Letters to the editor: Two articles show the strengths and weaknesses of Trump’s trade approach

To the editorThe October 29th issue of the Los Angeles Times, page A-2, features an interesting roundup of bilateral articles that highlight the pitfalls of President Trump’s trade-first approach with China and some of the strengths in strengthening bilateral ties with Japan.“News analysis: Trade deal or trade truce? Questions remain as Trump meets China’s Xi”.; “Trump ties up with Japan’s new prime minister and says his nation offers US investment.” October 28).

The former carries far greater risks for the success of US foreign policy. If China replaces the United States as the preeminent power in the Pacific, the region’s freedom and rules-based international order will have dire consequences. Failing to address this as a security threat would be a mistake.

Fortunately, Japan’s travel shows promise for the region’s future. China’s deterrence relies on the US maintaining clear commitments to long-standing allies, particularly Japan and South Korea. Although Trump prioritized business during his visit to Japan, as he will during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, his vocal commitment to the Japan-US security relationship is a good start to a broader strategy to protect freedom in the Pacific.

Charlie Henry, Al Segundo