Welcome to the February 5th edition of “News Insight,” where we decipher the latest news. In this episode, our guests include senior researcher at the Political University’s International Relations Research Center, Guo Cheng Song, Executive Director of the Indo-Pacific Strategic Think Tank, Akio Shibata, and host Zhang Dongxu.
Today’s focus: Has Trump’s tariff strategy revealed China’s bottom line? Will there be a complete obliteration of China? Is Beijing using Shigeru Shimo to test Trump’s stance? DeepSeek reveals China’s authoritarian global infiltration! Is China using small countries to downgrade Taiwan’s diplomatic institutions?
The latest tariff war between the United States and China has begun. What are China’s stakes in this game? What is Trump’s ultimate goal?
Foreign media revealed that China wants to negotiate with Trump regarding Taiwan. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Shimo, before his visit to the US, mentioned that Trump has a strong awareness of Taiwan. How should this be interpreted?
Once again, the South African government is pressuring Taiwan to relocate and downgrade its representation. Is China getting anxious about something?
Trump continues to exert pressure on Greenland, South Africa, Gaza, and Panama. What are the considerations behind these actions?
On February 1st, Trump officially ordered tariffs to be increased on Canada, Mexico, and China, effective from the 4th. However, there was a twist on the 3rd when Trump announced agreements with Mexico and Canada to delay tariff increases for at least 30 days. Canada appointed a fentanyl affairs director, strengthened border security, and Mexico deployed 10,000 soldiers to permanently guard the border.
This 48-hour policy shift, described by The Wall Street Journal as shocking to global markets and boards of directors worldwide.
On the 3rd, Trump stated that within the next 24 hours, he would communicate with Chinese leadership regarding tariff issues. The 10% increase is just the “first wave of aggression” (already in effect as of the 4th). Trump warned that if they fail to reach an agreement with China, the tariffs will be significantly higher.
First, let’s ask Professor Guo Cheng Song, (1) many may wonder why Trump imposes 25% tariffs on allies and a 10% tariff on China (stacked on top of the existing 25%)? (2) The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump’s ultimate goal with the tariffs is a mystery. How do you observe this?
Now, let’s ask Executive Director Akio Shibata, Trump said he’s in no hurry to talk to the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping. China seems to want to restore the first-stage trade agreement with Trump while also taking retaliatory measures, including filing complaints with the WTO, conducting an antitrust investigation against Google, and imposing up to 15% tariffs on US imports like oil starting from the 10th.
Japanese PM Shigeru Shimo flew to Washington on the 7th to meet with Trump, possibly inviting him to visit Japan as early as April. Shimo mentioned the need to amend the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement in the House of Representatives on the 3rd, expressing his intention to reach a consensus with Trump on China-related issues, reaffirming the unshakable US-Japan alliance and the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. He said, “We are well aware that Trump has a very strong awareness of Taiwan. Under the concept of the rule of law, freedom, and open Pacific, we have the same understanding with the United States, and I don’t think there will be any differences.”
Let’s ask Executive Director Akio Shibata how we should interpret Shimo’s statement. Facing Trump, what issues might Shimo have to deal with?
Chinese companies have introduced the DeepSeek AI model, claiming it is cost-effective but sparking various controversies and raising security concerns in many countries. Several governments, including Taiwan, have announced a ban on the software, and Italy has temporarily removed it from shelves.
Let’s ask Professor Guo Cheng Song for his observations on this matter.
During the Chinese Lunar New Year period, the South African government once again requested Taiwan’s representative office to relocate and attempted to downgrade it to a “Trade Office.” Before the ROC National Day last October, South Africa had pressured Taiwan under Chinese influence, prompting concern from the US, which later eased the situation.
Taiwan reiterated its refusal to accept unilateral violations of agreements, but foreign observers stated that Chinese pressure has intensified, making the “second-phase negotiations more challenging.” At the same time, the chair of South Africa’s largest opposition party previously visited Taiwan, resulting in Chinese sanctions.
Let’s ask Executive Director Akio Shibata why China is pushing so aggressively based on the South African government’s prior responses. What are they in a hurry for?
In a recent bold move, Trump restored maximum pressure on Iran and expressed a desire to take control and rebuild the Gaza corridor in the Middle East. Trump has also been exerting pressure on Europe’s Greenland, Central and South America’s Panama, and Africa’s South Africa. Today, we focus on Secretary of State Pompeo’s first visit, as he went to Panama to discuss the canal. Following the meeting, Panama announced its withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Let’s ask Professor Guo Cheng Song to observe Trump’s intentions.
Feel free to subscribe to the News Insight channel on the Clean World New Platform.