In focus
All eyes on Trump: China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and The Pacific Islands
On 06 November, Donald Trump returned as the 47^th President of the United States after defeating the Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris, kickstarting his second term as President. Trump won 295 (50 per cent) electoral votes, with Kamala Harris in second place with 226 (47 per cent) electoral votes. Leaders from around the world congratulated the newly elected President for his astounding win and landslide victory.

China
China's President Xi Jinping congratulated Donald Trump and urged them to find a way to get along as they move to a new era. Xi also expressed that both US and China will only benefit from this cooperation and “lose from confrontation,” reports Xinhua. Xi expressed that he hopes: “Two sides will uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, strengthen dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mao Ning also congratulated Trump and noted that their policy towards the US has been consistent and that they will handle their relations under principles of peaceful coexistence, win-win cooperation, and mutual respect.

Taiwan
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te also congratulated Trump on his victory on social media (X) and expressed that he has full confidence in the long-standing US-Taiwan relations that have continued to serve as a cornerstone of regional stability. Built on mutual interest and values for greater prosperity tweeted Lai. On Taiwan’s President's website, the office spokesperson Karen Kuo expanded on Lai’s statement and stated that they will continue to forge friendly relations with both the Republican and Democratic parties. Kuo noted: “As a member of the international democratic community, Taiwan is willing to be the most reliable partner of the US and to continue our close cooperation, as we work together for a secure and stable international community.”

Koreas
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol held a telephone conversation with the new occupant of the White House and congratulated him on his “landslide victory.” Yoon expressed that they will have continued collaboration with the US and noted Trump's work in the first term as President. He stated that he laid the groundwork for a robust trilateral relationship with the US, South Korea, and Japan. Trump during the 12-minute conversation expressed that they seek to work with South Korea on the shipbuilding industry and agreed that an in-person meeting is required to discuss the urgent matter at hand. North Korea’s government and media have issued no reports on the same and have remained silent. KCNA in July reported that North Korea doesn’t have a preference as to who should win and issued: “Even if any administration takes office in the U.S., the political climate ... does not change.”

Japan
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba agreed to hold an in-person meeting soon with Trump as he commended his victory. They both agreed to elevate their bilateral alliance and Ishiba noted that Trump’s slogan “Make America Great Again,” closely resonated with the general public. Ishiba discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral alliance by enhancing the interoperability of the US military and Japan’s Self Defence Forces. Ishiba also told the reporters that: “I wish to coordinate closely with him to bring the Japan-U.S. alliance and relationship to new heights.” Japan’s Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed that the US-Japan alliance with be: the “linchpin of Japan's foreign and security policies,” as they will be the foundation for peace and prosperity in the region.

Pacific Island
The leaders of the Pacific Islands extended congratulatory remarks to the newly elected President of the US. Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expressed his sincerest well wishes to the American President and hoped for a peaceful and prosperous relationship. He said: “Fiji looks forward to deepening bilateral ties with the U.S. and further pursuing our shared aspirations, including promoting peace and economic growth in the Pacific and beyond.” Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni also lauded the victory and looked forward to further their bilateral relations. Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape said: “We look forward to reinforcing the longstanding partnership between our nations, grounded in shared values and mutual respect.” He also thanked the outgoing US President Joe Biden for his commitment to his nation and for strengthening US-PNG relations. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also congratulated Trump and said that: “Australians and Americans are great friends and true allies. Working together, we can ensure the partnership between our nations remains strong into the future.” New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed that their bilateral cooperation in the region has been vital for regional prosperity and security and lauded Trump on his victory.

References:
David Smith and Martin Pengelly, “Donald Trump elected US president in stunning political resurrection,” The Guardian, 06 November 2024
Dewey Sim and Jun Ma, “In victory message to Trump, Xi hopes China, US can find a way to get along,” South China Morning Post, 07 November 2024
“Xi congratulates Trump on his election as U.S. president,” Xinhua, 07 November 2024
“Japan PM congratulates Trump on U.S. election victory,” Kyodo News, 07 November 2024
“Congratulatory Letter from Prime Minister Ishiba to President-elect Trump of the United States of America,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan, 06 November 2024
“President Lai congratulates Donald J. Trump and J.D. Vance on election as 47th US president and vice president,” Office of the President Republic of China (Taiwan), 06 November 2024
“N. Korea silent on Trump's presidential victory,” The Korea Times, 07 November 2024
“Yoon, Trump agree to hold a meeting at an early date,” The Korea Times, 07 November 2024
“Pacific leaders congratulate President-elect Trump, pledge to strengthen U.S.-Pacific ties,” Islands Business, 07 November 2024