Trump signs Asia Reassurance Initiative Act

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act 2018.

In a press release, Trump stated that several provisions of the Act, including Sections 101, 102, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 208, 209, 210, 211, 213, 216, 306, 307, 406, and 410, intend to dictate the policy of the United States in external military and foreign affairs, or to require the executive branch to undertake certain diplomatic initiatives with international partners.

"My Administration will treat these provisions consistent with the President's exclusive constitutional authorities as Commander in Chief and as the sole representative of the United States in foreign affairs," stated the US President in the statement.

Sections including 201 and 213 aimed to restrict the President's authority to control the personnel and material which he believes are necessary or advisable for the successful conduct of military operations.

President Trump further stated that while he shares the objectives of the Congress with respect to maintaining the strength and security of the United States, his administration will treat these provisions consistent with the President's constitutional authority as the Commander in Chief.

"Finally, a number of provisions in the bill, including Sections 210 and 214, purport to mandate or regulate submission to the Congress or publication of information protected by executive privilege," he stated.

The Trump Administration will treat these provisions consistent with the President's constitutional authority to withhold information, the disclosure of which could impair national security, foreign relations, or the performance of the President's constitutional duties, the press statement read.