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Trans-Pacific View

Could Trump’s Deals in the Middle East Secure US Influence Against China?
By Huzeir Ezekiel Dzulhisham
The agreements signed during Trump’s tour satisfy the Gulf’s strategic interests in ways China cannot. But will the reality live up to the hype?

US Commerce Department Gets Green Light for Southeast Asian Solar Tariffs
By Sebastian Strangio
The U.S. solar industry has been "materially injured" by a flood of cheap panels and components from four Southeast Asian nations, a key trade body has ruled.

Thailand’s Finance Minister Says It Wants Fair Trade Relationship With Washington
By Sebastian Strangio
Like many Asian governments, Bangkok has announced a number of trade concessions while taking steps to reduce its overall reliance on the American market.

Singapore’s Extra Large Order of Chips
By Sribala Subramanian
The sale of advanced AI processors came up during a recent phone call about the Trump administration's tariffs.

The China-US AI Race Enters a New (and More Dangerous) Phase
By Marina Yue Zhang
A new tech cold war is underway -- and accelerating.

Trump Administration Ends Temporary Protections for Afghan Immigrants
By Catherine Putz
Homeland Security Secretary Noem determined that "permitting Afghan nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United States.”

How Marco Rubio’s Dual Roles Could Impact the China-US Relationship
By Jiachen Shi
Rubio's position as both secretary of state and national security adviser further elevates his profile in the Trump administration. What will that mean for China policy?

Trump Is Undermining 3 Key US Advantages Over China
By Gabriele Manca
U.S. global leadership has been underpinned by its alliances, the openness of its multicultural society, and the freedom of its scientific community. All are under siege.

Trump, Tariffs, and a Superpower Without Credibility
By Michael Schiffer
Through public reversals, shifting deadlines, and contradictory signals, U.S. credibility – and thus the ability to negotiate its way out of the trade war – has significantly eroded.

The Implications of South Korea’s Placement on the US DOE’s Sensitive Country List
By Troy Stangarone
South Korea is the only U.S. ally on the list. What will it mean for the relationship, and for South Korea?

What Did US Businesses Have to Say About Trump’s Tariffs?
By Gabriel Corsetti
Before the tariffs, businesses took advantage of a public comment period to lay out the dangers of a trade war. It seems clear that the Trump administration didn’t take their concerns into account.

Ending China’s De Minimis Exception Brings 3 Benefits for Americans
By Erik Durneika
President Trump’s executive order ending the de minimis rule for China is set to strengthen U.S. manufacturing, safeguard public health, and advance human rights efforts.