Donald Trump’s presidency has created convulsions in the American political landscape.

Crucially, the ASEAN meeting underscored the “importance of non-militarization and self-restraint” for both claimant states as well as “all other states.” The ASEAN communiqué effectively echoed China’s line, since Beijing has opposed the Philippines’ arbitration award, shunned a “legally binding” COC, underplayed its reclamation activities in disputed waters, and called upon external powers such as the U.S. to stay out of the conflict.

The Post-America Era has arrived, but what does it mean? How will globalization, global governance, and the international balance of power be affected? Leading nations will emerge as America regresses, but the potential for peace and prosperity for all are at hand.

Until a strategy is set, there will continue to be confused and conflicting messages from different quarters of the United States government on China, disagreement and sloppiness on proper sequencing of actions, and limits to our ability to elicit Chinese cooperation, as Beijing hesitates to commit to U.S. initiatives because of uncertainty over the steadfastness and coherence of U.S. policy. As the administration charts next steps with China, it should widen the aperture of its focus.

On August 2, U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law the “Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.” With Trump-Putin relations agitated and China and the U.S. still lacking cooperation on the issue of North Korea, who will be the biggest loser amidst the superpowers? Who will benefit from the sanctions?

At the state level, Governor of Michigan Rick Snyder has invested energy, attention, and travel time into cultivating lasting and productive relationships with Chinese government and business leaders. His efforts have produced extensive economic benefits for his state and region; providing a blue print for the combative President Trump on how American leaders can turn a positive relationship with China into big wins at home. 

Throughout his time in the political spotlight, Donald Trump has raised eyebrows with boisterous speeches and absurd statements, causing many to question his mental capacity to lead. But, while his opponents at home and abroad decry his antics as insanity, could President Trump actually be executing a specific policy strategy?

The election of Hassan Rouhani could serve as a turning point for Iran both domestically and internationally. With a moderate politician leading this important nation, the time for the U.S and China to engage and reintegrate Iran into the international system is now; otherwise, the Middle East will continue to be plagued by violence.

If U.S. policy is determined by passion, ignorance, and myopia, the prospects of maintaining a peaceful relationship are far lower. President Trump is not a stupid man, but until he seeks to educate himself he risks acting stupidly. Then the cost for both nations, and most of Asia, could be quite high.

U.S. Secretary Rex Tillerson spoke with reporters at a State Department press pressing on August 1 in Washington D.C. and covered a wide range of foreign policy issues, including dealing with China. The following are excerpts of his remarks.