with China: Washington's acceptance of China's stake in the region in exchange for Beijing's acceptance of the regional status quo.

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Mr Trump has made no secret of his objection to the Trans Pacific Partnership deal

Another clue to Mr Trump's approach may lie in a letter written to Congress in May 2015 by 25 former cabinet secretaries, including seven former secretaries of defence and 10 former treasury secretaries from both Republican and Democratic administrations.

In the letter they called for Trade Promotion Authority legislation to be enacted, making the link between strengthening existing and emerging security relationships in the Asia-Pacific region and reassuring the region of America's "long-term staying power".

They went on to stress that the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Obama administration's blueprint forfree trade with the US across the Asia-Pacific region, would shape an economic dynamic over the next several decades by linking the US to one of the world's most vibrant regions.

They also warned that allies and partners would question US commitments, doubt American resolve, and inevitably look to other partners. They stressed that America's prestige, influence, and leadership was on the line.

Those who signed the letter may now be alarmed to see some of their fears playing out. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has announced his country's "separation" from the US, and Malaysia too may have been attracted into China's embrace in the wake of Prime Minister Najib Razak's state visit to China last week, where new defence and investment deals were signed.

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Mr