Asians Don't Care

Thursday, October 24, 2024

By "Asians" we mean people who live in Asia, especially leaders of Asian countries. We don't mean Asian-American voters. They tend to be Democrats because Republicans, especially Donald Trump, often use minorities as whipping boys (and girls). Americans are worried silly about the election, but Asian government and business leaders in India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and other Asian countries (except China) don't think there is much difference between the candidates. For them, the biggest issue is dealing with China. Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have put reining in China high on their to-do lists. They have different plans but neither one is China-friendly and that's what counts for the leaders of the various Asian nations.

Posted by Hans at 06:48 PM | 3 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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However, there is one aspect where Asian leaders do prefer Harris: defense. Asian countries are more dependent than European nations are on the U.S. to defend them if China decides to attack; the U.K. and France have nuclear weapons. The U.S. has troops in Japan and South Korea, which serve to deter a direct attack by China. Trump might withdraw them. Harris is very unlikely to do so. Somewhat related to that is that in Asia, the war everyone is interested in is the one in Ukraine. That one tests U.S. resolve to defend its friends. Taiwan, especially, cares about that one and is worried that Trump doesn't care. Nobody in Asia cares about Gaza.

Another concern in Asia is North Korea. There is some concern that Trump could get played by Kim Jong Un, but that is not a major concern. There is also concern that the U.S. is a declining power and China is a rising power, but that is independent of who the president is.

The situation in Europe is completely different. Just about every European leader except Viktor Orbn wants Harris to win and most of them hardly try to hide it. For them, the U.S. is important not only for trade, but also for defense. They most certainly do not want the U.S. to withdraw from NATO and most of them regard Trump as an unhinged imbecile unfit for any public office. (V)

#1 | Posted by Hans at 2024-10-24 06:48 PM | Reply

I don't think this person lives in Asia - the moved to the US or are maybe 1st generation born here. I think they probably live in a deep blue liberal -------- that votes 80% blue and then projects that onto their parents and former country.

I can tell you first hand that Vietnam is probably 75/25 in support of Trump. They love his tough on China policies as it directly benefits them. Also, they do not understand our immigration system where they cannot even get a travel visa to the US for fear of overstaying the visa yet have the southern border wide open.

In Korea, they love Trump because they didn't feel there were on the brink of nuclear annihilation when he was in office. Now, N Korea has moved combat troops to the border and the fear is that is Iran/Israel trade serious bombs, N Korea will invade and overrun Seoul within a few hours as it is too close to the border.

For Taiwan, it is the same as Korea. They support whichever party they think will protect them better from China. Recently, they have also become very concerned about the everything GAY coming out of the US as they are a more traditional society.

In Philippines, it is still dominated by religion and their positive experience with Duterte. The realize a completely dysfunctional country sometimes needs a strongman to bring real change. Also, due to abortion and everything GAY, they cannot support the Democrats.

Well, that is my take from actually living in East and Southeast Asia for the last 12 years. I don't think this author actually resides in Asia but rather resides in a blue bubble and is probably seen as a disappointment to their parents back in the home country as they go past 35 without a husband or becoming a doctor.

#2 | Posted by deadman at 2024-10-24 09:08 PM | Reply

"I don't think..." -

#2 | Posted by deadman at 2024-10-24 09:08 PM | Reply | Flag: The TL;DR version/Cliffs Notes version to save your valuable time.

You're welcome.

Serious level

#3 | Posted by Hans at 2024-10-24 09:20 PM | Reply