On November 27th, the latest episode of “News Insight” aired featuring experts in geopolitics, including CEO Akio Yaita from a think tank focused on Indo-Pacific strategies, Deputy Dean Yu-Jen Kuo from a policy research institute, and host Dongxu Zhang.
Today’s focus revolves around the challenge China may face in sustaining its diplomatic maneuvers as a major power in the coming year. With little strategic leverage compared to Trump’s administration, will the U.S.-China confrontation over the past decade bear tangible outcomes? Can Trump broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine? Russia remains a crucial strategic player! Additionally, Taiwan’s baseball team garners respect from Japanese society.
The White House transition in the United States saw Trump implementing tariff hikes on China, Mexico, and Canada on his first day in office. With the advent of Trump’s cabinet and initial policies, is the competition between the U.S. and China escalating towards a final showdown?
Involvement of North Korea in the Russia-Ukraine conflict intertwines European and Indo-Pacific security interests. NATO and G7 criticize China, with NATO’s Chief of Staff emphasizing that while military might can win battles, economic strength is imperative in winning wars. How will Japan, a critical actor in the Indo-Pacific strategy, navigate its relations with Taiwan and China in the coming year?
Three weeks post-U.S. election, Trump’s cabinet is taking shape. Appointing Alex Wong as Deputy National Security Advisor, Trump’s administration signifies a shift towards what Wong labels as the “Endgame” phase in U.S.-China competition. The strategic choices made by China have led to a perilous endgame unlike the Cold War era confrontation with the Soviet Union.
Experts Yu-Jen Kuo and Akio Yaita are consulted regarding the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry, examining both structural shifts and policy responses. How will the scenario unfold in this final stage? What strategic vision does “Trump 2.0” present?
The U.S.-led Indo-Pacific strategy sees the alliance between the U.S. and Japan as pivotal, with Taiwan positioned as a key player in the region. Plans are allegedly underway for joint U.S.-Japan military responses to any potential crisis in Taiwan. Japan’s new Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, held separate talks with U.S. President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in mid-November.
The World Baseball Classic showcased Taiwan, Japan, and the U.S. securing top positions. These nations, bonded by similar values and close security ties, hold a shared passion for baseball, embodying a profound sense of camaraderie.
Following Taiwan’s victory, interactions between the Taiwanese and Japanese teams have been marked by mutual respect, with Japanese fans and media alike showing support for Taiwan.
Yaita observes the Taiwan-Japan relationship through the prism of these sporting events.
NATO’s Chair asserts that North Korea’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, sanctioned by China, has linked European and Indo-Pacific security fronts. China’s enabling of Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine serves as a cautionary tale for Europe regarding infrastructure deals – a trade with Xi Jinping is a trade with uncertainty. The emphasis placed on the importance of economic strength in winning wars is reiterated.
Given the transition period in the U.S. presidency, both Biden and Trump continue to confront China. Reports suggest Biden will soon announce further restrictions on Chinese technology companies. Trump, on the other hand, imposed tariffs on import goods from China, citing issues related to fentanyl drug exports. The varying tariff percentages signal potential easing or escalation in the trade tactics.
Surprisingly, Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff on all Mexican and Canadian products, as per the USMCA deal, stems from concerns over illegal immigration.
In his bid to reshape global trade through tariffs, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Treasury, former Wall Street executive Bezent, highlights that free trade hasn’t necessarily led to political freedom in communist China. Tariffs are viewed as a means to generate revenue, protect strategic industries, and wield leverage in negotiations to achieve foreign policy objectives.
Yaita’s opinion on this strategic shift is awaited.
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