The Australian argues that cooperation between Australia and Japan is paramount for the best strategic and economic outcomes under deep uncertainty surrounding the new US administrations possible attitude.
It is imperative Mr Abe and Mr Turnbull co-ordinate their actions and goals on the new reality emerging in Washington, and work together to build on the close relationship between Tokyo and Canberra and ensure that even under new management the US remains firmly committed to our region - economically and strategically. It is manifestly in the new administrations own interests to do so if it really does want to make America great again.
Despite Mr Trumps previous assertions, welcome signs are emerging of a rethink. Mr Trumps nominee for secretary of state, Rex Tillerson says he is not opposed to it, although he does share some of Mr Trumps concerns about whether the negotiated agreement is in Americas best interests. It is vital Mr Abe and Mr Turnbull, in light of Mr Tillersons statement, co-ordinate their strategies to convince the president-elect to think again and, if not ratify it, then at least set about revising its terms. The TPP is far too important to our region, as well as US interests, to be scuttled under pressure from protectionist US unions.
No less significant is Mr Tillersons forthright statement about Chinese expansionism into the South China Sea and Beijings island-building. Were going to have to send China a clear signal that, first, the island building stops and, second, your access to those islands is also not going to be allowed, he has said, describing Chinese actions as akin to Russia taking Crimea.
Nothing could be more important than an ability to work hand-in-glove on the best strategic and economic outcomes for both nations and the region. They should strive to achieve unity among all democratic nations to calmly but firmly push back against Chinese expansionism.
