Asia speculates on US policy change

In Asia, speculation has already begun about the impact of the change of political fortunes in Washington on some key areas of policy affecting the region.

This shift in America's political landscape, although not a complete change, is already provoking speculation across Asia about whether US policy on some key issues may shift too.

Perhaps the issue of most immediate concern is North Korea.

When President Clinton was in office, his framework for the North was widely criticised by Republicans as soft and ineffective.

Since then many Democrats have responded by criticising the Bush administration's hard-line approach.

Long-term debate

Its determination to limit diplomatic contact to the six-party talks, for example, refusing North Korean requests for some form of direct dialogue.

Some have even questioned the financial sanctions imposed by the US which led to Pyongyang's pulling out of the multi-party process.

But any differences between the Democrats and Republicans are more likely to feed into a long-term debate on flexibility than any immediate policy change.

The Democrats too will be eager to show that they are tough and determined in tackling North Korea.

There is also debate about whether there will be increased emphasis on human rights in Congress, reflecting the new composition of key committees.

There is likely to be little change in the tough US line on Burma - with the US likely to carry on lobbying hard for more debate in the UN Security Council.

China too may be watching closely to see if signals on trade and human rights change.

The Bush administration has pursued a mostly pragmatic line.

Nuclear agreement

Many Democrats, including some now moving into key positions, have focused much more on concerns about China's labour practices - and on the impact of the trade deficit on American jobs.

The change in Congress could sound a more protectionist note.

Another key issue is the controversial nuclear agreement with India, which still needs approval from Congress.

The political changes bring new uncertainties about that too.

Some analysts say the Democrats may try to introduce more guarantees on non-proliferation - moves which may prove unacceptable to Delhi.

Fresh debate might also bring more delays.

There's a sense too that this new Democrat-led Congress will have a lot of pressing issues it is eager to address.

The Bush administration's deal with Delhi may not be top of their list.