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New administration will adopt a ‘deals-first, transactional approach’ to world affairs

SINGAPORE — World leaders could soon be dealing with a more businesslike and “transactional” American counterpart, after magnate Donald Trump cruised to an upset victory in the presidential election on Wednesday, according to Singapore’s Ambassador-at-Large Bilahari Kausikan.

US President-elect Donald Trump addressing supporters at Trump Tower in New York moments after winning the election. photo:  THE NEW YORK TIMES

US President-elect Donald Trump addressing supporters at Trump Tower in New York moments after winning the election. photo: THE NEW YORK TIMES

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SINGAPORE — World leaders could soon be dealing with a more businesslike and “transactional” American counterpart, after magnate Donald Trump cruised to an upset victory in the presidential election on Wednesday, according to Singapore’s Ambassador-at-Large Bilahari Kausikan.

“The only thing we can say for sure right now is he (Mr Trump) will put America first and he will take a very transactional approach. By that I mean, an immediate reward for an immediate action,” said Mr Kausikan in an interview.

He said that, from Mr Trump’s perspective, a business-like approach towards foreign policy could mean that “he probably values general principles less than the immediate deal”.

“But a transactional approach means he is not likely to fall into the Chinese trap of making false dilemmas and forcing false choices, which the second Obama administration fell into.”

The veteran diplomat noted that during US President Barack Obama’s second term in office, he was keen to strike a deal with China on climate change and therefore downplayed the competitive aspects of the bilateral relationship. Close consultation and coordination between the countries was critical to the finalisation of the Paris agreement to curb climate-warming emissions late last year. In September, both superpowers announced their ratification of the landmark agreement — a significant boost to international attempts to bring the accord into force.

Mr Kausikan noted that China is more inclined to cooperate only when the issues are aligned to its own interests. However, de-emphasising the competitive aspects of Sino-American relations will not make Beijing more cooperative when the deal is not in China’s interests, he said.

“And I think this is something Mr Trump understands because that is how he has lived his life and that is how he has run his businesses. When it is in his interests to cooperate, he cooperates. When it is not in his interests, he competes ruthlessly.”

Mr Kausikan added that this did not mean Beijing is rejoicing over Mr Trump’s victory, as it is also uncertain over how to engage the President-elect.

Mr Trump started out as a real estate developer and now controls over 500 companies across many industries. While campaigning, he had said he would hand over his business empire to his children if he wins the election, and focus on running the country.

Commenting on how Singapore would deal with a leader like Mr Trump, Mr Kausikan said “we will deal with it the way we always deal with every new development: Pragmatically. In fact I think now the whole of East Asia is going to deal with it that way. Generally, we don’t waste time wringing our hands in despair over a new reality. You adapt and you deal with it”.

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