NEW YORK: It’s easy to get distracted by the circus of the Trump presidency. But what is its larger effect? For an answer to that question, take a look at three gatherings this week on the other side of the planet.

Attended by all the major Asian countries, the Asean and East Asia summits in Singapore and the APEC conference in Papua New Guinea are particularly important because countries in the region are trying to navigate the once-in-a-lifetime power shift taking place — the rise of China. For this, it is crucial they understand the role of the world’s current superpower, the United States.