The Trumpian approach to critical minerals – evident from the United States' interactions with Ukraine – may force Southeast Asia to choose sides. The region needs to look at diversifying its technical partners in the energy sector.
Last December's launch of Malaysia's first national EV could spur local component production, but this could be constrained by market conditions while the country's old supply chain, in which the carmaker remains heavily invested, will endure.
The US federal policy pendulum is swinging away from facts, reason and basic human decency with Trump re-entering the White House. But it will swing back if city mayors and local leaders insist on effective climate governance.