Time for Asia to rethink its deep dependence on US for security

Region needs to develop a 'Plan B' for defense without American military support

20190301 NORTHKOREA-USA/

The U.S.and North Korea clashed over irreconcilable differences at their recent summit in Hanoi. © Reuters

HIROYUKI AKITA, Nikkei commentator

TOKYO -- The recently concluded summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reinforced concerns that Pyongyang will continue its nuclear weapons program amid the stalled talks.

Experts in Asia and Europe are now left wondering how much their countries should rely on America for their security, likely leading to calls for a review of U.S.-dependent policies. This is not unreasonable, considering that the U.S. under former President Barack Obama stopped being the "world's policeman," and that Washington may retreat further from foreign entanglements, even after Trump's departure in two or six years.

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