ABSTRACT
The election of Donald J. Trump as the 45th US President has raised questions about the sustainability of US policy towards Asia. The negative rhetoric of Trumps campaign against China raises fears of increasing the instability of the region. The interdependent economic interests and US political interests in preventing North Korea's nuclear ambitions seem to make President Trump take a more realistic approach toward China. In the future, the dynamics of the region will remain dependent on the relationship and strategic rivalries between these two great powers. ASEAN needs to play a central role to maintain regional stability and peace.