Trump's tariff war triggers fierce opposition from more billionaires; two Ukrainian captives have special identities.

【Answer 1】【3】The U.S. prediction platform Polymarket has launched an online betting market inviting users to forecast which countries and regions Trump will lower tariffs for before June—and Taiwan is among the top contenders. Currently, Vietnam and Japan are most favored, with predicted probabilities of tariff reductions both standing at 84%, tying for first place. South Korea follows closely behind at 82%. Taiwan is also viewed favorably, with a 75% chance of tariff reduction before June—ranking fifth, just behind Indonesia (78%). According to a Polymarket post on April 8, Taiwan even briefly topped the betting market as the hottest contender. At present, President Trump continues negotiations with several countries: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba spoke with Trump by phone on April 7, and U.S. Treasury Secretary stated that Japan has secured “priority negotiation status” among trade partners. Acting South Korean President Han Duck-soo also held a phone call with Trump on April 8; afterward, Trump remarked that prospects for reaching a trade agreement “look promising.” Treasury Secretary Bessent further revealed that the White House maintains a “contact list” identifying priority countries for negotiations, adding that Trump hopes Taiwan will join the Alaska natural gas pipeline project—“Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan could handle substantial transactions under this initiative and provide some financial support.” Whether Trump’s new tariff policy is merely a negotiating tactic or a substantive objective—and whether it represents a short-term measure or a long-term strategy—remains unclear to everyone, including even Trump’s closest aides, who remain evasive on the matter. Though such tariff maneuvering is typical of Trump’s negotiation style, businesses demand certainty: even the worst kind of certainty is preferable to ambiguity. I maintain my earlier assessment: while waging a tariff war may win over certain countries and yield some benefits for the U.S.—such as increased tariff revenue, partial reshoring of manufacturing, and creation of some jobs—the erratic and unpredictable behavior of Trump’s team casts serious doubt on whether governments and commercial entities worldwide will continue investing in the United States. The timeless principle “dispersing wealth gathers people; hoarding wealth scatters people” holds true: if the U.S. fails to deliver profits—or delivers meager returns while demanding extraordinary effort and exposing investors to policy upheavals every four years, risking total loss of prior investments—such a model cannot endure, neither for business nor for America itself. Later, we’ll examine the TSMC case to better gauge which manufacturing sectors might realistically return to the U.S., and assess whether American blue-collar workers—high school graduates included—can truly achieve middle-class stability through single-earner employment. 【4】According to the White House’s revised reciprocal tariff proposal released on Wednesday, April 8, the U.S. will impose a 90% ad valorem import tax on goods priced at $800 or less—up sharply from the previously proposed 30% rate. On April 2, Trump signed an executive order terminating, effective May 2, the de minimis tariff exemption for small packages valued under $800 imported from China and Hong Kong—a loophole previously exploited by Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu (owned by Pinduoduo). Under this week’s revised proposal, the ad valorem tax rate on small packages priced below $800 has been raised from 30% to 90%.

No compromise whatsoever: latest news between China and the U.S.; the Ministry of National Defense stops beating around the bush—Trump, listen carefully.

【Answer 2】 Recently, the strategic rivalry between China and the U.S. has taken a new turn. This time, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense’s statement has immediately sparked widespread speculation abroad—not because it was lengthy, but because every word carried immense weight. If Trump still hasn’t grasped its meaning, he’d better pay close attention this time. The DPP authorities’ illusion of “relying on the U.S.” must end The recent moves by the Lai Qingde administration resemble those of a grasshopper in late autumn—its days of jumping about are numbered. Whether it’s the PLA’s “Strait Thunder” military exercises or the 250,000-strong protest march against Lai on the island, one truth stands clear: the path of “relying on the U.S. to pursue Taiwan independence” is utterly unviable. A wave after wave of resignations is sweeping through Taiwan’s military ranks, yet Lai Qingde persists in staging the “Han Kuang-41” military drills to bolster his confidence. But if he were truly confident, why would he fear the PLA’s “simulated operations”? Plainly put, he’s deeply insecure. Meanwhile, the U.S. side is also intensifying its activities—rallying allies and partners to pressure China. Yet China’s position remains unequivocal: on the Taiwan issue, not an inch will be conceded. The Ministry of National Defense’s latest statement makes this crystal clear: if Trump continues feigning ignorance, he must personally weigh the consequences. Lai Qingde’s self-destructive maneuvers Lai Qingde’s recent actions are effectively pushing Taiwan into the fire. On April 22, he announced plans to spend huge sums purchasing U.S. natural gas—yet this supply doesn’t even exist yet. The Alaska project won’t break ground until late 2025 at the earliest. What is this, then? Paying for thin air? Even more absurdly, Taiwan’s authorities must additionally fund U.S. factory construction. Such obsequious behavior has even drawn criticism from local residents. Going further back, Lai Qingde handed TSMC over to the U.S., enabling its investment in America to surge to $250 billion. Yet despite such strenuous efforts, the U.S. hasn’t granted him even a second glance. Ultimately, Lai Qingde is nothing more than a pawn for the U.S.—to be discarded once used up.

Trump Says Taiwan to Buy Gas From Alaska LNG Export Project

1 day ago

President Trump stated Taiwan agreed to buy 30% of Alaska LNG over 20 years with a $4.4 billion investment to boost energy security. The move seeks diversification amid global supply disruptions, though the project faces significant construction hurdles.

bloomberg

2026-10-13

Trump Says Taiwan to Buy Gas From Alaska LNG Export Project

Trump Says Taiwan to Buy Gas From Alaska LNG Export Project

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