US may not stop policing the world

Editor's note: During his first visit to US troops in Iraq since taking office, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States cannot continue to be the "policeman" of the world. What does Trump's announcement on Wednesday mean for the Middle East and the regions beyond? Three experts share their views with China Daily's Liu Jianna. Excerpts follow:

From 'policeman' to 'police commander'

Trump has tried to fulfill his presidential campaign promises to cut spending on overseas security and defended his decision to withdraw US troops from Syria. Despite the opposition within the White House and the Pentagon and the outcry from US allies, Trump has managed to have his way. Which is well illustrated in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization members' unprecedented increase in defense spending under US pressure.