Welcome to our special coverage of breaking news on April 9th, Wednesday. In today’s episode of “News Decoded,” our guest for news analysis is Senior Researcher Song Guocheng from the Center for International Relations at Political University, hosted by Zhang Dongxu.
Today’s focus is on the escalating retaliatory actions by the Chinese Communist Party in a zero-sum showdown with the United States. Will Trump’s unlimited tariffs obliterate the CCP? Is a complete decoupling imminent? The U.S.-China trade showdown, a new phase of peaceful evolution? Will Trump’s aim to dismantle the “false globalization” lead to a fresh start? How should Taiwan respond? What about the “Asia-Pacific Zero Tariff Free Trade Zone”?
President Trump, through global tariffs and negotiations with over seventy countries, is potentially leading towards a one-on-one battle with the Chinese Communist Party. The CCP has retaliated with six measures, and Trump has raised tariffs to 104%, already in effect, on top of an initial rate of approximately 125%. The Chinese yuan has plummeted, with Trump accusing China of currency manipulation. Will the tit-for-tat tariffs result in a blitzkrieg or a protracted struggle? How will this impact the Indo-Pacific landscape?
Trump’s reciprocating tariffs have rocked global stock markets, with over seventy countries engaging in talks with the White House, where signals of negotiations have been released, showing signs of stabilization in some regional stock markets. Reports indicate that since the 7th, Trump has been hinting to allies over the phone that the end of the tariff war might be quicker than expected. Peter Navarro also reveals that negotiations could possibly conclude as early as May or June.
Please consult Professor Song Guocheng for his analysis on two questions: (1) Why is Trump persisting with tariff policies? (2) Can it effectively achieve Trump’s goal of “economic independence declaration”?
The White House confirms contact from 70 countries for negotiations, including Taiwan. The U.S. is prioritizing talks with Japan. Taiwan has proposed five strategies, hoping to commence with zero tariffs akin to the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Agreement. The European Union has also expressed willingness for zero tariffs. However, Vietnam has proposed zero tariffs, leading White House advisor Navarro to mention issues of “non-tariff cheating,” as Trump declares a state of emergency to address massive trade imbalances.
Please ask Professor Song Guocheng about his insights on Taiwan’s response strategies.
With the United States imposing reciprocal tariffs, almost all countries are seeking negotiations. The European Union, despite threats of retaliation, is actively pursuing talks albeit on a smaller scale. However, the CCP has put forward six retaliatory measures. Trump criticizes China as the “greatest abuser” of tariffs, warning of a 50%-84% increase in reciprocal tariffs if China does not withdraw retaliatory tariffs. Combined with previous rates, this would reach 104%-124% and sever communication channels with China. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated on April 8th that China will “play hard until the end.”
Please ask Professor Song Guocheng the following questions: (1) What does Trump’s 104% tariff rate mean now that it has taken effect? Does the CCP have the capability for further retaliation? (2) If CCP cannot bear the consequences, why insist on “playing hard”?
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