Opinion | Trump's tariff extortion makes US global enemy
Undoubtedly, Donald Trump, who was elected President of the United States, has once again become the focus of global fear. During the time he was forming his administration, he continually issued tariff threats and "extortion" to the world, making neighboring countries, allies, and global trade partners feel the deep chill of an impending winter. This has once again made Trump and the United States global enemies.
The international community still remembers how Trump's previous term was marked by trade wars and security deception, making him an unwelcome figure in the West. Now, Trump, in his second term, more vividly embodies what is meant by American hegemony.
Recently, Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on two neighboring countries - Canada and Mexico. As soon as this statement was made, the currencies of both countries depreciated immediately, with the Mexican President believing that this action would not solve the immigration issue. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau urgently met with Trump, emphasizing the countries' close and effective connection, but such pale diplomatic rhetoric could not move Trump at all. This is exactly the goal Trump aims to achieve: to make neighboring countries panic and then compromise according to America's terms. Ironically, the trilateral agreement between the US, Mexico, and Canada was reached during the Trump era, and it included "poison pill" clauses that humiliated both Mexico and Canada. Trump turns his back on past agreements, completely disregarding America's image as a superpower and the basic ethics of politicians, once again revealing the naked essence of a businessman-dealing President. Mexico will eventually compromise, but the cohesion of North America will weaken once again.
In Trump's list of tariff threats, the BRICS countries are also affected. Trump emphasized that if BRICS countries introduce a BRICS currency, a 100% tariff will be imposed on this emerging economic bloc. Furthermore, Trump has repeatedly emphasized imposing 10% to 20% tariffs globally.
European countries are also uneasy; the US-EU tariff war from Trump's first term only ended in the Biden era. In Trump's view, European countries have always taken advantage of the US, not only being unfair in trade but also enjoying the protection provided by the US at a lower cost. Regarding the US-led NATO, Trump believes that European countries have not met the 2% standard in security spending. This has become a reason for Trump to pressure and deceive European countries. Despite efforts made by the new NATO Secretary-General in meeting Trump and emphasizing the efforts of NATO members to meet security spending targets, he failed to convince this "NATO skeptic."
US allies in the Asia-Pacific region are also filled with anxiety. Then South Korean President Moon Jae-in has been trying to please Trump by practicing golf, but there are reports of a potential "Trump-Kim meeting" with the North Korean leader. Additionally, the cost-sharing agreement reached between South Korea and the US during the Biden era is likely to be scrapped, as Trump demands US$10 billion in US troop expenses from South Korea, bringing back the familiar pattern of security expense deception.
Trump has also issued verbal threats to Japan. On December 2, local time, Trump expressed opposition on social media to Japan's steel acquisition of an American steel company, emphasizing that the US would make the American steel industry great again through tax incentives and tariff measures.
Facing Trump's list of tariff threats and security expense deception towards allies in both the East and West, the Biden administration is also playing along and setting traps for Trump. Biden went back on his promise and pardoned his son, revealing the injustice and hypocrisy of the American justice system. Trump, who was elected despite heavy accusations, ironically mocks Biden for abusing the judiciary, which is quite hypocritical.
The Biden administration is also maliciously cooperating with Trump's tariff threats. Recently, the US Department of Commerce announced plans to impose anti-dumping duties of up to approximately 271% on crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and modules from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. If Trump's tariff threats reach up to 100%, the Biden administration during its "garbage time" is taking protectionism to the extreme.
Trump's tariff threat list will not stop, targeting all countries on Earth, whether opponents or allies, in his tariff war. In this situation, Trump will turn the US into a global enemy. If Trump's first term already left the West feeling cold, his new term will instill fear globally. Especially in Europe, Trump is determined to use "playing both sides" to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, shocking not only the two countries involved but also the European members of NATO. After all, without US support, the Russia-Ukraine conflict becomes a potential risk for Europe.
Trump is turning the US into a loner, while China and Europe are setting aside tariff disputes for constructive negotiations, relations between China and Japan are becoming warmer, and Singapore is putting in extra effort to maintain its relationship with China. Countries around the world are closely watching their relationships with China, not only because China is a primary target of Trump and Biden's tariff policies but also because the US is stacking up various extreme competitions. Western countries are also playing the role of accomplices. However, China has not only withstood various pressures but also has a more dynamic and resilient economy, displaying greater national stature and confidence. Faced with the threat of US tariff wars, China is becoming a reliable global ally.
Trump is pushing the world to unite, and is once again making America the global enemy.
(Source: Ta Kung Pao)
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