United States President Donald Trump’s Dec. 31, 2018 signing of the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA) is a robust statement of America’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific and should be applauded. It is also well-timed amid the various challenges and opportunities that Asia provides to the US. 

Detractors of the new law may think it is alarmist, antagonistic towards China, ill-conceived, unnecessary or simply too little, too late. As an earnest follow up to former president Barack Obama’s “Asia pivot”, ARIA provides a solid platform for America’s renewed commitment to Asia. 

Thus, America’s engagement of the Indo-Pacific has more focus and resources. The new legislation also makes for a long overdue commitment to strategic thinking about the region. 

The law is a principled diplomatic a...

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