Hope and anxiety hang over Asia and north Asia in particular ahead of Tuesday's US midterm election.
President Donald Trump has shaken up Asia, as he has much of the world.
Now Beijing, Seoul and other Asian capitals are waiting to see if the Democrats wrest control of at least one house of Congress from the Republicans and whether that would significantly alter US foreign policy and trade initiatives.
In South Korea, the concern is that Trump might sour on North Korea after months of bold engagement.
For China, the hope is he might be forced to ease off on trade.
A look at how the election is being watched in China, South Korea and Japan
If the Republicans fail to win ... it could possibly create some kinds of containment to Trump, but it definitely won't have a fundamental impact on relations."
"They may be as protectionist in trade matters as Trumpist Republicans."
"The midterms could force Trump to take things even slower."
Aida, the Japanese professor, said that heightened interest in the election is not just because of trade and North Korea, but also reflects a broader hope for a recovery of what he called "US moral leadership."
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