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Countries should use the new Trump administration as a directed weapon against international dictatorships, according to US policy experts speaking at a conference in Sydney.
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US policy experts met to discuss the expected approach of the incoming US administration, headed by Donald Trump, during the Sydney International Strategy Forum hosted by the United States Studies Centre on 20 November.
The forum featured topics regarding the future of American leadership and a contested Asian region.
Member of the Japanese House of Councillors, Rui Matsukawa, speaking at the conference, said the new US administration, led by returning President Donald Trump, will have critical importance in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region.
“Trump is more transactional (and it’s expected that) individual trust between leaders is more important (under the new administration),” she said.
“(Interactions with Trump) must be of increased benefit to the United States of America, (and) we have to think about the narrative to Trump.
“We have to [be] more confident, we have achieved so much in the last eight years.
“Trump 2.0 must be feared by dictators (to make them cautious about taking action internationally) ... and we must support him to do this.”
In addition, Matsukawa also expressed concern that the new US administration may not fully understand the importance of a free and fair Indo-Pacific, in particular, the independence of Taiwan.
“(The) biggest concern is provocation of the Taiwan crisis. We are not sure Mr Trump understands the importance of Taiwan as a bridge for the rest of the Indo-Pacific,” she said.
Speaking during a video address at the same conference, the Australian ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, confirmed that Australia is looking to strengthen its alliance with the new US administration.
“Here at the embassy, we’ve been working hard through the course of the last year to ensure that we were well prepared for this moment ... We’re ready,” he said.
“The team here at the embassy and the government of Australia are ready to work closely with the new Trump administration to continue to realise the benefits of what is a very strong economic and security partnership.
“Australia’s plans to purchase nuclear power submarines from the United States will represent a large-scale purchase from American industry.
“That’s a significant defence deal, and on top of that, we’re already investing into the US submarine industrial base to expand the capacity of their shipyards.
“Put these things together, and it represents a strong, positive message for America.”
