As unpalatable as the Trump approach has been, Southeast Asian countries have made some wise strategic choices. These include negotiating bilaterally rather than acting as a bloc, and resisting political pressures at home. The message Southeast Asian countries have sent is clear: The US matters to us and we are not a threat. We understand transactional relations and we know how to cut a deal. This has helped build political goodwill in Washington.For now, the multi-pronged approach of negotiating for relief, and promising to buy more from America and to lower trade barriers has borne fruit. Not only has Mr Trump…