At first glance, the NSS looks reassuring to Taiwan hawks, because it emphasizes the need to maintain freedom of navigation in the sea lanes east of China. The basis for Trump’s concern, however, has nothing to do with the vulnerability of Japan and South Korea; it revolves solely around potential Chinese rent-seeking for vessels traveling to and from the US. What does this mean for our allies in the Pacific?
It means a spheres of influence agreement that excludes their interests is still very much in play for Trump.