The country has doubled down on its defense relationship with the United States in recent years. President Trump’s treatment of allies is prompting some to question the wisdom of that path.

© Pool photo by Colin Murty

Not even America’s closest trading partners were spared by a policy broadside that spooked investors and left policymakers scrambling to formulate responses.

Even as China offers itself to nations like Japan as a more reliable partner, its ships are pushing into their neighborhoods — sometimes on the very same day.

The unusual deployment by three navy ships over the past month has prompted a debate in Australia about its aging fleet and reliance on the United States.