The Trump administration's demand for US allies in the Indo-Pacific to increase military spending to 3.5% of GDP could jeopardize economic growth and regional stability. This could push Southeast Asian nations closer to China's influence.

<p>Much like it did in Europe, the Trump administration has called on US allies in the Indo-Pacific to increase military spending to 3.5% of GDP. But a defense buildup on this scale would jeopardize economic growth and regional unity, and could lead Southeast Asian countries to gravitate toward China’s strategic orbit.</p>