Of course NYT frames regional rearmament in terms of PRC deterrence instead of US reliability. Yes PLA military modernization plays a part, but anxious US regio

Of course NYT frames regional rearmament in terms of PRC deterrence instead of US reliability. Yes PLA military modernization plays a part, but anxious US regional partners have been questioning US long term reliability post Trump. Why SKR is pursuing indigenous defense industry, or JP partnering up F-X with UK/IT. Both parties also got boxed in by 3 antagonist nuclear powers, PRC, RU, NKR in the last few years with increasing capabilities. Their security environment has deteriorated considerably. Meanwhile big bois in ASEAN have grown GDP 5-10x in 20 years, so of course they're going to start military modernization as well, while aquistion not sufficient to matter in TW contingency which they're staying out of anyway. The fact that Singapore has most advanced navy and airforce / general defense power in ASEAN is embarassing. Asian rearming is overdue. The question is whether US hegemony/defense and PRC ambitions can drive spending to keep up with Asian military powered by increasing wealth.