Trump's Message of 'Mutual Respect and Rule of Law' for APEC Members

On Friday, November 10, the U.S. President emphasized 'mutual respect and rule of law' in trade during his speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit taking place in Vietnam. Donald Trump noted that from now on, the United States will not allow itself to be taken advantage of, stating, 'America will always come first for me.' Vietnam is hosting a two-day summit of APEC leaders, which includes the leaders of both the United States and Russia. During the fourth leg of his 12-day trip to Asia, Trump spoke at the APEC meeting in Da Nang, Vietnam. According to Reuters, Trump stated that the U.S. is ready for 'bilateral trade' with any member country of this group, but only based on 'mutual respect and mutual benefit.' He also warned against the abuse of trade conditions and emphasized the need for 'equal and fair' opportunities. Trump said, 'From now on, when the United States enters into a trade partnership with other countries or nations, we expect our partners to adhere to principles and rules.' Reuters reported that Trump's remarks were 'in contrast' to those of his Chinese counterpart, who emphasized that globalization is an 'irreversible process' that must be accepted. On November 6, Trump also stated before his formal negotiations with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that the trade relations between the two countries are 'not fair and open.' Trump reiterated his desire for 'fair and open trade' but noted that the current trade relations with Japan are neither fair nor open. Trump's criticisms and objections to trade agreements made by previous U.S. administrations and countries around the world are not new. He had repeatedly criticized these agreements during the Republican primaries and his election campaign last year. For instance, shortly after his election victory, he announced that at the beginning of his presidency, he would withdraw the United States from the multinational Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).