Following German media's outcry that "the demons have been unchained", Asian media decried President Trump's isolationist policies, fearing they will chill the global economy and sow widespread international discord, as "the reality show has become reality," warning the world was now in "unpredictable territory… spreading unease, division, and conflict throughout the world."
While perhaps not as entirely hysterical as German media's 'opinion'…
That was no presidential speech; that was a veritable declaration of war. Threatening in tone. Cold and calculating in logic. Change minus the hope. Donald Trump used the traditional Inauguration Day address to settle a score with the U.S. political establishment going back decades. With four ex-presidents sitting a few feet behind him, the 45th president delivered a populist manifesto.
The negativity was ubiquitous across AsiaPac nations' media outlets… (as Reuters reports)
In Japan, one of Washington's oldest and staunchest Asian allies, newspapers across the political spectrum criticised the new administration, with more than one saying the world was now in "unpredictable territory."
"Has there ever been a new U.S. administration that began by spreading unease, not expectations, throughout the world?" said the conservative Yomiuri Shimbun, adding that Trump appeared ready to take both alliances and global norms lightly if they didn't benefit the United States.
The liberal Asahi Shimbun went further and said Trump, who called on allies like Japan and South Korea to shoulder a greater share of defense costs or face the possible withdrawal of U.S. troops, posed a risk to the freer global order born after World War Two and the Cold War.
"Will the unpredictable Trump whirlwind cross the U.S. borders to spread division and conflict? The new master of the White House must realise the heavy responsibility that accompanies his words and actions", it said.
State media in China, accused of stealing U.S. jobs during Trump's campaign, said they hoped his government understood the importance of relations with China but that Beijing should also brace for the worst.
"What's crucial is to control and manage disputes and find a way to resolve them," said the overseas edition of the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily.
A less-engaged Washington could also lead to shifting alliances and more reliance on regional networks.
"India must not only prepare for a more protectionist America, but also prepare of a United States that does not plan to mess around with other people's affairs or squander blood and treasure in the name of promoting democratic values," wrote policy analyst C. Raja Mohan, head of Carnegie India, in the Indian Express.
Worry about friction between the two superpowers loomed over many in the region.
"As an exporting nation reliant on both China and the U.S., we would suffer from greater U.S. protectionism and any trade war," said the Sydney Morning Herald.
"We may have to negotiate our way through a new world order not just regarding trade and China but also climate, Russia and regional security given Trump's lack of interest in the U.S. playing the role of sheriff."
A few said they expected U.S. political institutions to prevail and that Trump should be given the benefit of the doubt as the duly-elected U.S. leader.
"It is wisest to hope he succeeds," added The Australian in an editorial titled "President Trump Seals the Deal."
But uncertainty prevailed for the most part.
"Under Trump, the United States is apt to be as edgy and unpredictable as his former television reality show," said Thailand's The Nation on Friday.
"The reality show has become reality. We are about to discover whether America can become great again – and whether the word 'great' takes on unexpected meanings."
It seems the "transfer of power" is horrifying for everyone and the world's media speaks with one voice to ensure 'you, the people' are truly terrified…
via http://ift.tt/2iOmUMX Tyler Durden