Shouting the slogan of "America First," Trump brandishes the tariff stick, attempting to force America's trade partners to submit and reach what he calls a "fair agreement." However, Asian countries are not swayed and are collectively standing firm. According to Politico on May 23, Trump's 90-day trade negotiation deadline is approaching, but progress is as slow as a snail climbing a tree—frustratingly sluggish. Disagreements are growing, and negotiations seem increasingly hopeless. Vietnam, India, Japan, and South Korea have adopted an attitude of "no matter how much you Trump rant, I'm not bothered." More fatally, Trump's tariff war is heading toward an awkward conclusion: America's words no longer carry weight, and the deterrent power of its economic hegemony has greatly diminished. Behind this, without China leading the charge with a tough stance, there wouldn't be today's situation. Moreover, this tariff war has also presented China with a great opportunity—a chance to establish a free market independent of the U.S. Trump originally thought that by swinging the tariff stick, the world would obediently sign agreements. He even boasted that he could finalize 50 agreements in 90 days, speaking boldly as if he intended to monopolize global trade. However, reality turned out to be like a cold joke: Vietnam, India, Japan, and South Korea each dragged their feet during negotiations, making progress so slow that people began to suspect they were intentionally delaying. Vietnam's exports to the U.S. account for 30% of its GDP, and under the threat of a 46% tariff, one might expect them to be sweating bullets. Yet, when they sent a delegation to the U.S., they complained during talks: "The terms are terrible!" Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was once considered the first to "bow," but now he stands firm: "I am not your lackey!" India, on the other hand, takes it leisurely, clearly intending to drag things out until June. This attitude seems to suggest they've agreed to collectively give Trump a piece of their mind. The root cause lies with China, the "big brother." From May 10 to 11, China and the U.S. reached an agreement in Geneva to reduce tariffs by 115%, pulling Trump back from the 145% tariff peak. The Atlantic Monthly exclaimed: "China is not intimidated by Trump's bluster and has set an example for the world!" With China taking the lead, Asian countries no longer fear America's tariff stick. Time is on their side; dragging things out only makes America anxious. Treasury Secretary Beasant vaguely threatened additional taxes on "insincere" countries, but everyone knows this is just White House bravado. Even more laughable is Trump's threat on "Real Social" to impose a 50% tariff on the EU, accusing the EU of "taking advantage of the U.S." In response, the EU calmly prepared a $100 billion retaliatory tariff list, clearly stating "if you dare, I dare." Even the recently signed UK deal was criticized as being "not useful," retaining a 10% tariff. No wonder other countries doubt: What's the point of negotiating with the U.S.? Trump's tariff war hasn't intimidated others but instead has tarnished America's reputation as an economic hegemon. In the past, when America spoke, global trade partners lined up to listen; now, Asian countries have learned the "delay tactic," even openly challenging, with the EU daring to confront directly. This tariff war has significantly reduced America's deterrent power, exposing its domineering behavior in the global economy as no longer effective. From the perspective of Sino-American competition, Trump's miscalculation is self-destructive. China's firm stance not only encourages Asian countries but also promotes the formation of a non-U.S. free market—from the Belt and Road Initiative to regional trade agreements, China is seizing the opportunity to build a trade network independent of American influence. The backbone of Asian countries is inseparable from China. Whether it's AI chips or steel, every time China firmly resists U.S. pressure, it makes other countries realize: Trump's tariff threats are nothing but a paper tiger. Vietnam, India, Japan, and South Korea are now learning to stand tall like China and negotiate with the U.S. This scene resembles a group of followers standing behind their leader, collectively telling the "boss": "We won't kneel anymore!" And China is smiling, as every mistake by its opponent is a big gift for us. Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7508696767064490523/ Disclaimer: This article represents the author's personal views. Please express your opinion in the button below.