Trump Reveals His Cards on China: Tariffs Involved in U.S. Strategic Shift

Welcome to the April 11th episode of “News Insight II.” Today’s episode features guest speakers, Honorary Professor Ming Juzheng from the Department of Political Science at National Taiwan University, Professor Guo Yuren, Vice President of the Institute of National Policies, and host Zhang Dongxu.

Today’s focus is on why Trump is playing his cards against China at this time. The United States’ national strategy is shifting, and a prolonged conflict is not sustainable. Is China retaliating to negotiate with the United States? American allies are automatically lining up, but the European Union may not. It’s not just about picking sides, but how will Taiwan accurately position itself?

Trump’s tariff retaliation against all nations led to a one-week showdown between the U.S. and China. Summoning neighboring countries, China urgently called for a meeting to rally against the U.S. The Chinese leader is set to visit three Southeast Asian countries next week – who will join the ride? Taiwan has been included in the first wave of tariff negotiations with the U.S., but there are internal calls for a “United with China, Constrain America” strategy – is it feasible? China hinted at a prolonged war – how long can they last? Meanwhile, Trump is simultaneously pressuring Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Is the axis of Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea on the brink of collapse?

The U.S. made a major move with equal tariffs, prompting China to retaliate twice by escalating tariffs against the U.S. to 84%. Trump announced an additional cumulative 145% tariff on China, bringing the total to around 160% when combined with the tariffs already implemented during his first term. Additionally, Trump reduced the tax rates for over 70 negotiating countries to 10%, causing a surge in the stock market. What was once a global tariff has now become a duel between the U.S. and China.

Professors Ming Juzheng and Guo Yuren, how do you view this round of tariff confrontation between the U.S. and China? Can China sustain a prolonged war? Will the U.S. hold its ground?

Trump’s equal tariffs have been likened to giving countries a test to choose sides. With over 70 countries seeking negotiations with the White House, China struggles to form an “anti-encirclement” front and risks isolation. Subsequently, Trump shifted focus by easing pressure on allies and targeting China. The U.S. Treasury Secretary has recently met with high-level officials from Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and others for negotiations.

China convened a “Nearby Work Conference” on April 8-9 in an attempt to establish a so-called “Nearby Community of Shared Destiny.”

Professors Ming Juzheng and Guo Yuren, how do you view the foreign media’s attention on the trends of the EU, Australia, New Zealand, and ASEAN? Could some countries become breakthroughs for China to “anti-encircle” the U.S.?

Amid Trump’s launch of a global tariff war, some countries have opted to cooperate with the U.S., while others have taken a confrontational policy. In Taiwan, there are suggestions that Taiwan should “Unite with China and Constrain America.” Professor Ming Juzheng, what is your opinion on this?

The negotiation scope of Trump’s equal tariffs also involves the U.S. military’s military presence and foreign aid.

Professor Guo Yuren, how do you see the link between (1) Trump’s economic and trade tariffs and allied defense and security policies? (2) How does the synergy between Trump’s tariffs and security measures deal with the axis of Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea? The progress of the Russia-Ukraine war ceasefire is not ideal – what role is China playing behind the scenes? How might tariffs affect the Russia-Ukraine war and the Iran nuclear issue?

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