Trump is straining relationships with U.S. allies who are crucial for standing up to China.

 WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER 10 – President Donald Trump's tough trade and immigration policies are straining relationships that have long been central to U.S. efforts to counter China's influence. This is undoing years of diplomatic work built over multiple administrations.

The latest incident occurred Friday when hundreds of South Korean workers were detained at a Hyundai plant in Georgia, which had symbolized strong economic ties between the U.S. and South Korea. Some of the workers were investigated for visa issues and were even handcuffed. While U.S. officials say trade won’t be affected, experts worry about the growing damage to diplomatic relationships.

Instead of building coalitions to counter China, Trump has been applying pressure on both allies and rivals. “Treaty allies are preparing backup plans in case the U.S. steps back from the region,” said Zack Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. “Some are even trying to strengthen ties with China.”

Relations with India have also cooled. Despite a friendly bond between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump imposed tariffs on India for buying Russian oil during the Ukraine war and has grown closer to Pakistan, India’s neighbor and rival. Modi recently met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a security summit, prompting a sarcastic comment from Trump about India and Russia “going to China.”

Still, there are signs tensions might ease. Trump called Modi “my very good friend” when announcing ongoing trade talks, and Modi emphasized that India and the U.S. are “close friends and natural partners” and expressed optimism about their trade negotiations.

However, many Asian nations worry that Trump’s skepticism toward foreign engagement may last beyond his presidency. Cooper said, “Most countries in the region believe Washington’s protectionist and unilateral policies will continue even after Trump is gone.”

China, meanwhile, has emphasized that it does not engage in “zero-sum games” and is committed to global peace and development. While Trump has threatened China with tariffs, both countries have avoided a full-blown trade war, and Trump is seeking a summit with Xi.

The strain with India is particularly notable, given Trump and Modi’s previous closeness. India has avoided crediting Trump for a recent India-Pakistan ceasefire, although Pakistan nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump also pressured India over Russian oil purchases, adding to tensions.

Eric Garcetti, former U.S. ambassador to India, said the diplomatic damage isn’t irreversible but warned that a disconnect between the U.S. and India could create a “very lonely world.” Rick Rossow from the Center for Strategic and International Studies said the U.S.-India relationship is at a “low point,” though such moments often feel worse than they are.

Tensions could also affect Trump’s planned visit to India for a summit with leaders from Japan and Australia, part of the Quad alliance meant to counter China’s influence.

The Hyundai plant raid shows the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement, even at economic cost, angering South Korea shortly after a White House meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Bong Youngshik, a Yonsei University professor, said the detentions and videos of workers being handcuffed have fueled anti-American sentiment.

Trump has encouraged South Korea to invest more in U.S. industries, but visa restrictions make it hard to bring skilled workers. Bong said, “Many South Koreans now feel the U.S. is bullying them, not just in this case but also with its tariff policies. This could become a major problem, making it very difficult for South Korean companies to send employees to the U.S.”