Taiwan

呂紹煒專欄：從二級制裁到「二級關稅」，恣意而為的美國

The Storm Media | Local Language | News | April 3, 2025 | Shifting Geopolitical Alliances

The article introduces the concept of "secondary tariffs," a term recently adopted by the Trump administration to extend economic pressure on countries buying oil from sanctioned nations like Venezuela and Russia. Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on nations purchasing Venezuelan oil, escalating this to a potential 50% for those dealing in Russian oil if ceasefire negotiations do not progress. Such tariffs aim to economically isolate these countries and discourage other nations from engaging in trade with them.

The term "secondary tariff" is rooted in existing "secondary sanctions," which extend the reach of U.S. laws to foreign entities and individuals dealing with sanctioned countries. Unlike primary sanctions, which only affect entities within the sanctioning country, secondary sanctions can penalize international participants, drawing criticism for infringing on sovereign rights. The U.S. has increasingly utilized these sanctions, creating a situation where it acts as a global enforcer of its policies, which some refer to as "long-arm jurisdiction."

Trump’s introduction of "secondary tariffs" combines tariffs—a favored tool of his administration—with the existing framework of sanctions, potentially broadening the implications of the tariff war. The effectiveness of these tariffs remains uncertain, but they may significantly deter countries like China and India from purchasing oil from sanctioned nations, especially given the large economic barter they face if tariffs were implemented. The article suggests that these tariffs could compel such nations to reconsider their trading choices given the substantial financial stakes involved.

【即時短評】中美夾殺戰略困局 賴政府如何安民心？

United Daily News | Local Language | News | April 3, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

The Chinese Communist Party has conducted military exercises around Taiwan over two consecutive days, aimed at testing the U.S. strategic stance towards Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to Taiwan's "Seventeen Points of Lai." These exercises include a significant military presence around not only Taiwan but also in regions encompassing Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia. The exercises reflect a new normal for China's military operations in the Indo-Pacific and serve as intimidation tactics against Taiwan.

In the face of sustained economic, political, and military pressures from both the United States and China, the Lai government in Taiwan is urged to develop a comprehensive strategy to reassure its citizens. Following Lai's announcement of measures aimed at countering China's efforts, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched a series of military exercises, including "Strait Thunder-2025A," signaling a clear warning against "Taiwan independence" movements. These military drills are not only aimed at Taiwan but also serve to test the limits of U.S. tolerance in the region.

Moreover, the impending announcement of "reciprocal tariffs" by U.S. President Trump poses additional challenges for Taiwan, especially as the U.S. Trade Representative's recent report highlighted trade restrictions imposed by Taiwan on U.S. goods. This highlights the strain in Taiwan's cross-strait relations and Taiwan-U.S. relations. As both the U.S. and China prepare for potential discussions, Taiwan finds itself in a precarious position between these superpowers, facing threats across political, military, and economic domains. There is an urgent need for the Lai government to go beyond mere rhetoric and formulate concrete responses to the ongoing pressures.

川普關稅戰略全面升級：「在美國生產就免關稅」政策即將出爐

The Storm Media | Local Language | News | April 3, 2025 | Regulation

US President Donald Trump is set to unveil significant tariff reforms on April 2, coinciding with a press conference in the White House Rose Garden themed "Make America Wealthy Again." The new policy, dubbed "Liberation Day," emphasizes promoting production in the United States by encouraging foreign companies to establish factories domestically. This initiative aims to eliminate import tariffs that could reach substantial percentages, as articulated by White House press secretary Caroline Karoline Leavitt, who highlighted that foreign firms could avoid these tariffs by creating jobs in the US.

Current proposals under consideration include a flat 20% tariff on all imports, which could generate over $6 trillion in revenue. An alternative is a reciprocal tariff model targeting countries that impose trade barriers against US goods, while countries with trade agreements with the US would remain unaffected. A "compromise plan" involving differentiated tariff rates for various nations is also being discussed, with Taiwan identified as a key target. Trump's administration is weighing these options against each country's trade surplus and overall strategic importance to the US.

In anticipation of the new tariff policy, Trump reported signs of shifting foreign investment, citing that several auto factories planned for other countries are now relocating to the US. As tensions rise, China and the European Union are preparing countermeasures against recent US tariffs, including a 25% tariff on imported cars set to take effect shortly. With "Liberation Day" approaching, global markets are closely monitoring these developments, which are expected to significantly alter the landscape of international trade and supply chains.