The Monocle Daily Tariff troubles and the Shangri-la Dialogue
May 30, 2025
Join James Chambers, Monocle's Asia editor, and Michael Hewitt, a retired US Navy Rear Admiral, as they dive into the turbulent waters of US-China trade relations. They dissect the impact of Trump's tariffs and political moves, shedding light on how these factors create uncertainty in global markets. The discussion also covers the critical implications of the Shangri-La Dialogue, including shifting defense partnerships and the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, with a keen focus on Taiwan’s future.
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Asia's Trade Tussle Impact
- Southeast Asian nations are caught in the US-China trade conflict due to tariffs extended by Donald Trump. - This has caused confusion and disruption to regional manufacturing and investment dynamics.
Trump's Tariff Tactics
- Trump's tariff threats fit a pattern of aggressive rhetoric followed by backing down or negotiation. - Courts ruling tariffs illegal add uncertainty, but Trump may use alternative legal routes to continue them.
Trump's Transactional Approach
- Trump reacts strongly to being labeled a "taco Trump" meme, pushing for tougher China trade rhetoric. - He focuses transactionally on deal compliance, ignoring broader US actions that contradict his stance.