapore to cultural exhibitions in Cambodia, the US government is trying to tell the world that America is back, and great again. But what Southeast Asian governments care most about is not the pageantry. It is whether the United States remains a reliable partner they can plan around. The events of the past 18 months showcase how Washington’s actions have made that question harder to answer. The region can adapt to a transactional America, but it will struggle with one that is no longer predictable enough for Southeast Asian governments to make decisions on trade, technology or security.
