The U.S. shift to transactional engagement leaves middle powers exposed but able to shape a multipolar world through defense, partnerships, and economic resilience. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2025/12/11/world/trump-putin-and-xis-great-power-world/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #commentary #worldnews #china #us #sanaetakaichi #donaldtrump #xijinpingeurope #middleeast #asia #firstislandchain #okinawa #taiwan #russia #ukraine #hongkong #uyghurs #australia #southkorea #asean #quad #india #nato