The strength of these alliances depends on whether Trump views Tokyo and Seoul as bulwarks against China’s rise or vassals that can be extorted for financial gain.

In a world increasingly shaped by fractured alliances, three Asian neighbors - China, Japan, and South Korea - have quietly revived a long-dormant trilateral dialogue. The 13th China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Economic and Trade Ministers' Meeting was held in Seoul recently.

Foreign ministers from Japan, China and South Korea sought common ground in areas like aging, low birth rates, natural disasters and cultural exchange at a meeting that took place at a time of growing tensions.