Is the US Losing its Asian Allies? (Level 1)

The United States is having problems with its friends in Asia. Countries like South Korea and Japan are worried. President Donald Trump is changing how the US works with them. First, the US is asking these countries for more money. The US is also putting new taxes on their goods. Second, the US is fighting a war in the Middle East. Because of this, the US is moving soldiers and weapons away from Asia. South Korea and Japan feel less safe. They worry about nearby countries like North Korea and China. The US seems like a partner they cannot trust right now. Because of these problems, South Korea and Japan are making changes. They are building stronger armies. They are also making new friends. They still want to work with the US, but they know they must protect themselves.